21 iPhone Privacy and Security Tips You Should Be Using NOW!
If you’ve been an iPhone user for a while or even if you’re new to the Apple universe there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the robust security Apple products offer. You can practically hand your iPhone to a hacker and they’d have a hard time breaking into it. (Warning: do not do this, that was only a joke.)
But even with its solid security and privacy settings you’re going to want to be up on how it all works and the measures you should take to protect the contents of your iPhone. Whether that’s protecting it from strangers or even friends and family. Even though we might not openly admit it, we all have that one photo or text message we don’t want them to see. “Jeez, mom would you quit swiping right?!”
Well, lucky for you we’ve done some research and are going to share with you tips on how to keep prying eyes from prying. Here are 21 Privacy and Security Tips Every iPhone Owner Must Know!
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1. Set up a stronger iPhone passcode
As you probably know the passcode is by default a 6-digit code (4 digits before the iOS 9 update) that you punch in to unlock your iPhone. But some have it still set to the old 4-digit code or simply haven’t gone above 6 digits. There’s a way to make this code a lot longer and thereby harder for someone to crack.
Simply, go into Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, plug in your current 4-digit or 6-digit code and then select Change Passcode. You’ll have to enter your passcode once again and then you’ll have several options. You can either create a new 6-digit code or hit Passcode Options and select either Custom Numeric Code or Custom Alphanumeric Code to create a code that’s as long as you want.
By the way newer Apple devices require minimally a 6-digit code.
2. Set up iPhone Touch ID
If you didn’t already do this while setting up your iPhone then you’ll want to do this. Seriously. Not to be grim but when you’re using your fingerprint to access your phone the only way someone can get into it is to chop off your finger. Yay for fingerprinted security!
To do this go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode, then hit Add a Fingerprint. Follow the instructions on the screen and voila, you’re good to go. You can now unlock your phone by holding your fingerprint to the home button. Make sure it’s the same fingerprint you set up otherwise it won’t work. I guess that goes without saying.
3. Back up your iPhone regularly
Every phone, tablet and computer that you use should be backed up regularly. Electronic devices are fickle things and can sometimes crash. They also have a knack for getting stolen, go figure. Sure the sting of the crash or steal might hurt but the blow is lessened when you realize you haven’t lost any of your data because it’s all backed up, waiting for you to restore! Personally I back up my iPhone daily. Must be the neurotic in me.
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4. Turn on iPhone Auto-Lock
If you tend to be the type that lays their iPhone down often without locking it then you’ll want to make sure the Auto-Lock feature is enabled.
Go to Settings > General > Auto-Lock. You’ll have the option to have your iPhone auto-lock after 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. You can even set it to “Never” but that’s obviously not recommended.
5. Switch off your iPhone lockscreen notifications
Sure there’s a convenience that accompanies being able to preview your text messages, e-mails, tweets, calendar events, Tinder messages, etc. from the lock screen. But this also leaves your information on your screen for all the world to see or at least anyone who picks up your iPhone.
To switch this setting off go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and enter your passcode. Then go to Allow Access When Locked heading and turn off Notifications View and any other things you don’t want accessible from the lock screen.
6. Turn on Find My iPhone
If you ever misplace or lose your phone you’re definitely going to pray that Find My iPhone was switched on. This will allow you to log on to your computer and find your iPhone on a map. It will even allow you to lock or erase it remotely.
To turn it on go to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone and then switch it to on.
We hope you find this information helpful for keeping your iPhone and even your iPad more secure. Also be sure to get your free iPhone privacy and security checklist which includes all 21 tips. Did we miss one? What do you do to keep your iPhone secure?