We’ve got used to associating security risks with cloud service hacks and password thefts, due to high-profile leaks of Apple users’ data. However, accessing sensitive information doesn’t always require hacker skills. An unsecured iPhone left unattended in an office, bar, or taxi can easily become a gateway to your personal life, and it doesn’t matter if you are entering safe sites, like the Bizzo Casino, or scrolling through some more suspicious places on the Internet. You will face problems anyway if you lose your phone.
Luckily, iOS offers enough security settings to either eliminate or greatly reduce these risks. However, these settings are often so confusing and non-intuitive that users are unaware of their existence. Here are some options to help protect your personal space.
iPhone Security: Essentials and Advanced Features
Let’s start with basic functions that should be set up by default, as they provide universal protection against unauthorized access.
Face ID: Secure Unlocking with Convenience
Using Face ID to unlock your phone via the camera is not only convenient but also avoids entering your password in public places where someone might be watching. It may sound paranoid, but remember, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not watching.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > and follow the instructions.
Two-Factor Authentication: Extra Layer of Protection
This feature prevents password guessing or recovery by requiring a unique code sent to a backup device.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-in & Security > Turn on Two-Factor Authentication and follow the instructions. Use a secondary phone number or email to receive the code.
Find My iPhone: Remote Management
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can manage it remotely.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone. Toggle on Find My iPhone, Last Location, and Find My Network. This allows you to locate your iPhone, even without an internet connection, using nearby smartphones via Bluetooth.
Special Features for Targeted Security
Beyond basic settings, iOS offers specialized options that, while not always necessary, can be invaluable in specific situations.
Stop the Lock Screen from Giving You Away
Even if your iPhone is locked via Face ID, some functions can still be accessed from the lock screen. For instance, swiping right can reveal the Today View with reminders, email widgets, banking app data, and other personal information. Limit access to critical functions from the lock screen.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, scroll to Allow Access When Locked, and disable the functions you don’t want accessible.
Prevent Siri from Spilling the Beans
Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, has had security issues in the past, such as reading aloud emails or opening photos. To prevent this, disable Siri on the lock screen.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Siri and turn off Allow Siri When Locked.
Enable Auto-Lock for Peace of Mind
It’s common to get distracted and leave your iPhone unlocked on a table. Enable auto-lock to protect your phone in such cases.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and choose any value except Never—for instance, set it to one minute.
Locking Apps and Notes for Extra Security
Even if auto-lock is on, someone could still get their hands on your unlocked iPhone. Here’s how to protect critical apps:
- Face ID for Apps:
Hold down the app icon on your home screen and select Require Face ID from the menu. - Password for Specific Apps:
Use the Screen Time feature to lock specific apps with a password. This prevents unauthorized access even if your phone’s main passcode is compromised.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Screen Time. Scroll down and click Use Screen Time Passcode. Set a four-digit passcode, which will protect your settings.
Go to App Limits > Add Limit, choose the apps you want to protect, and set a lock timer. - Password for Notes:
Set a separate password for Apple Notes to protect sensitive information.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Notes > Password and set your password. - Disable Face ID for Banking Apps:
Though convenient, using Face ID for financial apps is less secure than using a separate password.
Hiding Notifications on the Lock Screen
If privacy is a concern, don’t let notifications pile up on your lock screen, especially when they display substantial message content.
How to manage it:
Go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews and select Never.
You can also change notification settings for specific apps, such as hiding messenger notifications while keeping call alerts visible.
Protecting Personal Photos
When sharing your vacation photos, it can be awkward if someone starts scrolling through your gallery and sees private images. Use the “hide photo” feature for this.
How to hide photos:
Open Photos, select the photo or video, tap the three dots, and choose Hide. Hidden photos are stored in the Hidden Album in Albums.
Disguising Critical Apps
Sometimes you might want to hide certain apps from your home screen temporarily without deleting them.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enter your Screen Time passcode and choose Allowed Apps. Toggle off any apps you wish to hide.
Locking the Phone to One App Only
iOS has a feature that restricts the phone to just one open app, which is helpful when handing your device to someone, such as a child.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. Enable it and set a passcode. To activate it, open the app you want to restrict and triple-click the side button.
Prevent Unauthorized Settings Changes
If you’re worried someone might alter your security settings, lock these settings.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enter your passcode and choose Allow Changes. Select the settings you want to lock and set them to Don’t Allow.
Prevent a Stolen iPhone From Being Disconnected
Thieves often attempt to disconnect a stolen iPhone from the internet, disabling its ability to receive the remote wipe command.
Radical Solution: Disable Control Center on the Lock Screen
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and disable Control Center.
Milder Solution: Remove Network Settings from Control Center
Swipe down to open the Control Center. Tap and hold until minus signs appear, then remove the network settings block while keeping other useful features like the flashlight or timer.
These settings offer comprehensive security, helping you keep your personal information safe from prying eyes or accidental exposure.
