How to set up iCloud correctly

Remember your password

If you are buying a brand new iPhone or other tech from Apple, you will need to create your Apple ID. Do this and remember the password, or better write it down somewhere. An Apple ID is required to sync and store data in iCloud, and to download apps and media from the App Store and iTunes Store.

Choose what should sync

If you go to the iCloud settings, you will see a bunch of items, but on the contrary - switches. Choose the types of data that should be on all your devices: photos, contacts, calendars, notes. Better not to turn off Find My iPhone - in case of theft or loss, you will thank yourself.

Additional items, which can also be synchronized, are hidden in other menu tabs. For example, you can receive calls on all devices regardless of which one you are called. Just turn on the toggle switch in the FaceTime item. To sync all messages across devices, go to the "Messages" section. There you can add all the email addresses and phone numbers where SMS should be sent.

When buying hand-held, ensure that all data is deleted

If you start using a phone that someone has already walked with you, with the seller, look into the iCloud settings. The former owner of the device must remove all data from the iCloud, iTunes Store, and App Store sections. You will not be able to do this yourself - the device will ask for a password. Make sure that the seller completely removes all data that was already on the phone / tablet. For your own peace of mind with the seller, you should reset all settings - the "Basic" item.

The guarantee that your device will never remember the previous owner will be that he will remove the gadget from the list on the icloud.com website. We advise you to check.

Don't give your Apple ID to anyone

It's simple - never give your Apple ID to anyone. Even to the best friend with whom you are together with the diaper. Foolishly, he can set up the sync of your devices. In the worst case, change your password. If you still gave a password, check if someone else's phone was added to your devices. This can be done in the iCloud settings.

If suddenly you did give someone your Apple ID and password, there is a great chance that the devices have synced and are being followed. Especially true for parted couples: it was so romantic - sharing in iCloud and the App Store.

To understand if your data is on someone else's device, flip through the photos in the photo stream - are there any strangers? Do the same with your contact list and Safari. The latter is able to show open tabs on synced devices. Don't forget to check your notes in the iCloud section.

Another sign of synchronization is extra contacts in iMessage. Try to create a new message and enter each letter of the alphabet in turn. Does it give out strange contacts?

Change your password and check your message settings and associated devices

The easiest way to fix the situation is to contact this person and in a good way ask him to erase your access from his phone, at the same time deleting all the data that has already been synced.

If the person does not want to get rid of your phone, then you need to change the iCloud password. Then go to the messaging settings and check which numbers and email addresses the SMS is received from iMessage. Delete unnecessary ones in the item "Sending / receiving".

To delete all data from someone else's phone, you need to go to iTunes, connect your phone and see the connected devices. Remove all other people's gadgets from the list.

After all the above manipulations, the data may stop syncing - or not. They can be removed from someone else's device. Or not. If nothing has changed, contact Apple Support. After long correspondence and questions, they will definitely help you.

Don't let your Apple ID hack

Hacking mail and social media accounts today will surprise no one. In order to get money, scammers hack Apple ID, activate Lost Mode and turn your phone into a brick. To avoid this, firstly, never sign into someone else's iCloud. Secondly, set different passwords for mail and Apple ID (as for all other applications).

So, if you entered someone else's Apple ID and your phone was blocked, only the support service can help you. Call 8-800-555-67-34 and prepare a receipt. Without it, your phone can be sold for spare parts, unfortunately.

If the scoundrels have picked up the password for your mail and account, you have a chance to return everything. To do this, you need to reset your password. We go to the official website iforgot.apple.com. You will have to answer three questions and specify the backup mail address: the password reset letter will be sent there. After that, you need to go to icloud.com and turn off “Lost Mode” in the “Find iPhone” section.