Stay safe guide
This page is for anyone seeking to proactively protect against potential technology-enabled abuse, stalking or harassment. If you’re currently experiencing a related issue, see the Get safe guide. For other types of help with an Apple product or service, see Apple-related support resources.
Strategies for staying safe
Apple has many features to help support your personal safety and privacy. Here are some ways to leverage them:
Level 1: Minimum protection
As a first line of defence, everyone should take these steps to protect their devices and Apple Account.
Update the Apple software on all your Apple devices to ensure you have the latest security and privacy updates. See Update your Apple software. To learn how, see Update your Apple software.
Protect access to your devices:
Secure your Apple Account:
Level 2: Better protection
In addition to level 1, consider your apps, protecting related passwords and the managing data you share with them.
Review specific sharing settings:
Use Safety Check’s Manage Sharing Access (option two) option on iPhone with iOS 16 or later.
Checklist 3: Manage content (On other devices or iOS 15 or earlier).
Manage app privacy:
Level 3: Best protection
In addition to levels 1 and 2, learn about Apple’s personal safety tools and make safety a habit for best protection.
Be prepared
Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime: Set up sensitive content warnings.
Consider using Check In for Messages to automatically let a friend know when you’ve arrived home.
Know how to make an emergency call or text (iPhone or Apple Watch; country or region dependent).
Make safety a habit
Take additional steps to protect your non-Apple Accounts, third-party apps, passwords and social media, as well as Home, Apple Wallet and Family Sharing.
Use Safety Check on iPhone with iOS 16 or later at a regular cadence to manage what you’re sharing.
Extras below