What is an Apple ID?
We get more frequent questions about Apple IDs than almost anything else, so if you're not clear on what the Apple ID is, you are in good company! Your Apple ID is a username that identifies you to Apple (and all of their devices and services you use), and it is typically your email address. You will also have a password associated with your ID that is distinct to your Apple ID, and not the same as the password you use to log in to your email address (except in very rare cases).
This is not the password you use each time you open your individual devices such as your computer, iPad, iPhone, etc... Instead, this username and password is used to identify you as YOU across each Apple device and service you use. Creating an account for any Apple service, such as the iTunes Store or the App Store, creates an Apple ID. You don't need to create a new account for each service and device; you will use your same Apple ID for each of them!
Why Use an Apple ID?
Many of Apple's services and features require you to log in using your Apple ID. Your Apple ID includes all of the contact, payment, and security details you use across Apple services. This streamlines your user experience and makes sure that your information and experience is consistent across all of your Apple devices and the Apple services that you use.
Here Are Some Places You Can Use Your Apple ID:
Apple TV
FaceTime
Find My iPhone
Game Center
Apple Books App and Books Store
Messages
iCloud: syncing your devices and/or your computer and cloud storage; accessing files on multiple devices.
iTunes Store
Photos stored in iCloud Photos or the older PhotoStream
Mac and iOS App Stores
MacOS El Capitan and newer to recover your system
My Support Profile
Apple Music
Apple Online Store
Apple Online Live Support (apple.com/support)
Your Apple ID Password
Many of our service calls are to help people recover their Apple ID password, which is not always an easy feat! Be sure to record your Apple ID and password somewhere safe. If you forget your password, it can be complicated to recover, and if you need to change your password, you will have to change it everywhere! This is because some of your most sensitive information is associated with your Apple ID, so Apple takes steps to make sure it is very secure. As a result, your Apple ID password is one of your most important passwords, and you should take steps to make sure it is both secure and something that you can find in case you forget it.
If you have any other questions regarding your Apple ID, or if you need help recovering your Apple ID password, feel free to reach out to us to schedule an appointment!
