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Apple is one of largest and most respected technology companies in the world. It is constantly pushing boundaries and leading the way with its devices, which include everything from iPhones and iPads, to Mac computers and laptops, to iPods and smart watches.

What you usually find is that people who prefer Apple products have more than just one in their collection – they simply can’t get enough! In fact, this blog states that young Brits on average own 3 Apple devices, with 76% of Brits owning at least one device.

With people using their Apple devices multiple times a day, the risk of damage or theft is always present.

That’s why it pays to have insurance for your iPhone or gadget insurance in place to protect your expensive Apple products and to keep you connected to the digital world.

 

One ID, multiple devices

If you have a number of Apple devices in your collection, or are thinking about soon adding to it, then you may be familiar with Apple ID.

As Mac Rumors explains, when people use Apple services, they require an Apple ID in order to make it all work.

Essentially, the Apple ID helps to authenticate your identity and synchronise all of your accounts so that you can seamlessly switch between Apple devices while you’re on the go.

It allows you to access Apple services including the iTunes store, App Store, iCloud, Apple Music and much more.

Every time you log in to an Apple device, you will be asked to enter your Apple ID.

The ID, adds Wikipedia, contains personal information and settings of the user; when it’s used to log in to a device, that device will automatically adopt all of the user’s personal information.

This makes it much easier for you, as it remembers your details so that you don’t need to add or adjust information and settings every time you use an Apple service.

This guide contains answers to all of those burning questions you might have about Apple ID.

But before we start, you need to make sure that your Apple device (or devices) are protected against unforeseen events, which is where Gadget Cover comes in.

We can provide you with an iPhone insurance policy that covers things like damage, breakdown, theft and even loss for an optional fee.

We're a specialist in insuring Apple products and could help to protect your other gadgets, too.

How do you create your own Apple ID?

Creating your own Apple ID is pretty straightforward and the good news is that it’s absolutely free.

If this is the first Apple device you’ve owned, then you’ll need to start from scratch – and this starts with setting up your device. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to ‘Forgot password’ or ‘Don’t have an Apple ID’
2. Tap ‘Create a free Apple ID’
3. Select your date of birth and then fill in your name before tapping ‘Next’
4. Select either ‘Use your current email address’, or tap ‘Get a free iCloud email address’

You can also create your ID using the App Store on your iPhone. After opening the store and tapping your profile picture, here’s what to do:

1. Enter your email and password, selecting the country/region that links with the billing address for your payment method. The email address you enter will become your Apple ID.
2. Read the Terms and Conditions and the Apple Privacy Policy, tap if you agree and then hit ‘Next’.
3. Enter your name and date of birth, then select if you want Apple updates – these keep you in the loop about the manufacturer's software, services, products and other updates. Hit ‘Next’.
4. Now you’ll need to enter your credit card and billing details. You can also choose ‘None’ (you won’t be charged until you purchase something through an Apple service, such as a paid-for app). You can also edit or remove payment details at a later date.
5. You’ll then need to confirm that your mobile number is correct – this can be used to help you identify and recover your account, if needed.
6. A verification email should have been sent to your email address – follow the steps listed in this email.

 

What things can you do with an Apple ID?

As we mentioned, your Apple ID links all of your accounts and can come in handy in a number of situations. Here are some things it can be used for:

• Syncing your content across devices, including contacts, messages, backups, photos, files and more if you have selected for iCloud to be enabled.
• Locating a lost or stolen device using Apple’s ‘Find My’ feature.
• Using Apple services such as Apple TV, Apple Music and Apple Music. Apple TV is even better when you learn how to control it by using your phone.
• Using ‘Activation Lock’ so that an Apple device can’t be used if it’s stolen.
• Making Apple Store and App Store purchases with ease (you won’t need to enter payment details again if you added them when you created your ID).

Of course, you can only access your accounts if your devices are in good working order. Make sure you have iPhone insurance in place in case of any mishaps with your handset.

Is there a risk of an Apple ID account being hacked?

It’s possible that your Apple ID could be compromised – your email address or other website log-ins could be stolen, too.

Which is concerning, given the fact that your account may hold sensitive information such as your credit card details.

Apple shares some tell-tale signs that your Apple ID has been compromised. They include:

• You get an email or notification saying that your ID was used to log in to a device that you’re not familiar with – for instance the message may read ‘Your Apple ID was used to sign in to iCloud on a Windows PC’.
• You receive a confirmation email that your Apple ID password was changed or account details were updated, but you have not made those changes yourself.
• Your device was put in ‘Lost Mode’ or locked, but you didn’t do it.
• You view messages you didn’t send, or spot items missing that you didn’t delete.
• You see that you have been charged for purchases that you didn’t make.
• Your password no longer works, or it could have been locked or changed.
• Some or all of your account details look unfamiliar to you.

It’s also worth noting that you could receive an email from a scammer pretending to be Apple, raising an issue with your account.

This could be phishing – this blog post shares some useful tips on recognising and avoiding such scams.

If you come to the conclusion that your account has been hacked, you can take some steps to regain control of it and review the information linked with your ID. Here’s what to do:

1. Sign in to your Apple ID account page – if you can’t, or you get a message saying that your account is locked, then you’ll need to follow Apple's steps for trying to reset or unlock your account.
2. Change your ID password, making sure that it’s strong.
3. Review all of your security and personal information, updating details that aren’t correct or that you don’t recognise. Pay close attention to:
   - your name
   - your primary Apple ID email address (if you need to change the email address, then update all the features and services you access using Apple ID to ensure that each one is using your updated ID)
   - alternative email address, rescue email addresses and telephone numbers
   - devices associated with your ID, if you have set up two-factor authentication
   - security questions and answers – make sure these are hard to guess and if they aren’t, change them.
4. Check the email address you provided to ensure you control all email addresses linked with your ID. If you don't, then you should change the password used for the email address or use a different address altogether.
5. Set up two-factor authentication for your ID. This guarantees an extra level of security and can help to prevent anyone from accessing your account, even if they know what your password is.

Quick tips for a secure password and account

Here are some things you can do to protect your account as much as possible and reduce the likelihood of any hacks:

• Don’t use your Apple ID password for other online accounts.
• Change your passwords regularly and don’t reuse old passwords.
• Make sure your security questions can’t be easily guessed. You might even choose nonsense answers to the questions – so long as you remember what they are this is absolutely fine. Apple gives the example of setting ‘Mozart’ as an answer to ‘What is your favourite colour?’ Obviously, don’t follow this example!
• If you abandon a phone number or email address linked with your Apple ID, update the ID with up-to-date details as soon as possible.
• Don’t share your Apple D with others, even friends or family members.
• If you use a public computer, always sign out at the end of the session to stop unauthorised people from accessing the account.

 

What happens if you forget your Apple ID?

If you’re struggling to remember your Apple ID and/or are having issues when trying to sign in using it, don’t worry.

It’s a simple process to reset the password and regain access to your Apple ID account – on iPhones it looks like this:

1. Navigate to ‘Settings’.
2. Press [your name] > ‘Password & Security’ > ‘Change Password’.
3. If you’re signed in to iCloud and have chosen for it to be passcode-enabled, you will be asked to enter your device’s passcode.
4. Follow the step-by-step guide on the screen to update your password.

You can reset your password from any device you trust – including an iPad, iPod Touch, Mac or an iPhone – or use a friend or family member’s device.

If this doesn’t work then you might not be able to sign in to iCloud on an eligible device, or you may have enabled two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.

If that’s the case, these are the steps you’ll need to try:

1. Navigate to your Apple ID account page and then ‘Forgot Apple ID or password’.
2. Enter your ID.
3. Select to reset the password, then hit continue.
4. Choose how you want to reset your password:
   - If security questions are set up on your account, then you can choose ‘Answer security questions’ and then follow the next steps
   - To receive an email instead, choose ‘Get an email’. To get your password reset, you’ll need the email Apple sends to your primary device or rescue email address
   - If a Recovery Key is requested, then you’ll need to to follow the steps above for two-factor authentication or two-step verification.

iPhone insurance from Gadget Cover

Remember, if you’re the proud owner of an iPhone, then you will want to protect it.

After all, iPhone devices don’t come cheap – often costing hundreds of pounds to purchase – so insuring it can bring you peace of mind when it's in your pocket, in your bag or in your hand.

If you’re looking for iPhone insurance with a range of great features, look no further than Gadget Cover. We specialise in covering Apple’s flagship phones, offering policies for all of the most popular devices in the range.

Here are just some of the features and benefits that you will enjoy if you choose Gadget Cover:

• Accidental damage – we will repair your phone if it’s damaged from an accident, even insuring minor screen cracks (unlike other providers).
• Liquid damage – this protects your device if it’s damaged because of splashes or full immersion in liquid.
• Unauthorised usage – your policy can protect you for unauthorised calls and data use from your phone, when it’s been lost or stolen, up to the value of £2,500.
• Theft – you will receive a replacement if your device is stolen.
• Worldwide cover – your gadget is covered anywhere in the world, up to 180 days in any one year.
• Family cover – insurance is extended to also cover your immediate family. For example, if your other half drops your phone and breaks it, you’re covered!
• Loss – for an additional fee, we will replace your gadget if you lose it.

Protect your Apple phone with iPhone insurance from Gadget Cover.

Get a free, no-obligation quote today!

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.