Table of Contents

1. Intro
2. If You Suspect There is Unauthorized Access to Your Account
3. How to Secure Your Account from Your Former/Current Partner
4. If You Suspect You’re Being Monitored Through the App
5. If You’re Receiving Harassing or Threatening Messages

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Last Updated: February 3, 2026

This document is a guide of safety strategies to combat common tech abuse that may be perpetrated by a current or former partner on your Apple devices. This resource is not endorsed nor sponsored by Apple. This may look like receiving harassing and threatening messages, or having your location and personal information shared to them without consent. It may also include monitoring or controlling behaviors, such as locking you out of your account, pressuring you to share your location, or having your iCloud account accessed without consent.

By following this guide, you can learn how Apple’s features can support your safety. But remember, making changes to your account could increase risks to your safety if your current/former partner is notified or recognizes the changes. If you are concerned, consider consulting with a support worker at an anti-violence organization beforehand.

If something in this guide is no longer up to date, or you have any questions, please reach out to techsafe@bcsth.ca with your concerns. If you are having trouble with any of these safety steps, refer to Apple’s App and System Security.

 

Symbols and What They Mean in This Guide

Course of action may be visible to your former or current partner. You may want to consult with a staff of an anti-violence program in your community before removing your former or current partner’s access.

Evidence documentation checkpoint. Take screenshots, pictures with a different device, or screen recordings of your former or current partner’s unauthorized access.

 

Definition of Words in This Guide

iCloud: Apple’s storage and syncing space. It allows users to sync all devices that use the same iCloud account and can allow different users to share information with each other.
Apple Account: Apple login account to access Apple services such as iCloud, and the App Store. Sometimes it may be referred to as “Apple ID”.
FaceTime: A free Apple service for video and audio calling.
Find My: An app and service to locate Apple devices that are lost, find contacts who share their location, and track compatible accessories.

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If You Suspect There is Unauthorized Access to Your Account

 

Reviewing Log-Ins

If you suspect someone has logged in to your account without your consent, review your where your devices are currently signed-in.

Safety Tip: Be sure to take screenshots/recordings of the unauthorized log-ins. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with a support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase risk to violence.

To review your device log-ins on your iPhone or iPad

1. Open the settings app.
2. At the top, tap your name.
3. Scroll down to the bottom to view a list of devices logged in.
4. Remove the login by tapping its device name and tapping Remove from Account.

To review your device log-ins on your Mac

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. Click your name.
4. See the list of devices by scrolling down.
5. Click any device to view device information.
6. Remove the login by tapping the device name and clicking Remove from Account.

To review your device log-ins on Windows PC

1. In your Windows PC, open iCloud.
2. Click Account Details at the top.
3. Review the list of devices you’re signed in to.

Source: Apple Support

 

Changing Passwords

If your former/current partner is logged into your Apple account, changing your password can log them out of the account on their device. To make a secure password, refer to How to Create and Maintain Strong Passwords.

Safety Tip: If your former/current partner has access to the email that is connected to your iCloud account, an email will be sent to the connected email account stating that your iCloud account has changed password. You may want to consult with a support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To change your Apple Account password on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple Vision Pro

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap your name.
3. Tap Sign-In & Security.
4. Tap Change Password.
5. Enter your current password or device passcode.
6. Input your new password.
7. Tap Change.

To change your Apple Account password on Mac

1. On your Mac, click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. Click your name.
4. Click Sign-In & Security.
5. Click Change Password.
6. Enter your Mac unlocking password.
7. Follow the prompts to change your password.

Source: Apple Support

 

Account Recovery

Account recovery is a way to access your iCloud account through either your email or phone number when you have been locked out. If your former/current partner has access to the email or phone number connected to your account, account recovery will notify them. If you aren’t sure which email/phone number is secure, it may be safer to create a new iCloud account using a different email/phone number that only you have access to.

If your former/current partner has access to your email or your phone number’s messages, a code will be sent to those accounts in order to give you recovery access back to your account. It will notify them that your Apple Account is requesting a verification code. Similarly, changing your account password will also notify the connected email which can alert your former/current partner of these changes if they have access to the email that is connected to your account.

Safety Tip: Changing your account password will notify your former/current partner of these changes if they have access to the email that is connected to your iCloud account.

To recover your Apple Account when you are logged in on an Apple Device, refer to Changing Passwords.

Safety Tip: When you input the secondary number or email, a notification will be sent to the devices that are already logged in to the Apple Account. If your former/current partner has access to the connected email/number or Apple devices, they could be notified that you are requesting to change your password. Once you change your password, a notification and email will also be sent stating this change.

To recover your Apple Account when you are logged out and do not know the password on an iPhone or iPad

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Apple Account.
3. Tap Sign in manually.
4. Tap Forgot password?
5. Follow prompts.

To recover your Apple Account when you are logged out and do not know the password on a Mac

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. Click Sign in.
4. Click Forgot password.
5. Follow prompts.

Source: Apple Support

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How to Secure Your Account from Your Former/Current Partner

If you currently have shared an account with your former or current partner, you can delete the account and/or create a new separate Apple account. This would also include removing identifying information, such as your email address, your phone number, or your name on the account. Your former/current partner may realize immediately or quickly if you make these changes. If you are concerned that this will increase any risks to your safety, we recommend that you consult with a support worker at your transition home or a support organization beforehand.

Turning On Two-Factor Authentication

Turning on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can protect your account from future unauthorized logins. Check this resource to understand why 2FA is important.

Safety Tip: Before enabling 2FA, make sure the password to your account is secure, and that you are the only one who has access to the email and/or phone number connected to your account. If 2FA is enabled on an account your current/former partner has access to, they will be notified of attempted logins through verification codes.

To turn on 2FA on an Apple device

1. If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, tap Settings. If you’re on a Mac, open System Settings.
2. Tap/Click your name.
3. Tap/Click Sign-In & Security.
4. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
5. Follow prompts.

Source: Apple Support

 

Check Your Accounts’ Trusted Devices

This function allows you to see a list of devices that can be used as a form of 2FA. Checking your account’s trusted devices can protect your account from possible pre-existing logins that are unauthorized.

Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized log-ins. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To check the trusted devices connected to your Apple Account, refer to Reviewing Log-Ins.

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If You Suspect You’re Being Monitored Through the App

 

Checking Find My

Apple can use your precise location to track your Apple devices or other people. You can view which devices or people have access to your location.

Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized connected accounts. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To review and remove people you share your location with

1. Open the Find My app.
2. At the bottom left, tap People.
3. If there is a person you don’t recognize or a person you’d like to stop sharing your location with, tap the name of the person.
4. Tap Stop Sharing My Location.
5. Tap Stop Sharing Location.

To review and remove devices you share your location with

1. Open the Find My app.
2. At the bottom left, tap Devices.
3. If there is any device you don’t recognize, tap the device you’d like to remove.
4. Tap Remove This Device.

Source: Apple Support

 

Checking Your Location Services

Your device uses location services to support different features on the apps you use. You can disable your Apple device’s ability to track your location with the following steps.

Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access to your information, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized connected accounts. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To turn off all location services for all apps on your iPhone or iPad

1. Tap Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Location Services.
4. Toggle location sharing to off.

To turn off all location services for all apps on your Mac for macOS 13 or later

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
4. Click Location Services.
5. Toggle off location services.
6. Input password if prompted.
7. Click Unlock.

To turn off all location services for all apps on your Mac for macOS 12 or earlier

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Preferences.
3. In the sidebar, click Security & Privacy.
4. Click Privacy.
5. Click Location Services.
6. Look to the bottom left of the menu. If the padlock is locked, click to unlock it and make changes.
7. Turn Location Services off.

To turn off all location services for all apps on your Apple Watch

1. Tap Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Location Services.

To turn off location services for some apps on iPhone or iPad

1. Tap Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Location Services.
4. Review the apps you’d like to turn off location services by tapping on them.
5. Tap the Don’t Allow option to turn off the location services for that app.

To turn off location services for some apps on Mac with macOS 13 or later

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
4. Click Location Services.
5. Turn off location services for each app you’d like to disable location services.

To turn off location services for some apps on Mac with macOS 12 or earlier

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Preferences.
3. In the sidebar, click Security & Privacy.
4. Click Privacy.
5. Click Location Services.
6. Look to the bottom left of the menu. If the padlock is locked, click to unlock it and make changes.
7. Turn Location Services off for each app you’d like to disable location services.

Source: Apple Support

 

Checking Your Microphone Access

Your device can use your microphone to support different features on the apps you use. You can disable your Apple device’s ability to use your microphone.

Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access to your information, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized connected accounts. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

To disable microphone access on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

1. For Mac only: Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Tap/Click System Settings.
3. Tap/Click Privacy & Security.
4. Tap/Click Microphone.
5. For each app in the list, turn off microphone access.

Source: Apple Support Mac

 

Checking If You Are on a Family Plan

Apple’s Family Plan allows you to connect different Apple Accounts to share services, subscriptions, and purchases. However, when enabled, it also shares information about every family member’s location on their Apple devices, as well as every member’s past and current subscriptions. You can check if you are connected to your former/current partner’s Apple Account with the following steps. Keep in mind that there is a function to disable location sharing (refer to Checking Your Location Services). However, you are unable to hide which subscriptions you have bought with your Apple Account from Family Plan Members.

Safety Tip: If there is unauthorized access to your information, be sure to take screenshots to document the unauthorized connected accounts. Before removing unauthorized access, consult with your support worker as it could notify your former/current partner and potentially increase your risk to violence.

If you’ve already set up a Family Sharing group and would like to view who you’ve shared your location with

1. On iPhone or iPad: Tap Settings (gear icon).
   On Mac, click Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Tap/Click System Settings.
3. Tap/Click Family.
4. Tap/Click Location Sharing to view information that may be shared.

Source: Apple Support

To remove yourself from being on a family plan on an iPhone or iPad

1. Tap Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Family.
   1. Note: If you can’t find Family, tap your name, then tap Family.
3. Tap your name.
4. Tap Stop Using Family Sharing.

To remove yourself from being on a family plan on a Mac

1. Click Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. Click Family.
4. Click your name.
5. Click Stop Using Family Sharing.

Source: Apple Support

To stay on the family plan but stop sharing location:

1. On iPhone or iPad: Tap Settings (gear icon). On Mac, click Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Tap/Click System Settings.
3. Tap/Click Family.
4. Tap/Click Location Sharing.
5. Toggle off for those you’d like to stop sharing your location with.

Source: Apple Support

To stay on the family plan but stop sharing subscriptions that you have bought and shared with your family

1. On iPhone or iPad: Tap Settings (gear icon).
   On Mac, click Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Tap/Click System Settings.
3. Tap/Click Family.
4. Tap/Click Subscriptions.
5. Tap/Click Manage subscriptions.
6. Tap/Click Stop Sharing with Family for each subscription you’d like to stop sharing.

Source: Apple Support

 

Turning Off Read Receipts in the Messages App

Turning off this function prevents the sender from knowing whether you have viewed their messages.

To turn off read receipts on an iPhone or iPad

1. Tap Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap Messages (speech bubble icon).
4. Toggle off for ‘Send Read Receipts’.

To turn off read receipts on a Mac

1. Click on the Messages app (speech bubble icon).
2. Select Messages.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click iMessage.
5. Click Settings.
6. Toggle off ‘Send read receipts’.

Source: Apple Support iPhone, iPad, & Mac

 

Turning Off the Function to Share Your Apple Account Name and Profile Picture

When you message people already in your contacts, Apple may suggest that they update your contact information to match the name and profile picture you’ve set on your Apple Account. Turning off this function prevents the message recipient from accessing the name and profile picture you have set for yourself on your Apple Account.

To turn off account name and profile picture sharing with your contacts on an iPhone or iPad

1. Tap the Contacts app.
2. At the top, tap My Card.
3. Tap Edit.
4. Tap your contact photo.
5. Toggle off Name & Photo Sharing.

To turn off account name and profile picture sharing with your contact on a Mac

1. Click on the Messages app (speech bubble icon).
2. Select Messages.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click General.
5. Toggle off the ‘Share Name and Photo’ option.
6. Click Stop Sharing.

Source: Apple Support iPhone, iPad, & Mac

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If You’re Receiving Harassing or Threatening Messages

 

Blocking Communications and iCloud Accounts

Blocking phone numbers and iCloud Accounts stops the owner’s ability to call you or FaceTime you and stops you from being able to receive their messages. Blocking them does not notify the owner, however, they may notice they have been blocked which could potentially increase any risks to your safety, we recommend that you consult with a support worker at your transition home or a support organization beforehand.

To block communications from certain people on iPhone or iPad with iOS 26 or iPadOS 26

1. Tap Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Privacy & Securi
3. Tap Blocked Contacts.
4. Tap Add Blocked Contact.
5. Choose a contact you’d like to block.

To block communications from certain people in on Mac with macOS 26

1. Click the Apple menu (apple icon).
2. Click System Settings.
3. In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
4. Click Blocked Contacts.
5. Click the Add icon (plus sign).
6. Choose a contact you’d like to block.
7. Scroll down and click Block Contact.

Source and for additional support: Apple Support

To block a phone number or contact on an iPhone or iPad from the Phone App

1. Open the Phone app (phone icon).
2. Tap Recents.
3. Tap the phone number or contact you’d like to block.
4. Scroll down then tap Block Caller.

To block a phone number, contact, or email on an iPhone or iPad from the Messaging App

1. Open the Messages app (speech bubble icon).
2. Tap the conversation with the person you’d like to block.
3. At the top of the conversation, tap the contact.
4. Scroll down and tap Block Caller.

To block a phone number, contact, or email on an iPhone or iPad from FaceTime

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Tap the phone number, contact or email address you’d like to block.
3. Scroll down and tap Block Caller.

To block an email on an iPhone or iPad from the Mail app

1. Open the Mail app (envelope icon).
2. Tap the email with the person you’d like to block.
3. At the top, tap the contact.
4. Tap View Contact Card.
5. Tap Block this Contact.

Source: Apple Support

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If you are experiencing tech abuse, you are not alone. Find support in your community by connecting with a BC Society of Transition Houses Member Program or check out our other safety resources at techsafebc.bcsth.ca.