As technology has become inseparable from our daily lives, it’s crucial to ensure that we are taking appropriate actions to secure our online activities. When it comes to the App Store, protecting your account from unauthorized access is necessary to prevent any fraudulent activities. One of the most straightforward ways to secure your App Store account is by changing your password regularly. Here’s how you can change your App Store password on all your Apple devices.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you initiate the password change process, make sure you have the following information:
- Your Apple device with the App Store application installed on it
- Apple ID and Password
- Access to your email account associated with your Apple ID
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Changing your App Store password mean you will need to enter the new password through all Apple devices that you have signed in with your Apple account. In addition, make sure your new password meets the following requirements:
- Contains at least 8 characters
- Composed of both uppercase and lowercase alphabets, at least one number and one special character
- Not used before as your password
Method 1: Change Your App Store Password on iOS Devices
Explained below are the steps to change your App Store password on iOS devices:
- Go to the "Settings" application on your iOS device.
- Scroll down, and then click on "iTunes & App Store".
- Tap your Apple ID, then click on "View Apple ID".
- Enter your Apple ID password to view your account details.
- Click on "Password & Security".
- Choose "Change Password".
- Enter your current password, then enter the new password twice, then click on "Change Password".
Pros
- You can change your password on the device that you frequently use.
- It’s a straightforward process that will only take a few minutes to complete.
- Does not require a computer, you can change your password directly on your phone.
Cons
- Some users might have problems accessing their "Settings" app if they lost their iOS device passcode.
- If you have many iOS devices connected to the same Apple ID, you need to change the password on every device separately.
Method 2: Change Your App Store Password on MacOS
Explained below are the steps to change your App Store password on a MacOS:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click on your name in the bottom-left corner of the App Store window.
- Click on "View Information".
- Enter your Apple ID password to view your account details.
- On the next screen, click on "Change Password".
- Enter your current password, then enter the new password twice, and click on "Change Password".
Pros
- You can change your password on a larger screen that can be more comfortable to use for some users.
- You can still access the App Store while changing the password; no need to log out.
Cons
- You might need to remember your Mac user password before accessing the App Store password changing feature.
- You should have your Apple ID password (and might require your Apple ID two-factor authentication tool) once you want to change the password through the "View Information" section.
Method 3: Change Your App Store Password Through Apple’s Website
Explained below are the steps to change your App Store password on the Apple website:
- Visit Apple’s website.
- Click on "Account" and enter your Apple ID and password.
- Click on "Security". Then click on "Change password".
- Enter your old password, new password, and then confirm the new password. Click "Change Password".
Pros
- This method does not require any Apple devices; you can change the password directly from any device that has an internet connection.
- You only need to change the password once on the website, and it will apply to all your Apple devices.
Cons
- You need to have access to your email account that is associated with your Apple ID.
- You will be prompted for two-factor authentication, which might be an issue for some users.
Why Can’t I Change My App Store Password?
1. Absent-minded mistake: Users can type in the wrong password or forget their current password while trying to change it. To fix this, reset the forgotten password by using the "Forgot Password" tool at the login screen.
2. Locked Account: If your account was locked for security reasons or payment issues, you will not be able to change your password. In this case, visit the Apple Support website for help to unlock the account.
3. Unsupported Device: Some older devices are not compatible with the latest Apple ID security features, such as Touch ID or two-factor authentication. To change your password, update your device or use a different device that supports this security feature.
Suggestions
To further ensure your App Store account security, keep in mind the following recommendations:
- Use a strong password, and avoid reusing the same password for different accounts.
- Set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
- Regularly check and monitor your account for fraudulent or suspicious activities.
FAQs
Q: How often should I change my App Store password?
A:
It’s a personal preference, but experts suggest changing your passwords every three months to lower possible passwords exposure.
Q: What happens if I forget my Apple ID password?
A:
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password" tool available on the login page. Apple will send you an email with instructions for resetting your password.
Q: How can I make sure I remember my new password?
A:
Write down your new password and store it in a secure spot, such as a password manager application or a note-taking application that only you can access.
Q: Is changing my App Store password the same as changing my Apple ID password?
A:
Yes, changing your App Store password is the same as changing your Apple ID password. You only need to enter your Apple ID password when changing your App Store password.
Q: How can I tell if an email from Apple is legitimate or a phishing attempt?
A:
Apple will never ask you for personal information such as passwords, bank details, or Social Security Numbers (SSNs) over the phone or email. Always check the email address carefully and never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.