In this digital world we have found ourselves, securing your iPhone has never been more important and you can do that with our best iPhone security settings guide.
With threats evolving daily, having the right settings in place is key to keeping your personal info and your iPhone secure from unauthorized access.
Apple has great security features but just owning an iPhone doesn’t mean you’re 100% protected. You need to know and turn on the right settings to harden your device.
In this guide we’ll go through the best iPhone security settings for 2024 so you can stay one step ahead of the hackers and keep your data safe.
Apple’s iOS is considered one of the most secure operating systems in the world. It’s designed to protect you from malware, phishing scams and data theft.
But relying only on Apple’s built in security features isn’t enough in this connected world. As iPhone users we face threats like phishing scams, unsecured public WiFi networks and app vulnerabilities.
The good news is you can harden your iPhone’s security in just a few minutes using processes like the iPhone privacy features to reduce your exposure to these risks.
This article will look at some of those simple steps to secure your iPhone without sacrificing usability through iOS security best practices.
11 Best iPhone Security Settings for 2024
1. Update Apps & iOS
Updating your iPhone’s software is your first line of defense against threats. Each iOS update includes fixes for known security vulnerabilities so make sure your device is running the latest version.
Why Updates Matter
Hackers are always looking for weaknesses in software to exploit and Apple releases updates to patch those vulnerabilities. These updates bring new features but also security. Update both your apps and iOS whenever new versions are available.
How to Enable Automatic Updates
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Toggle on Automatic Updates so your device will install updates automatically without prompting you.
For apps go to App Store settings and enable Automatic Downloads for app updates.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Apple ID so even if someone has your password they can’t get into your account.
Setting Up 2FA
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.
- Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.
When you sign in with your Apple ID on a new device you’ll get a verification code on a trusted device or phone number. You must enter this code to complete the sign in process so it’s almost impossible for someone to get into your account without having both your password and the verification code.
3. Use Strong Passcodes & Biometrics
Many people use a 4 digit passcode for convenience, but using a strong alphanumeric passcode or biometrics can really help secure your iPhone.
Enable a Stronger Passcode
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
- Tap Change Passcode and select Passcode Options to create a longer alphanumeric passcode.
Using Face ID or Touch ID adds an extra layer of security, so even if someone gets your passcode they won’t be able to unlock your phone without your face or fingerprint.
4. Disable Lock Screen Notifications
Getting notifications on your lock screen may seem convenient but it’s a security risk. Sensitive info like OTPs (one time passwords) or messages can be visible to anyone without unlocking your phone.
Turning Off Lock Screen Notifications
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Scroll through the apps and disable Show Previews or choose When Unlocked so sensitive content is only visible after authentication.
5. Use Apple’s Safety Check
Introduced in iOS 16, Safety Check helps you manage who has access to your personal data and apps. It’s a must have for tracking what data is being shared and with who.
How to Use Safety Check
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
- Choose Manage Sharing & Access and follow the prompts to review data sharing permissions for apps and people.
This also allows you to restrict certain people or apps from accessing your data in real time, so it’s super useful if you suspect a breach.
6. Download Apps from Trusted Sources
Hackers get into devices through malicious apps. Although the App Store has security checks, always be careful.
Stay Safe
- Download apps from the official App Store. Don’t use third party app stores or unknown links.
7. Find My iPhone
Find My iPhone is a must have feature that will help you locate your phone if it’s lost or stolen. It also lets you remotely lock or wipe your device to prevent unauthorized access.
How to Enable Find My iPhone
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone.
- Turn it on and make sure Send Last Location is also on so it will send the device’s last known location if the battery dies.
8. Stolen Device Protection
Apple has a strong anti-theft feature called Activation Lock which prevents anyone from using your phone if it gets stolen. This is enabled when Find My iPhone is turned on.
Why It Matters
Even if a thief tries to reset your phone, they won’t be able to use it unless they know your Apple ID and password, so the device is useless to them.
9. Use a VPN
iPhones have built-in security features but using a VPN provides an extra layer of protection especially when browsing on public WiFi networks.
How it Works
A VPN encrypts your internet connection so hackers can’t intercept your data. If you use public WiFi often like in cafes or airports, a VPN is a must.
Top VPNs for iPhone
Some of the best VPNs for iPhone 2024 are NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. They have great encryption and are user friendly.
10. Privacy Screen
If you’re worried about people snooping on your phone in public spaces, consider using a privacy screen protector. This accessory limits the screen visibility to those directly in front of it so others can’t read your messages or personal info.
11. Review Privacy Settings
iPhones have various privacy settings that allows you to control how apps access your data. These should be reviewed regularly to make sure no unnecessary permissions are granted.
How to Review App Permissions
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Review permissions for each app, especially access to sensitive data like your location, camera and microphone.
Conclusion
Keeping your iPhone secure in 2024 is easier than ever with the built-in tools Apple offers. From updating your software to using features like Find My iPhone and Safety Check, you can secure your device in minutes. But always be on guard against phishing scams and only download apps from reputable sources. By following the security settings and tips in this guide, you can protect your iPhone and personal info from evolving cyber threats. Be proactive and stay safe in this digital age.
I’m Edidiong Ekpo, an experienced SEO content writer who writes well-researched articles to educate the public on various niches across the web.