What is my apple id used for

Despite the fact that there are millions of Apple users nowadays, it seems that the difference between the Apple ID and iCloud ID accounts and passwords is still unclear. So, we thought we’d briefly explain what each of these is and then look to see if they differ.

Table of Contents Show

What can people do with your Apple ID?
How can I see where my Apple ID is being used?
Is your Apple ID your email?
What information is stored on Apple ID?

Apple ID

An Apple ID is a username for everything one can do with Apple. It is an account, where only Apple users can log in. The Apple ID is a way of getting your information on Apple’s database, so that you can identify yourself on your MacBook, iPhone or iPad.

The Apple ID can be used to log into various Apple products, such as iMessage, iCloud, the iTunes Store and the Apple Store. It allows Apple users to shop products such as games, music and application form the Apple Store.

To make sure your Apple ID is protected from fraud, you should set up a two-factor authentication. It serves as an extra layer of security, designed to ensure that you’re the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. The two-factor authentication dramatically improves the security of your Apple ID and all the personal information you store with Apple, because it requires both a passcode (or a password) and a biometric authentication.

iCloud ID

iCloud is an account that you set up that gives you access to tools built around synchronising and accessing your data on multiple devices. There are many ways this comes in handy on a computer or an iOS device for synchronising your address book and calendars, files, photos and videos.

If you share Apple products like your iPad and MacBook with members of your family, you can create a discreet iCloud ID for each member. That way, all users would have their own iCloud experience for email, messages, calendar, photos, etc., which means that your personal information will not be accessed from everyone who uses the same devices.

Difference

The Apple ID and the iCloud ID are two different accounts, but the confusion comes that they can be accesses with the same email ID. As mentioned earlier, the Apple ID is used for signing into the iCloud. When you log into the iCloud, the email address and password are your Apple ID. The iCloud can be thought of as an extra service added on top of the Apple ID login. And as they are so tightly linked, they can often be considered the same account.

Your Apple ID is the way Apple identifies you, tracks your purchases and makes all your devices work seamlessly together. Every iPhone, iPad, iPod and Mac user needs one… and it’s free. If you’ve used the iTunes or App Store, you’ve got an Apple ID.

Not sure of your Apple ID? Check iCloud on your Mac (in System Preferences) or Apple device (in the Settings app). You need to use the same Apple ID for iCloud on all your devices – otherwise your contacts, calendars, photos, passwords and documents won’t sync between them. If you’ve never used iCloud, you can use your iTunes & Store account to set up iCloud. If you don’t have an Apple ID, create one in iTunes or the iCloud settings (see below). No matter where you create it, you’ll be able to use your new Apple ID everywhere.

If you’re getting texts intended for someone else, or you see the wrong contacts or calendar events, you’re probably signed in with the wrong Apple ID. You may need to go to the appropriate place, sign out and then sign in with the correct Apple ID.

Where to enter your Apple ID on a Mac

iCloud syncs contacts, calendars, passwords, photo streams, keychain passwords & documents. You can also set up your icloud.com and me.com email accounts & notes. You'll find the iCloud settings in System Preferences.
Messages app for iMessage syncs with iPhone, iPad & iPod touch so you receive the same messages on all devices. Enter your Apple ID in the Preferences inside the Messages app.
FaceTime app lets you make and answer audio & video calls from other Apple users. Look in FaceTime preferences.
iTunes for music, video and iOS apps, as well as iTunes Match and iTunes Radio. Set your Apple ID by clicking the Account menu and Sign in. Also turn on Home Sharing in the File menu.
App Store for Mac apps. Sign in under the Store menu.

Where to enter your Apple ID on iPhone & iPad

iCloud Tap the Settings app and iCloud. Sign in here.
Messages Tap Settings and Messages. Tap Send & Receive and Use Apple ID for Messages. Enter your Apple ID and password.
FaceTime Tap Settings and FaceTime. Use your Apple ID for Messages.
iTunes & App Stores Tap the Settings app and iTunes & App Stores. If you use the Remote app to control an Apple TV or iTunes set Home Sharing for your Apple ID as well.

Where to enter your Apple ID on other devices

Apple TV Open Settings and Store. Sign in here. Then go back to Settings and choose iCloud. Enter your Apple ID again. Finally, go to Settings - Computers and turn on Home Sharing.
Windows Set your Apple ID in the iTunes Store menu and the iCloud control panel. Family Sharing

Read more about Apple IDs.

Learn more Mac basics.

What can people do with your Apple ID?

What may happen if someone hacks your Apple ID.

Your personal information will be accessed. ... .

2. Hackers can track your location. ... .

3. Hackers can make purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store or Apple Books using your payment card. ... .

Your iPhone can be erased remotely. ... .

You can be blackmailed..

How can I see where my Apple ID is being used?

From the Devices section of your Apple ID account page, you can see all of the devices that you're currently signed in to with your Apple ID, including Android devices, consoles, and smart TVs: Sign in to appleid.apple.com,* then select Devices.

Is your Apple ID your email?

When you create an Apple ID, you enter an email address. This email address is your Apple ID and the username that you use to sign in to Apple services like Apple Music and iCloud. It's also the contact email address for your account. Be sure to check your inbox regularly.

What information is stored on Apple ID?

Your Apple ID is the account you use to access many Apple services, including iCloud, the App Store, the iTunes Store, and more. Keeping your Apple ID secure is critical to the protection of all kinds of information, including your calendar, contacts, email, photos, and even the backup files from your iOS device.