How To: Make a Lock Screen More Secure

How To: Make a Lock Screen More Secure

In many cases the only thing stopping an unauthorised user accessing your digital files is your locked screen. The directions below for iOS and Android devices should help protect your files from unauthorised access.

iOS

Follow these simple tips to prevent unauthorised access to your iOS phone.

 

Screen PIN

Making your lock screen PIN longer than 4digits is an effective way of increasing security.

Head to Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode and disable Simple Passcode. You will then be able to create an alphanumeric password longer than 4digits.

 

Screen Lock

Changing the screen lock setting to a shorter time means there is less time for someone to pick up your phone.

To reduce the time head to Settings > General > Auto-Lock and select the shortest time.

 

Siri

Siri can still be accessed from the lock screen, meaning an authorised user could gain access to parts of your phone.

To disable this head to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and turn Off Siri.

 

Android

Follow these simple tips to prevent unauthorised access to your Android phone.

 

Screen PIN

Choosing a longer PIN code for unlocking your screen is a great first step for better security. Android supports up to 16digit PINs, or alternatively you could create a unique pattern for signing in.

Head to Settings > Security > Screen Lock and select PIN Lock.

 

Screen Lock

A shorter screen lock means a less likely chance someone will pick up your phone before the screen self-locks.

Head to Settings > Security > Screen Lock and change Lock phone after to Immediately.

 

Notifications

Hiding sensitive notifications will stop people seeing your phone’s content while the screen is locked.

To change the way notifications are displayed head to Settings > Sound & Notifications and change When Device is Locked to Hide sensitive notification content.

 

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