8 iPhone tips against theft, theft and loss

With so many recurrent cases of smartphone thefts that can be harmful not only for the value of the device itself, but also for its content — such as open banking apps, for example —, it is very important to have all possible security features activated. Today we are going to offer some tips for iPhone to prevent these unpleasant situations from happening, or if they come to blows, that the damage is minimal and that it reaches the level of not causing any damage. Let's go?

Enable Touch ID or Face ID

iPhones have two basic ways to protect the device: via touch ID and away Face ID. The first involves registering the device owner's fingerprint on the Home button, while the second captures the owner's face. Both resources use the owner's biological means to bring a more particular security, since it is difficult to reproduce a fingerprint or even a person's face.

Below is the list of iPhones that have the touch ID:

• iPhone 5S;
• iPhone SE (1st Generation);
• iPhone 6;
• iPhone 6 Plus;
• iPhone 6s;
• iPhone 6sPlus;
• iPhone 7;
• iPhone 7 Plus;
• iPhone 8;
• iPhone 8 Plus;
• iPhone SE (2nd Generation).

And just below the iPhones that have the feature Face ID:

• iPhone X;
• iPhone XR;
• iPhone XS;
• iPhone XS max;
• iPhone 11;
• iPhone 11 Pro;
• iPhone 11 Pro Max;
• iPhone 12 mini;
• iPhone 12;
• iPhone 12 Pro;
• iPhone 12 Pro Max;
• iPhone 13 mini;
• iPhone 13;
• iPhone 13 Pro;
• iPhone 13 Pro Max;
• iPhone 14;
• iPhone 14 Plus;
• iPhone 14Pro;
• iPhone 14 Pro Max

We recommend activating Face ID immediately, and to do so:

Step 1: Open the Settings app and then select Face ID & Passcode;

Step 2: Then enter the password to access your device;

Step 3: Scroll down the screen a bit, click on “Configure Face ID” and follow the instructions that appear below.

On that same screen, a number of adjustments will appear that are possible with your face registered on the device. One of them gives the possibility of using Face ID even with the inclusion of adornments such as glasses or masks — the latter essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can also apply to professionals who use the accessory.

Disable lock screen features

When the fabrics of the iPhone is blocked up it is possible to access some features such as media playback controls, the Control Center and so on. However, the system offers a setting to block certain accesses while you don't unlock your iPhone. One of the features that have this function disabled by default is the Accessories — or USB Accessories — that prevents cable connections, a somewhat dangerous way when trying to access devices improperly. See how it works:

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select the Face ID and Passcode option;

Step 2: Enter your device code;

Step 3: Scroll down until you reach the session ALLOW ACCESS WHEN LOCKED. There, several options will appear and everything that is turned on — with the key in green — can be done while the screen is blocked, those that are turned off are blocked. It is suggested to leave at least the Wallet and Accessories options turned off — the latter still prevents your device from being improperly connected via USB to other PCs, for example.

Use Find My iPhone

Another basic resource that is very interesting is the Search iPhone. When activated, it allows the owner of the device to track it and identify where the iPhone is on a map. If you forgot your iPhone at work and didn't remember that it might be there, just go to the Apple website, enter your data and check the device's location — it also works for other Apple devices that are linked to your account, such as a iPad, for example. In case you have been robbed, this feature allows you to erase the data that is on your iPhone.

Step 1: To activate it, open the Settings app and click on the first option — which usually has your photo and name;

Step 2: Then click on Search;

Step 3: Now also select the first option, Find iPhone;

Step 4: And finally activate the button, or if it is already green, it means that the resource was already active — or if the previous screen is showing “Activated” in this option.

Add account recovery contacts

If you lose access to your account — losing your device's password, for example — you can resort to account recovery contacts. You can select trusted people who will be a key player when contacting Apple services to get your account back. Here's how to add these contacts:

Step 1: Open the Settings App, click on the first option with your name and photo and choose the Password and Security option;

Step 2: Select the Account Recovery option;

Step 3: Click Add Contact, follow the directions and choose the respective contacts.

Enable two-factor authentication

Another layer of protection that can be included is the two-factor authentication. This measure is a boost that can be applied to the account in addition to the default password. There are some third-party applications that offer this function, but the iPhone system itself already has protection via two-factor authentication that works with the iCloud account. Check out how to activate it:

Step 1: Open the Settings application, click on your name and then choose the Password and Security option;

Step 2: Click on “Two-Factor Authentication” and proceed with the instructions that appear on the screen.

Understand Lock Mode

If you face a more sophisticated hacking attack, Apple also suggests that you enable Lock Mode. According to the company, this feature is an alternative for maximum protection in these cases of more elaborate attacks. Apple also informs that most people are not usually targets of this type of attack, and even put an example case for comparison: “a private company developing state-funded mercenary spyware“. Kind of hard to happen, huh? It's good to remember that it ends up restricting and/or blocking many accesses on your iPhone, including by yourself. But if you come across any similar situation, here's how to enable Lockdown Mode:

Step 1: Open the Settings App and choose the Privacy and Security option;

Step 2: Scroll down the entire screen and click on Blocking Mode;

Step 3: Read the entire message that tells you how the feature works — if you need more details, there's the Learn more… option to better understand the tool — and once you're sure, click Enable Blocking Mode.

Delete data when wrong password

A very interesting feature included in the iPhone system is to erase the device's data if the password is entered incorrectly after 10 attempts. If you are robbed and someone tries to access your device using your default password and fails, 10th attempt The device will turn off all information contained therein. It's important to always remember your code, because you could end up deleting all the data on your device yourself - but better you than someone else, right? Here's how to activate:

Step 1: Open the Settings app, scroll down a bit and choose the Face ID & Passcode option;

Step 2: Scroll down the screen a bit and activate the Delete Data option. Notice that the description of this feature states what it does: “Erase All Data From This iPhone After 10 Incorrect Code Entry".

Enforce time limit on apps

A good way to prevent people from accessing your applications with sensitive information, such as banking apps, is to configure your iPhone so that there is a time limit for using these apps. For example, you can adjust your bank application so that it only works on weekdays and can only be open for 10 minutes a day. The settings still say that all time settings are reset at midnight and that a notification will be sent when that app has only 5 more minutes available for use. Here's how to activate:

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select Screen Time;

Step 2: Choose the second option, App Limits;

Step 3: Click Add Limit;

Step 4: This screen displays the apps separated by categories, in this case it is possible to select an entire category by clicking on the circle or clicking on the category to choose which app(s) to impose a time limit. After choosing, click Next, in the upper right corner;

Step 5: Now just put how long the app can stay open — in days, hours and/or minutes — and then click Add.

And you, have you made any of these suggestions? Have you adopted any of them? Tell us in the comments!

See also:

WhatsApp releases purchases via debit cards, credit e prepaid in the app.

Pig iron: Apple e Tom's Guide.

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 06 / 03 / 23.