How to Use Sign in with Apple

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

The Sign in with Apple feature lets you use your Apple ID to sign in to websites and their associated apps securely, privately, and without the hassle of a million different passwords to keep track of. Sign in with Apple looks just like the Sign in with Google and Sign in with Facebook buttons you often see when creating new accounts; but unlike Google and Facebook, Apple doesn’t give away any of your information—no advertising profiles, no usage statistics. Read on to find out how to use Sign in with Apple to secure and simplify your online life.

Related: How to Reset Your Forgotten Apple ID & iCloud Password

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How to Use Sign in with Apple in 3rd-Party Apps

To use Sign in with Apple you need:

  • An Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled and a strong password. All Apple IDs now come with two-factor authentication by default, so this should already be on. Read more about Two-Factor Authentication. 
  • To be logged in to iCloud using that same Apple ID on your Apple device.
  • You can use any Apple device; but if it is an iOS device, then you need iOS 13.
  1. Download and open an app that supports Sign in with Apple.
    Note: Not all apps and websites support Sign in with Apple yet, but more and more will soon. Keep an eye out for the option when creating new accounts. 
  2. In the initial login page, the app will want you to sign up or sign in. Since Sign in with Apple only works for new accounts, choose sign up.
  3. Tap Continue with Apple. If you don’t see it, then try updating the app in the App Store.

    apple id loginapple id login
     
  4. The first time you use this feature, you’ll see a pop-up page outlining the benefits of Sign in with Apple. Tap Continue at the bottom.
  5. You’ll be presented with an info card showing what name you’ll be sharing, and asking whether you want to share your email or hide your email from the app. For the greatest privacy, I recommend tapping Hide My Email.

    icloud sign inicloud sign in
     
  6. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
  7. Use Face ID or Touch ID, or tap continue with passcode and enter your device code. Don't worry: Apple doesn't share your device code or your Face ID/Touch ID information with the third-party app. 

    apple sign in
     
  8. A Done icon will appear and you will be logged in to your new account.  
  9. In the future, when you want to log in, just look for the Continue with Apple button and tap it.

    apple id loginapple id
     
  10. You'll see a card stating your Apple ID email. Tap Continue at the bottom. 
  11. Face ID will do its thing (or use Touch ID or enter your device code), and you'll be logged in privately, securely, and without hassle.

It’s that easy! You can use Sign in with Apple anywhere you see the option listed. Note that this service is for creating new accounts. If you already have an account, and want to switch to using Sign up with Apple with it, then you will probably have to cancel your existing account and start a new one. You can change the email associated with Sign in with Apple if you'd like to do that instead. Hopefully Apple will convince app developers to let us convert our existing accounts to Sign in with Apple; but until then, we can enjoy the benefits whenever we download a new app that requires authentication.

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Cullen Thomas's picture

Author Details

Cullen Thomas

Cullen Thomas is a senior instructor at iPhone Life. For ten years as faculty at Maharishi University, Cullen taught subjects ranging from camera and audio hardware to game design. Cullen applies a passion for gadgetry to answer questions about iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple cloud services; to teach live classes; and to specialize in the privacy and security aspects of the Apple ecosystem. Cullen has dual degrees in Media & Communications and Literature, and a Masters degree from the David Lynch Graduate School of Cinematic Arts.

Offline, Cullen designs videogames with Thought Spike Games, writes fiction, and studies new nerdery.

Mastodon: @CullenWritesTech@infosec.exchange

Email: cullen@iphonelife.com

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