iPhone 101: How to Passcode Lock Your iPhone
Welcome to iPhone 101, the best place for those of you who are new to the iPhone to learn the basics.
We all worry about misplacing our precious phones or, worse yet, having them stolen. Some may even worry about snoopers trying to read our private info when we’re not looking. In case one of these things happen, you should really consider protecting all of your personal data on the device. TiPb has got you covered, to see how to passcode lock your iPhone read on after the break!
From the homescreen, tap the Settings icon. From there you will want to press the General tab.
Once you are within the general settings tab you will see Passcode Lock is set to off.
Now tap Passcode Lock and you will be prompted to enter a four digit passcode.
After entering your four digit code you will now see the following options.
Require Passcode: allows you to select a time period that has to pass before the lock is enabled. If you don’t want to have to enter your code too frequently but still want some protection, you can set this to 15 minutes or even 1 hour or more.
Show SMS Preview: on by default, this shows incoming text messages on your homescreen. Turning this feature to off will only display “New Text Message” on the home screen, which can keep the identity of your texter safe from snooping eyes if that’s a concern.
Erase Data: simply erases all data on your iPhone after 10 failed passcode attempts. This is the nuclear option, but if you’re really worried about losing your iPhone and have really important data on it, it can be something to consider.
Once you have configured your settings as you see fit, tap your home button to exit and that’s all there is to it. You have successfully passcode locked your iPhone. It’s as simple as that.
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March 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am
This lock is OK but (as an iPhone junkie) I’m totally jealous of my brothers lock option on his Google G1 (android) that combines the swipe with a “security” code in one motion. Totally cool. They stole “borrowed” enough ideas from Apple, can we “borrow” this one from them?
March 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I didn’t use this for the longest time because I always thought it would be too inconvenient. But it really is slick to have the timer set (15 minutes for me). I rarely ever have to enter my passcode… but if I lose my phone, I’m protected. It’s definitely worth the one extra second of time it takes for the piece of mind.
March 10th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
My problem is that if a set my passcode, I am obligated to have the passlock on, I want to be able to set it, so that no one can change it. Currently if I don’t have it enabled anyone can come and set their lock on my phone.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Lame… just lame.
I’m unbookmarking you guys… kindergarten, not 101…
May 21st, 2009 at 9:28 am
Ok – I have a problem… I have forgotten my passcode ? I set it to quickly and now I can not get in my phone. Help????
May 31st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Passcode lock won’t turn off on 3g iPhone even when I change it. I go back out and still on.
May 31st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
How did u manage to unlock the phone when you forgot your passcode? Please please help
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 am
I just got my iphone yesterday. I set the passcode lock, entered my four digit pin and a call came through. I didnt think it took, (not used to it!) then a few minutes later I went to use it and it was locked. Oddly enough the four digits I had used did NOT unlock the darn thing. Does anyone know if this happens often? I know I entered them the same. I’m locked out for 60 minutes now. Thanks
June 30th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
This works, but how to lock the phone without having to wait for the time until it get locked automatically. In another word, if I want to lock it now without having to wait for the one or 10 minute? i could not see an option for this..Thanks
July 10th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I have set the passcode lock, but does it really able to block my data if it is stolen. I understand from my subscriber that it is still not of any use as the thief can just change a sim card and still access to my data. is it true ?
August 17th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
With that 10 failed attempt erase thing, is it 10 in a row? Or like try it three times, shut it off, try it again 9 times, shut it off, try again 5, etc? Or 10 total no matter what?
September 5th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I know the procedure to set pass lock but it does not work. I cannot get it from “off” to back to “on”
September 20th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I have a problem, I reset my passcode and totally forgot what it was, after the ten failed attempt thing it totally won’t do anything but display the apple logo, does this wipe the OS out with all your data in it and how do I reset this , please someone help
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
I set the passcode to go off at 1 minute but after one minute of using, it doesn’t seem to turn up! I can lock and unlock without the password coming up. Why? Btw, I am on firmware 3.0
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
i have a new 3G and set my passcode, but now I want to turn off the passcode lock feature and there is no icon for “passcode off” under the passcode lock page, it should be above the “change passcode” icon by pictures i have seen
November 1st, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I have the same problem with scott. There is no “passcode off” icon on passcode lock menu. Please help me to turn off the passcode lock I’ve already set.