TL;DR
Keep your iPhone safe with a strong passcode, enable Face ID/Touch ID, update software regularly, be careful with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, review app permissions, use two-factor authentication, back up your data, and consider Apple’s security features like Lockdown Mode.
Securing Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Strong Passcode & Biometrics
- Set a strong passcode (at least 6 digits). Avoid easily guessable numbers like birthdays.
- Enable Face ID or Touch ID for quick and secure unlocking. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
- Make sure ‘Require Attention for Face ID’ is enabled (if using Face ID) for added security.
- Keep Your Software Updated
- Regular software updates include vital security patches. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
- Enable Automatic Updates (recommended): Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Security
- Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured networks. Consider using a VPN.
- Turn off Bluetooth when not in use: Settings > Bluetooth. This prevents unwanted connections.
- Review paired devices regularly and remove any you don’t recognise.
- App Permissions & Privacy
- Review app permissions carefully before installing apps. Only grant access to necessary features.
- Regularly check which apps have access to your location, microphone, camera, contacts etc.: Settings > Privacy.
- Limit ad tracking: Settings > Privacy > Tracking.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Enable 2FA for your Apple ID and other important accounts (email, banking etc.). This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can help with this.
- Back Up Your Data
- Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. This ensures you can restore your data if something happens to your device.
- iCloud Backup: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Back up to Computer (using Finder on macOS Catalina and later, or iTunes on older versions): Connect your iPhone to your computer and use the appropriate software.
- Apple Security Features
- Find My: Enable Find My to locate, lock, or erase your iPhone if it’s lost or stolen. Settings > [Your Name] > Find My.
- Lockdown Mode (iOS 16 and later): For users at high risk of targeted attacks, Lockdown Mode provides extreme protection by severely limiting functionality. Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
- iCloud Keychain: Use iCloud Keychain to securely store passwords and credit card information.
- Phishing Awareness
- Be wary of suspicious emails, text messages, or phone calls asking for personal information.
- Never click on links from unknown sources.