Filed under: iPhone, iPhone 101, iPod touch
iPhone 101: Protect your device with a passcode
Are you worried that your iPhone or its data might get stolen? If you are, then this post is for you! Let's take a look at the iPhone's security options, starting in Settings > General > Passcode Lock.If this is your first time visiting the Passcode Lock settings, then you will be prompted to create a 4-digit passcode -- this can be anything, just make it memorable. Once you've entered and confirmed your passcode, you will see a couple options. The first two buttons let you turn the passcode lock off, or change your passcode.
The next option, called "Require Passcode," allows you to set the interval between which your iPhone will require you to enter your passcode. For instance, if you set this interval for 5 minutes and you "sleep" your iPhone, you will be able to wake it and start using it again (without entering your passcode) for up-to five minutes after you put it to sleep. After the 5-minute time period has passed, your iPhone will require the passcode upon waking.
You also have the ability to turn SMS Preview on/off. By showing the SMS preview, the sender's name (or number) and a few lines of the message will be displayed. If you have this option turned off, you will only see the generic "1 New Text Message" on the wake screen.
For more protection, enable the "Erase Data" option. This erases all data from the device if someone tries to enter the wrong passcode more than 10 times.
With the passcode lock turned on, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your device, and data is safe. When you wake your iPhone by sliding a finger to unlock it, you will be presented with a number pad to enter your 4-digit code on. Upon successfully entering your code, the home screen will be displayed. Note that this works for the iPod touch as well.
Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's iPhone 101 section today!
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jeff said 2:23PM on 11-20-2008
Annoying but necessary...
Reply
Dave said 2:41PM on 11-20-2008
One thing that's missing in this article is that while the passcode is fine for protecting your data, it does NOTHING to protect anyone stealing your phone from racking up a huge phone bill! The reason? While the iPhone is passcode locked, it will only allow emergency calls. BUT Apple in their 'infinite wisdom' decided that emergency calls were any number at all, not restricted to 911 or 999 etc so while locked you can call any number you choose. Try it, I was amazed that they would allow this.
Reply
Amit said 3:16PM on 11-20-2008
Another issue with the Passcode lock is that your e-mails will not be updated. I have my phone set so that it looks for e-mail every 30 minutes. When the phone goes beyond the 5 min and locks, it stops looking for emails. I verified that few times, and no new mail even after 1 hour. I checked my e-mail on the computer and found 6 new emails sitting in my inbox within that hour.
Hope they fix it in 2.2 update
Reply
Michael Jones said 5:06PM on 11-20-2008
I've used the passcode lock since just after I got my phone, and I've never experienced this issue. My phone is constantly chiming telling me that I've received e-mail (using both IMAP and Exchange accounts).
cmuska902 said 4:13PM on 11-20-2008
I just had to boast about how even this part of the iPhone was created to be aesthetically beautiful. The simple animation of the passcode lock arising from the "slide to unlock". Golly, I love good design.
Reply
Maxwell said 8:11PM on 11-20-2008
I honestly "slid to unclock" and canceled about 50 times when I discovered that little animation.
robert said 4:20PM on 11-20-2008
One thing about the feature that seems redundant is that if you set the passcode lock to "on", you still have to slide to unlock the phone, "after" you punch in the 4 digit code. Seems like this ought to be an either / or proposition. It would be either a four digit unlock code, or slide to unlock. Both seems unnecessary. Probably just a design oversight, unless there is a reason to need both?
Reply
Michael Jones said 5:02PM on 11-20-2008
Unless you re-lock the phone using the button, you should only have to slide and then enter the code. Then it will go straight to the home screen or running app.
It won't ask you to slide after you enter the code unless you hit the lock button at the top of the phone, in which case it "locks" to the slide lock to prevent you from accidentally opening apps or dialing numbers, but doesn't require the code again until the timeout value you have specified.
robert said 6:46PM on 11-20-2008
>>It won't ask you to slide after you enter the code unless you hit the lock button at the top of the phone, in which case it "locks" to the slide lock to prevent you from accidentally opening apps or dialing numbers, but doesn't require the code again until the timeout value you have specified.
Thanks, Michael. But I guess that is exactly why I'm questioning the practicality of how this works; once the phone has timed out, I have to not only re-enter the numeric code, but swipe the slider. Whether I turn off the phone and turn it back on again, or press the lock at the top of the phone, I don't understand why both are required. There is no way that I'm going to accidentally press the proper 4 keys in sequence while the phone is in my pocket.
The tradeoff is to set the timeout for a longer time. This works, of course, but sort of defeats the purpose. Maybe I'm missing something?
Michael Jones said 12:30AM on 11-21-2008
Yeah, it can be a bit annoying, particularly if you have it set to immediately lock. I've ultimately set mine to require the passcode after 15 minutes.
While this does leave a short window in which the phone can be used before it is locked, it ensures that if I lock it and then need to use it again a minute or two later, I don't find myself having to type in the code again.
The only time I find it really bothersome is when I get a call or am in a hurry and have to type in the code, as it takes slightly more precision and effort than a standard T9 keypad, which can often be quickly unlocked entirely by touch after you're used to doing it.
davis said 5:21PM on 11-20-2008
Amazing but true - u can make ANY emergency calls!
Also I still cannot get my spam filters for mobileme to work until after I sync the desktop so perhaps the password thingy is stopping this also? Will turn it off a for a day & see
Reply
totoro said 4:57PM on 11-20-2008
What about the SIM Lock option?
Reply
Michael Jones said 5:05PM on 11-20-2008
The SIM Pin option only prevents your SIM card from being used in another phone without knowing the PIN code stored on it. It doesn't prevent you from using it in your iPhone (provided that you have entered the PIN in the settings).
Dr. Handsome said 6:21PM on 11-20-2008
Of course this adds another level of protection to your personal data but will it help you get your iPhone back once it's been taken? Well no, but here's another tip:
Put your phone number on your wallpaper and include a short message asking for whoever is in possession of your precious device to return it... you can even offer a reward. There's no guarantee you'll get your iPhone back but since they won't be able to do much else with it they might just consider giving it back (especially if there's money involved).
Reply
Jay said 6:27PM on 11-20-2008
Ok, as per the two above comments, this isn't a troll message. But I did just try to call any number from the emergency number menu when the phone was locked and yes it did call it. What a massive security hole!! Anyone who steals your phone can call whatever number they like and you will be charged, locked phone or not.
My old Nokia would just restrict people to certain emergency international phone number combos 911, 111, 000, 112 etc. Why does apple release such a great phone with so many simple easy to fix flaws in it.
Reply
tony said 7:41PM on 11-20-2008
if a 4 digit pin isn't enough security, see my post on macosxhints for using the iPhone tools to create a long alpha numeric passcode. (I'd paste the link, but I'm posting this on my iPhone -- no copy and paste!!!)
Reply
BP said 8:35PM on 11-20-2008
I think one trade off might be the ICE information we are all encouraged to have o our phone - including the ICE app.
Reply
eric.suter@mac.com said 9:56PM on 11-20-2008
I still use an Edge iPhone and have found that, after upgrading to 2.x in July, I no longer have the option to turn the passcode off, the option has disappeared from Passcode settings. Not a big deal as I can stretch out the lock period to four hours but still strange. (Another, I presume, Edge/2.x-specific bug requires me to hit the "on" button twice to activate an inactive email; it never activates on the first try, always on the second).
Reply
Vic said 9:43PM on 11-20-2008
If your iphone is stolen call AT&T and suspend your number then no one can make calls. Personaly i like the emergencey call. I use it to call people more than actually going through my contacts
Reply
Jash Sayani said 6:32AM on 11-21-2008
Wow! I like the green background.... Which one is it ??
Reply