iPhone security: Must-know settings for better protection
Your iPhone security should be one of your top priorities because your phone holds a lot of your personal information within its storage. It contains banking apps, private messages, health data, and location history, which make it a high-value target for data thieves. And while Apple advertises that it builds its devices with a security-first mindset, default settings often favor convenience over maximum protection. Fortunately, securing your iPhone is simple. This guide walks you through the essential settings and habits that will significantly improve your iPhone security.
iPhones are highly secure — if you configure them correctly. While the out-of-the-box protection is strong, you get the best results by adjusting default settings and following Apple’s security recommendations.
Software updates are your first line of defense to secure your iPhone. Keeping iOS up to date is the single most effective way to patch security vulnerabilities and block the tools hackers use to break into your system.
Biometric authorization is safer than basic passcodes. Using Face ID alongside a complex passcode that mixes letters and numbers creates a barrier that’s incredibly difficult for thieves to bypass.
You must verify individual app permissions. Many apps request access to data they don’t actually need to function — just because an app asks for permission doesn't mean it requires it to work. Reviewing these settings gives you control over your privacy.
Apple can’t stop social engineering. iPhone security features don’t protect you from human error, such as falling for phishing emails or scams.
14 essential tips to boost your iPhone security
Protect your personal data by adjusting these 14 essential iPhone security settings:
Software updates are not just about new emojis — they contain critical patches that fix security holes. Hackers actively search for vulnerabilities in older iOS versions to break into devices. The importance of updating software cannot be overstated — outdated software is the primary entry point for malware.
How to turn on automatic updates:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap “General.”
2.Tap “Software update.”
3.Tap “Automatic updates.”
4.Turn on “Automatically install.”
Note: Software updates won’t install automatically if your iPhone doesn’t have enough storage space available.
With two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, you must enter a verification code sent to a trusted device (another Apple device that you own) or a phone number whenever you sign in to your Apple account on a new device.
Follow these steps to add a trusted phone number to your Apple account:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap your name card.
2.Tap “Sign-in & security.”
3.Tap “Two-factor authentication.”
4.Tap “Add a trusted phone number.”
5.Enter your passcode.
6.Enter the trusted phone number where you want to receive verification codes, then tap “Continue.”
7.Enter the verification code sent to that phone number.
Once confirmed, this phone number will receive the verification codes needed to verify your identity.
Note: If your current iPhone is your only trusted device and the only way to receive text codes, you risk getting locked out if it’s lost or damaged. Apple recommends having a backup trusted number or a second device, like an iPad or Mac, linked to your account.
A four-digit PIN is easy to guess and easy to spot over your shoulder. You should change the passcode on your iPhone to a custom alphanumeric code. A complex passcode that combines both numbers and letters makes brute-force attacks nearly impossible.
Follow these steps to set a strong alphanumeric passcode:
1.Go to “Settings.”
2.Open “Face ID & passcode” (or “Touch ID & passcode” on older devices).
3.Enter your current passcode.
4.Select “Change passcode.”
5.Type in your current passcode.
6.Tap “Passcode options.”
7.Choose “Custom alphanumeric code.”
8.Type in your custom alphanumeric code and tap the checkmark.
9.Confirm your new code and tap the checkmark.
Biometric security is both convenient and highly secure. iPhones use Face ID or Touch ID to ensure only you can access the device.
How to set up Face ID on an iPhone:
1.Open “Settings” and go to “Face ID & passcode.”
2.Type in your current passcode.
3.Tap “Set up Face ID.”
4.Tap “Get started” and follow the instructions.
5.Your Face ID is now all set! Tap “Done.”
The “Find my iPhone” feature allows you to track, lock, or erase your device remotely if it goes missing. It’s your best chance of recovering a lost or stolen device and preventing data theft.
How to turn on this feature:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap your name card.
2.Tap “Find my.”
3.Tap “Find my iPhone.”
4.Tap the switch next to “Find my iPhone” to turn it on.
5.Tap “Done.”
Standard iCloud backups are secure, but Apple holds the encryption keys, meaning it could technically access your data if compelled by legal orders or if its servers were breached. Advanced Data Protection is an optional setting that expands end-to-end encryption to nearly all your iCloud data, including backups, photos, and notes.
When you enable this setting, your device holds the keys to unlock your data, which means that only you can access it. Even Apple cannot view or recover your data.
How to turn on Advanced Data Protection:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap your name at the top of the screen.
2.Tap “iCloud.”
3.Scroll down and select “Advanced data protection.”
4.Tap “Turn on advanced data protection.”
5.Tap “Set up account recovery.”
6.Add your recovery contact. Choose someone you trust who also uses an Apple device.
7.Send the invitation.
8.Wait for them to accept it. If they hesitate, explain that this role lets them send you a recovery code in case you get locked out.
The “Erase data” feature acts as a “self-destruct” failsafe for your privacy. If a thief tries to guess your passcode using brute-force software, the iPhone will automatically wipe all your personal data after the 10th incorrect attempt.
Follow these steps to enable auto-wipe:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap “Face ID & passcode” (or “Touch ID & passcode”).
2.Enter your current passcode to access the menu.
3.Scroll to the very bottom and turn on the switch next to “Erase data.”
4.Tap “Enable” on the confirmation pop-up.
If you leave your phone on a table or desk, a long screen timeout gives thieves a window of opportunity to snatch your device while it’s still unlocked. Setting a short auto-lock time minimizes the period your phone remains vulnerable after you set it down.
How to change your auto-lock time:
1.Go to “Settings,” scroll down, and tap “Display & brightness.”
2.Tap “Auto-lock.”
3.Select “30 seconds” (the shortest option).
Messages and emails on your lock screen can reveal 2FA codes or private information to strangers. Hiding sensitive notifications ensures no one can read your incoming messages unless they unlock the phone first.
Here’s how to hide them:
1.Open “Settings,” and then go to “Notifications.”
2.Tap “Show previews.”
3.Select “When unlocked.”
Many apps request access to more data than they actually need to function. For example, a calculator app doesn’t need access to your contact list or precise location to work. You can review what data apps can access and limit it. Tighter app permissions stop companies from building detailed profiles on you and reduce the risk of unnecessary data exposure.
How to manage your app permissions:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap “Privacy & security.”
2.Tap a category you want to review, such as “Calendars,” “Microphone,” or “Photos.”
3.Scan the list to see which apps have access to that feature, then turn off the switch for any app that doesn't need access to it.
You can monitor exactly what your apps are doing in the background using Apple’s App Privacy Report. This tool logs how often apps access your location, camera, microphone, and contacts as well as which web domains they contact. It helps you spot suspicious behavior, such as a calculator app secretly accessing your location or a game uploading data to unknown servers.
How to review the report:
1.Go to “Settings” and tap “Privacy & security.”
2.Scroll to the bottom and tap “App privacy report.”
3.If it’s not already on, tap “Turn on app privacy report.”
4.After using your phone for a few days, return to this screen to view a detailed breakdown of app activity.
Your iPhone is designed to find and connect to Wi-Fi networks to save data, but this convenience carries risks. Hackers can set up dangerous public Wi-Fi hotspots that look legitimate to trick you into connecting. Once connected, they can intercept your data in a man-in-the-middle attack, which allows them to steal passwords or credit card numbers you enter while browsing.
How to stop Wi-Fi from auto-connecting:
1.Go to “Settings,” and tap “Wi-Fi.”
2.Tap “Ask to join networks.”
3.Select “Ask” or “Notify.”
4.For public networks you have used before (like at a coffee shop), tap the (i) icon next to the network name.
5.Make sure that “Auto-join” is set to “Off.”
Leaving Bluetooth on lets your phone constantly broadcast a signal looking for devices. Hackers can use this signal to track your location or try to connect to your device without you knowing.
To turn off Bluetooth on an iPhone:
1.Open the “Settings” app and tap “Bluetooth.”
2.Toggle the switch off.
Important: Turn off Bluetooth through the “Settings” menu rather than the Control Center because the shortcut only disconnects devices temporarily and leaves the Bluetooth signal active in the background.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic to keep your activity private, but NordVPN offers more than just encryption. While Safari has built-in warnings for fraudulent websites, NordVPN’s Threat Protection goes further by blocking intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious sites that can compromise your privacy.
This proactive filtering is especially useful against Apple phishing emails — sophisticated scams designed to steal your Apple ID. Threat Protection adds a crucial layer of defense by checking links in real-time against a database of known threats, which stops you from landing on phishing sites before they even load.
After you’ve installed the NordVPN app for an iPhone, purchased a subscription, and logged in, follow these steps to turn on Threat Protection:
1.Tap the shield icon.
2.Tap “Turn on.”
3.Select “Reconnect.”
4.Set when Threat Protection is active to “Always.”
Why should you care about iPhone security?
You might think you aren't a target, but the data on your phone tells a different story. You should care about your iPhone security because:
Your personal data is vulnerable. Your phone stores passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive data that is highly valuable to identity thieves.
Cybercrime is real and growing. Automated attacks target millions of users indiscriminately every day. Based on Microsoft’s 2024 Digital Defense Report, between July 2023 and June 2024, its customers alone faced more than 600 million cyberattacks every day.
Your iPhone is the master key to your digital life. It acts as a multi-factor authentication key for your email, bank, and work accounts. If it’s compromised, your entire digital identity is at risk.
Apple's security features are powerful, but only if you use them. Many protections, such as Stolen Device Protection or Advanced Data Protection, are off by default.
Taking action now helps you avoid risks in the future. Configuring security settings on an iPhone takes minutes, but recovering from identity theft can take months or years.
Key features that keep you and your iPhone more secure
Your iPhone comes equipped with advanced security features built directly into the device. These features work together to protect your personal data from theft and unauthorized access.
Automatic software updates are designed to keep your iPhone protected without requiring constant manual checks. When enabled, your device automatically downloads and installs the latest iOS updates and security patches overnight while it’s charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
Keeping your software current is vital because updates often contain critical fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. By installing these patches automatically, your iPhone closes potential security loopholes before cybercriminals have a chance to exploit them.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that adds a second layer of defense to your Apple account. Because your account holds access to personal data like photos, messages, and backups, relying on a password alone is risky.
When enabled, signing in to your Apple account on a new device or browser requires not just your password, but also a six-digit verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number. This verification step ensures that a password alone is never enough to access your account.
Face ID and Touch ID are biometric authentication systems that allow you to unlock your iPhone securely without typing a code. Using a scan of your face or fingerprint, they authorize purchases and sign you in to apps instantly, ensuring that only you can access the device.
Setting up Face ID or Touch ID also allows you to turn on Stolen Device Protection. This feature requires biometric authentication — not just a passcode — for sensitive actions like accessing saved passwords when you are away from significant locations.
App privacy labels require developers to disclose exactly what information an app collects and how it’s linked to you before you download it. Directly on its App Store page, you can see if an app tracks your location, accesses your “Messages” app, or records your browsing history.
In addition to transparency, the App Store itself acts as a security gatekeeper. Apple vets every app for malware and security violations before it’s approved for download. This rigorous review process is one of the strongest iPhone security features, which significantly reduces the risk of installing malicious software.
Pro tip: While Apple’s App Store vetting is strong, no system is perfect. If you notice signs like sudden battery drain, random device reboots, or overheating, your device might be compromised. Learn what to do next in our guide on how to remove malware from an iPhone.
Find My on an iPhone uses the vast network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices to help locate your phone, even if it’s offline or powered down. By detecting Bluetooth signals from lost devices, nearby Apple products can securely report your phone's location back to you.
Because of this, Find My is not just a recovery tool — it’s a critical iPhone security feature. It helps you find a stolen device or remotely wipe its data, which prevents thieves from accessing your sensitive data if you can’t get the phone back.
iOS employs end-to-end encryption to protect your iMessage and FaceTime conversations across all your devices. This technology encrypts your messages directly on your device before they are sent, meaning there is no way for Apple — or anyone else — to read them while they are in transit.
This protection ensures that your personal chats cannot be accessed without your passcode. By keeping the decryption process strictly between the sender and receiver, end-to-end encryption secures your private data against mass surveillance and data breaches.
The secure enclave is a dedicated hardware component included in the chip of all recent iPhones. It functions as a separate, secure vault designed to generate and store the keys used to encrypt your data. Because it runs independently from the rest of the system, it ensures that your sensitive information remains isolated and protected.
Beyond encryption, the secure enclave is responsible for protecting your biometric data. It processes your face and fingerprint information from Face ID and Touch ID in this secure, isolated environment. This setup keeps your biometrics private while still allowing you to unlock your phone or authorize purchases instantly.
App sandboxing is a core security limitation that restricts every app to its own isolated environment, or “sandbox.” This structure prevents an app from accessing files, system resources, or data stored by other apps unless you grant it specific permission.
This separation is a powerful defense against malware. Even if you accidentally download a malicious app, the sandbox contains the threat, ensuring that the virus cannot spread to the rest of your system or steal data from your banking or email apps.
iOS helps secure your accounts by automatically suggesting strong, random passwords when you sign up for new websites or apps. You can choose to use these suggested passwords or create your own.
These credentials are then stored securely in the “Passwords” app or a third-party password manager like NordPass. When you return to sign in, iOS uses autofill to enter your saved username and password automatically, so you don't have to memorize them.
This system is critical for preventing credential stuffing attacks because it ensures you create strong passwords for all your accounts without the hassle of remembering them.
Apple Pay protects your financial data through a process called tokenization. Instead of storing or sharing your actual credit card numbers, it creates a unique device account number that is encrypted and stored safely on a dedicated chip in your device, called a secure element.
When you pay, your device provides this account number along with a dynamic security code specific to that single transaction. This means merchants never see your real card details, which significantly reduces the risk of credit card skimming or data breaches.
Beyond encryption, Apple Pay requires mandatory authentication for every standard purchase. You must verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before a payment is sent.
For added privacy, Apple doesn’t track what you buy. Transaction information is kept between you, the merchant, and your bank. Apple doesn't retain transaction data that can be tied back to you.
Pro tip: While the Apple Pay payment system itself is secure, scammers can still trick you. Be wary of Apple Pay scams where fraudsters show fake payment confirmations or screenshots to make you believe that they’ve sent money when no payment was actually made. Always verify each transaction in your “Wallet” app before handing over goods or services.
Location services on iOS provide granular control over your geographical information, which allows you to decide exactly when an app can see your GPS location. You can restrict access to “While using the app,” grant it “Always,” or deny it completely. You can also choose to share only your approximate location rather than your precise coordinates.
These settings are essential for protecting your physical privacy. By managing these permissions, you stop apps from tracking your movements in the background and building a detailed history of your daily routines and locations.
iPhones include built-in visual indicators to alert you whenever an app is recording you. A green dot appears at the top of your screen when your camera is active, while an orange dot appears when your microphone is being used.
These recording indicators ensure that no app can watch or listen to you undetected. If you see a dot appear when you aren't taking a photo or recording a voice memo, it’s a warning sign. By making invisible activity visible, this feature helps you catch suspicious behavior — like your iPhone camera turning on by itself — and revoke permissions for apps that violate your trust.
You can improve your privacy by blocking local network access for third-party apps on your iPhone. In iOS 14 and later, apps must ask for permission the first time they try to find or communicate with other devices on your Wi-Fi, such as smart TVs, printers, or game consoles.
By denying this request, you stop apps from profiling your home network and tracking when and where you connect. Even if you tap “Don’t allow,” apps can still function normally using the internet and system services like AirPrint, AirPlay, or AirDrop. You can review and change these permissions at any time by going to “Settings” > “Privacy & security” > “Local network.”
How can you check if your iPhone is secure?
The easiest way to review your security posture is through the built-in “Safety check” feature. Originally designed to help those in domestic violence situations, it’s an excellent tool for any user to audit their security.
To run an iPhone security check:
1.Open “Settings” and go to “Privacy & security.”
2.Scroll down to “Safety check.”
3.Select “Manage sharing & access.”
4.Tap “Continue” and go through the review process.
This tool lets you see how secure your iPhone is, who has access to your location, which apps have permission to specific data, and which devices are logged in to your Apple ID. From here, you can revoke any unnecessary access immediately.
You should also review your security delay settings. The iPhone security delay prevents a thief from immediately changing your Apple ID password if they steal your unlocked phone.
Tip: If you find your account is compromised beyond repair, or you simply wish to go off the grid, you can also delete your Apple ID to permanently remove your data from Apple’s servers.
Is the iPhone a better choice for privacy and security?
The debate over iOS vs. Android security doesn’t have a single winner. Apple’s “walled garden” approach — which restricts software installation to the vetted App Store — makes the iPhone highly secure largely by limiting user error. By preventing you from installing unverified apps that could contain malware, this controlled environment makes iOS a preferred choice for users who want set-it-and-forget-it protection.
However, Android has made massive strides in security and offers more transparency and granular control for advanced users. Android’s open nature allows for more customization, which can be a security strength or a weakness depending on how the user manages their device.
Ultimately, while an iPhone is highly secure out of the box, its true level of protection depends on you intentionally using its settings and following the best security practices.
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