Secure Your iPhone
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iPhones are wonderful devices. Make yours even more wonderful by following
these simple security recommendations that will protect you and your data.
The very few minutes you spend now can help save you from significant problems
in the future.
These Security Shorts are intended for non-technical users. The information
provided here does not require special knowledge, and the iPhone screen shots
make the short steps easy to follow.
Step 1: Create a Passcode
You'd hate to lose your iPhone. But losing it when it's not passcode-protected puts you at great risk. Whoever gets your iPhone has access to all your stored data, can send e-mail in your name, and can use your phone.
A passcode is only 4 digits. It's very much worth the tiny inconvenience to protect your phone and data.
MAKING EMERGENCY CALLS: You can still call 9-1-1 even when your phone is locked. In the Enter Passcode screen, tap Emergency Call in the bottom left corner.
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What's in this document
Secure Your iPhone
Create a Passcode
Keep Your iPhone Up-to-Date
Regularly Update Safari's Anti-Phishing Database
Turn Off Bluetooth When Not Needed
Identify Your iPhone
Don't Jailbreak
Additional Resources
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- In the Home screen, tap Settings.
- In Settings, tap General.
- Under General, tap Passcode Lock.
- In the Set Passcode screen, enter 4 numbers. As soon as you enter the 4th number, you'll be
asked to reenter it for confirmation.
- In the Passcode Lock screen, tap Require Passcode.
- In the Require Passcode screen:
- Select a time frame after which you want your iPhone to begin requiring a passcode. We recommend After 5
minutes.
- Tap Passcode Lock.
- In the Passcode Lock screen, tap General.
iPhone 3GS: The 3GS has a Voice Dial feature that does not get locked automatically. We recommend you turn Voice Dial off so that it is only available when your iPhone is unlocked.
- In the General screen, tap Auto-Lock.
- In the Auto-Lock screen, select the time frame in which you would like your iPhone to auto-lock if
there has been no activity. 5 minutes is the maximum amount of time.
- You can return to the Home screen and use your device as you normally would. Whenever your
iPhone auto-locks, tapping the Home button generates this screen. Sliding the arrow to the right
provides a passcode entry screen.
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Step 2: Keep Your iPhone Up-to-Date
Apple periodically updates your iPhone's operating system. When you connect your iPhone to your
computer, iTunes will automatically check to see if your software is up-to-date. If not, it will ask you if you
want to update it.
We strongly recommend that you update immediately. Besides possible enhancements, most likely
Apple has added some security enhancements.
In iTunes, when your iPhone is selected under Devices, you can also click the Check for Update button.
Step 3: Regularly Update Safari's Anti-Phishing Database
Another reason to keep your iPhone up-to-date is that—beginning with OS 3.1—Safari provides antiphishing
capabilities. However, to be most effective, you need to regularly update Safari's database.
It's simple, but you need to take a few extra steps.
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Have Safari running.
- Begin charging your iPhone.
- After the screen has turned off, your iPhone automatically connects to Safari's anti-phishing
database and download the latest version.
Step 4: Turn Off Bluetooth When Not Needed
Bluetooth provides wireless connections between your iPhone and Bluetooth devices such as headsets
and car kits.
But leaving it active when you're not using a Bluetooth device leaves you vulnerable. Bluetooth
services—some of which may not have your best interests in mind—can discover and connect to your
iPhone.
Turning Bluetooth on and off is quick and easy.
HINT: The images in Step 1: Create a Passcode graphically show steps 1-2.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth off or on.
Step 5: Identify Your iPhone
What if you lose your iPhone? You were smart and protected your device with a passcode. So how does
someone let you know they've found it?
Simple. Create a new wallpaper (background image) for your iPhone so that it provides your name and
contact information—e-mail address, an alternate telephone number, or both. Even with your iPhone
locked, that information will be available.
BUILT-IN SECURITY FEATURES: We highly recommend that you read the Security Features section of Chapter 2 in your User Guide.
- Use the free app Close Call available in the iTunes App Store.
- Create in a word processing or other program a page that includes your contact information typed
over a picture or graphic you've added to the page. Make sure your contact information is easy to
read. Using your iPhone, take a picture of it then:
- Tap Settings.
- On the Settings page, tap Wallpaper.
- Using the example in step 1, tap Camera Roll to find your picture.
- Tap the image you want to display. You can move it around on the screen with your
finger, and using two fingers, you can enlarge it or make it smaller.
- When you are satisfied, tap Set.
Step 6: Don't Jailbreak
Jailbreaking allows your iPhone to run unofficial code. Some see this as an advantage because they can
bypass Apple's iPhone app distribution mechanism.
Several problems:
- You open the possibility of downloading malware—software unscrupulously designed to damage
or use your device in ways that you do not intend.
- You void your iPhone's warranty.
- Downloading pirated software is illegal.
- You circumvent Apple's application and author verification process.
For these reasons, we strongly recommend that you do not jailbreak your iPhone.
More Resources
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