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iPhone security settings – step by step

The security settings that matter most on an iPhone – clearly explained and quickly done. Face ID, passcode, updates, tracking protection and Find My.

By Alexander Bock Last updated: January 7, 20263 min read

The iPhone has a reputation for being secure. That is true, but only once a few switches are set correctly. You can do all of this in a few minutes in the Settings app.

The short version

  • Face ID plus a six-digit passcode, not a four-digit PIN.
  • Turn on automatic iOS updates.
  • App Tracking Transparency: switch tracking off.
  • Turn on Find My for locating and remote erase.
  • Protect iCloud with two-factor authentication.

Step by step

Secure your iPhone in 10 minutes

  • Passcode and Face ID: Settings › Face ID & Passcode – set a six-digit passcode and set up Face ID.
  • Updates: Settings › General › Software Update › Automatic Updates – turn on.
  • App tracking: Settings › Privacy & Security › Tracking – turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track”.
  • Find My: Settings › [your name] › Find My – turn on, including “Find My iPhone” and “Send Last Location”.
  • Protect your Apple Account: turn on two-factor authentication.
  • Analytics: under Privacy & Security › Analytics & Improvements, switch off what you do not need to share.

Passcode and Face ID

A six-digit passcode plus Face ID is the foundation: with it your iPhone is encrypted and worthless to a thief without unlocking. Under Face ID & Passcode you can also choose what is reachable from the lock screen – Wallet and Control Center are better switched off there.

Install updates automatically

Apple usually ships security updates quickly. Turn on automatic updates so holes get closed without you having to think about it. For the most urgent ones there are “Rapid Security Responses” – leave those on as well.

Tracking and privacy

App Tracking Transparency stops apps from following you across other apps and websites. Switch off the general tracking request. Also check the location permissions of individual apps and set them to “While Using”.

Find My and your Apple Account

Find My lets you locate a lost iPhone, lock it and erase it remotely. Protect your Apple Account with two-factor authentication – it is the key to iCloud, your photos and your backups.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping the four-digit passcode because it is faster.
  • Dismissing updates and running an old version of iOS.
  • Following phishing links in texts or email – Apple never asks for your password through a link.
  • Leaving your Apple Account without two-factor authentication.
On Android instead? If you use an Android phone, the matching steps are in Android security settings . The general basics are in secure your phone .

Do you have concrete signs that something is wrong? Then go to the first aid for a hacked phone .

Frequently asked questions

Is an iPhone secure out of the box?

iPhones are well protected, but not automatically set up in the best way. Your passcode, automatic updates, app tracking protection and Find My are worth checking once, by hand.

Do I need an antivirus app on my iPhone?

No. Because apps are sandboxed and come from the App Store, classic antivirus software has nothing to do on an iPhone. Updates and care with phishing links matter far more.

What does the lock screen really protect?

A lot. With Face ID and a six-digit passcode your data is encrypted and unreachable without unlocking – the single most effective protection if the phone is lost or stolen.

Topics: Devices, IPhone