As of June 15th, 2017, Apple is requiring all third-party apps that use iCloud to store data, also use an app specific password for added protection. This means that your Apple ID won’t be compromised if you add your iCloud account to a third-party email, calendar, or contact app.
Basically, it just means that instead of using your iCloud email and password, it uses a password that third party apps will store and use instead. It adds another layer of protection to protect you from wrongdoers.
You’ll use app specific passwords if you use any number of common third party apps that involve iCloud. Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and a bunch of other contact, email, and calendar apps are affected.
Most people will only have to use on or two of these passwords, as they are only used in apps that require your iCloud info.
In order to have app specific passwords, you’ll also need to have two-factor authentication enabled. Two-factor authentication means that you’ll need to verify your iCloud login with another apple product.
How to Quickly Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
In order to use app-specific passwords, you need to have two-factor authentication enabled. This means, whenever you sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or a new browser, you’ll have to verify your identity by entering a 6-digit code that is sent to another Apple device or a trusted phone number.
Two-factor authentication is Apple’s best defence against unauthorized access to your account. Your pictures, documents, and data will be much safer for it. Here’s how to quickly turn on two-factor authentication if you haven’t already done so.
1.Open up the Settings app and tap on your Apple ID.
2.Tap on Password & Security. You’ll need to enter your Apple ID password and possibly your phone’s passcode.
3.Now, check to make sure that two-factor authentication is on. If it is off, tap Turn Two-Factor Authentication On. This will walk you through the process – it will take minutes.
4.You may have to re-enter your password and passcode once you’ve turned it on. You should also receive an email confirming that you’ve turned it on.
That’s it! Now when you sign in with your Apple ID, there will be an additional, but quick extra step.
How to Use App-Specific Passwords
With two-factor authentication turned on, you’ll now be ready to use app-specific passwords. Follow these steps:
1.Go to appleid.apple.com in your web browser and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
2.You’ll need to go through the two-factor authentication steps.
3.Under the Security heading, there is a smaller section called App-Specific Passwords. Under this, tap Generate Password…
4.Enter a label for the password. Make sure it’s something descriptive that describes that thing that password is assigned. For example: Mozilla, Outlook, or Gmail. Tap Create when you’re ready.
5.A password will have been automatically generated for you. Copy this password or write it down. Remember, it is case sensitive.
6.Open the app that is asking for your iCloud password and copy your Apple generate password in there. This will function as your iCloud password for that specific app, as long as you have it on your phone.
Once an app is using this password, it will continue to do so. If the app ever asks you to re-enter your iCloud password, you’ll want to use the same app-specific password. To do this, you’ll need to know how to find it. Never fear, we’ve got you covered.
How to Find Your App-Specific Password
There’s no way anyone can remember a bunch of random letters and numbers for every app that needs this kind of password. Thankfully Apple lets you view a list of the passwords it’s generated for you.
It won’t let you see the actual password, but you can revoke the password and use a new one. It will tell you the name of the password and when it was created as well. Here’s how to see the list of app-specific passwords:
1.Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Verify your identity with two-factor authentication.
2.Under the security section, tap Edit.
3.Then, under the app-specific passwords sections select View History.
4.This will bring up a list of every app-specific password that you are currently using. You are able to use up to 25 different passwords at a time.
How to Remove an App-Specific Password
If you forget the password and need to make a new one or have an app-specific password for an app you are no longer using, you can remove them. If you want to use an app-specific password again you’ll have to make a new one.
Follow these steps to remove a password:
1.Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Verify your identity with two-factor authentication.
2.Under the security section, tap Edit.
3.Then, under the app-specific passwords sections select View History.
4.Select the ‘remove’ icon next to the password that you want to remove. The button is an ‘x’.
4.Click ‘revoke’ to confirm that you want to remove the password.
6.You can also click Revoke All to delete all of the app-specific passwords.
When you remove a password, the app that was using the password will be signed out until you enter a new app-specific password. This is why you have to make a new password is you cannot remember your old app-specific password.
One thing to note: if you change or reset your Apple ID password, all of your app-specific passwords will be automatically revoked. This is to protect the security of your account, but it’s also definitely a little annoying.
You’ll have to create new passwords for all of the apps that were using app-specific passwords if you wish to continue to use them.
Also note that if you were already using an app-specific password, it will have been revoked as of June 15th when these passwords became mandatory.
This article originally appeared in our monthly subscription newsletter, iExpertnews.
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