Make your iPhone safer
Set a passcode
Do you want to make sure that no one can access your iPhone unintentionally, e.g. if you leave it lying around somewhere? Go to Settings ; Passcode to set the passcode or PIN code required to unlock your smartphone. Even if your iPhone is equipped with Touch ID or Face ID, you will still need to have a regular passcode. This is a standard six-digit code, but Passcode Options allows you to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code or a custom alphanumeric code. Then make sure Touch ID, Face ID or your passcode are enabled for all possible options: iPhone Unlock, iTunes Store and App Store, Autocomplete in Safari, and Other Apps.
Tip. Do you want your smartphone to be automatically erased if it has been stolen and the thief has entered the wrong passcode ten times? Select Delete Data at the bottom. However, make sure that you do not enter the wrong code ten times yourself, as the delete process is automatic and irreversible!
No access to the lock screen
By default, a lot of information is visible on the lock screen, even without a passcode, Touch ID or Face ID. To keep your lock screen more discreet, go to Settings ; Passcode and scroll to the Lock Access section. For greater privacy, turn off all other options, such as Today View , Recent Notifications and Answer Missed Calls .
Go to Settings ; Message and choose Show Preview . Set to Never or When Unlocked , so that previews of notifications on the home screen are shown only when the smartphone is unlocked.
Tip. Do you want certain apps to stop showing previews entirely? Then select the app here and deselect Allow Notifications .
Enable Find my iPhone
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, then Find My iPhone can come in very handy, as it enables you to view the current location of your iPhone on the iCloud website ( http://www.icloud.com ). To enable this feature, go to Settings and click on your name at the top. Choose iCloud and scroll down until you see Find My iPhone . Activate the option and also activate Send Last Location . Thieves can’t turn Find My iPhone off without knowing your account password!
Note. The Find my iPhone function will work only if your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network or via 3G/4G.
Use two-factor authentication
For complete security, enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and iCloud. This means that you will be asked to confirm your identity every now and then, usually through an extra code that is sent to you in a text message. For example, if you want to log in to iCloud.com for the first time on a new computer, you’ll receive a code on your iPhone. This may also be the case if you’re currently in an “unusual” location.
Tap Settings , select your name and choose Password and Security . Tap Enable Two-Factor Authentication and follow the steps. You can also enter additional phone numbers on which to receive codes. Tip. You can manage your two-factor authentication on iCloud.com.
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