O iPhone offers a wide range of features, but some stand out for their usefulness and quickly become indispensable. For more experienced users, these settings significantly increase security and significantly improve the device's user experience.
Below we mention some tips that increase the security and usability of the iPhone
- Stolen device protection
Apple introduced Stolen Device Protection to safeguard your data if someone steals your iPhone and knows your passcode. This layer of security prevents quick changes by requiring Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive actions and, in critical cases, adds a waiting period before committing changes.
To activate, open "Settings" > "Face ID & Passcode" and enter your passcode. Scroll down until you find "Stolen Device Protection" and toggle it on. For enhanced protection anywhere (not just away from familiar locations like home or work), under the "Require Security Interval" tab, choose "Always."
With this feature enabled, your iPhone will no longer accept passcodes for secure tasks, requiring biometric authentication. For more important changes, such as signing out of your Apple account or changing your password, you will need to authenticate once, wait about an hour, and then authenticate again.
- Blocking code and account changes
If a third party has access to your passcode, they can do much more than simply unlock your iPhone. They can go into Settings and change your device passcode or your Apple account information, locking you out. That's why it's crucial. add an extra barrier to these definitions.
Open Settings and navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy. Toggle this on and slide to Allow changes to:. Select Passcode & Face ID and set it to Don't allow. Repeat the process for Accounts. From this point on, Any attempt to edit these sections will require the Screen Time code..
After applying these changes, your Apple account menu in Settings will appear grayed out and inaccessible. The "Face ID & Passcode" section will also disappear from the main menu. which indicates that the protection is working correctly.
- Lock mode for maximum security
While most iPhone settings protect you from everyday risks, "Lockdown Mode" is designed for a higher level of security. It's intended for users who may be targeted by spyware or sophisticated cyberattacks. provides a robust layer of defense when you need it most.
In your iPhone's Settings, select Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode. Tap Turn on Lockdown Mode. Now restart your device.
When enabled, this mode restricts features such as previewing links in messages, FaceTime calls with strangers, and wired connections when the smartphone is locked. While it's not practical for everyday use, is a valuable tool to activate while traveling or when dealing with sensitive information.
- Sensitive content warning on iPhone
Have you ever imagined receiving an image on your iPhone that you wish you hadn't seen? With "Sensitive Content Warning" enabled, your device automatically blurs potentially explicit photos and videos until you decide to view them. This is an essential feature. since unexpected images may appear in messages or via AirDrop.
To set it up, go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Sensitive Content Warning.” Turn it on and choose the apps you want it to work on. It's particularly useful for Messages and AirDrop. but also applies to FaceTime video messages and contact pictures.
- Guided Access to limit usage to a single iPhone app
Handing your iPhone over to someone else can be risky, especially if it's a child who might inadvertently change settings or access private content. “Guided Access” solves this problem by locking your smartphone to a single application.
To set it up, go to “Settings” > “Accessibility” and tap “Guided Access.” Turn it on, then go to “Passcode Settings” to set a specific passcode for this feature. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID. end a session.
To start Guided Access, open the desired app and triple-click the side button (on models with Face ID) or the home button (on older models).
- Distance from the screen to protect your eyesight
The Screen Away feature uses the TrueDepth camera to detect if you're holding your iPhone too close to your face for an extended period, alerting you to move it away. Over time, this practice can reduce digital eye strain. and promote healthier viewing habits.
To activate it, open Settings, tap Screen Time, select Screen Distance, and toggle it on. If you keep the screen less than 30 foot from your eyes for a period of time, your iPhone will display an alert. Simply move it away and tap Continue.
