An extra security tool that you can choose to use to strengthen the protection of your Apple Account is a recovery key. You can reset your password and get back into your account by using your recovery key if you lose access to it.
Use a recovery key to increase the security of your Apple Account.
To retrieve your account and data, you’ll need an Apple device, a reliable phone number, and a recovery key, which is a 28-character code.
- Apple’s default account recovery procedure is disabled when you set up a recovery key.
- Rather, in order to reset your Apple Account password and log in to your account in the event that you lose access, you will need to have access to a reliable device or your recovery key.
This can assist stop an attacker from accessing and taking control of your account and provides you more control over your account recovery options. You will, however, be permanently locked out of your account if you misplace your recovery key and are unable to access one of your trusted devices.
Establish a backup key for your Apple ID.
On a reliable device with your Apple Account signed in, you can create a recovery key. You can also use these instructions to update your recovery key and create a new one if you’ve generated one.
Print a copy of the recovery key or note it down as soon as you generate it. To ensure that you can access your Apple Account at all times, keep it in a secure location. You can store copies of your recovery key in many locations or distribute one to a family member.
Before you set up a recovery key, upgrade your device to the latest software version. If you haven’t done, you must also set up two-factor authentication.
How to configure or update an iPad or iPhone recovery key
- Select Sign-in & Security after tapping your name in Settings. You may need to enter the password for your Apple Account.
- Click on Recover Account.
- After selecting Recovery Key and turning it on, select Use Recovery Key to input your device’s passcode.
- Put your recovery key in writing and store it somewhere secure.
- Verify your recovery key by entering it or scanning it to finish the setup.
How to configure or update a Mac’s recovery key
- Select System Preferences from the Apple menu, then select your name.
- Select Security & Sign-in.
- To recover your account, click.
- Click Manage next to Recovery Key and enter your Apple Account password.
- After selecting Turn On, select Use Recovery Key, and then input your Mac’s password.
- Put your recovery key on paper or in writing and save it somewhere secure.
- Press the Next button.
- Please validate your recovery key to finish the setup.
Make use of a recovery key.
- You will need your recovery key or a trusted device (with a passcode or password) in order to modify the password for your Apple Account.
- To reset your password and get back into your account if you’re locked out of your Apple account or don’t have access to a reliable device, you’ll need to supply your recovery key. Additionally, you will need to enter the verification code that two-factor authentication sends to your reliable phone number. Not received a code for verification?
- You may be prompted for your recovery key while making changes to your Apple Account details, such as adding a reliable phone number.
Disable the recovery key.
To cease utilizing a recovery key, turn it off on your device by following the preceding instructions. When you do, you can access your Apple Account again by using account recovery.
Recovery key and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
The bulk of your iCloud data is encrypted end-to-end when you enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud; therefore, Apple lacks the encryption keys required to assist you in recovering that data. As a result, you must configure a minimum of one backup recovery strategy, such as a recovery key or recovery contact.
