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iPhone Security Tips

iPhone Security Tips in 2024: Secure Your iPhone From Hackers 

Keeping your iPhone safe from hackers and software vulnerabilities is essential. Apple’s iOS is touted as being secure, but it’s not always clear how to improve your protection. In this guide, we’ll talk through the top iPhone security tips that can help protect your data.

Kate HawkinsBrett DaySimona Ivanovski

Written by Kate Hawkins (Writer)

Reviewed by Brett Day (Writer, Editor)

Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski (Fact-Checker)

Last Updated: 2024-09-30T21:06:10+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: iPhone Safety Tips
  • Apple prides itself on its iOS security, and there are multiple built-in security features you should utilize to protect your iPhone.
  • You can further optimize your iPhone safety by using third-party apps like a VPN or password manager, or by using a privacy screen.
  • Running a security scan using the “safety check” feature is a quick and easy way to see what people and apps can access your personal information.

Facts & Expert Analysis About iPhone Security Features:

  • Your iPhone is always collecting data: It can be difficult to tell what data an app is collecting, so you should minimize data sharing by using iPhone privacy features.
  • Mobile malware is on the rise: It’s important to be vigilant when downloading apps and accessing websites, as your iPhone isn’t invulnerable to malicious online threats.
  • Keeping your iPhone secure doesn’t take long: Activating the built-in security tools that iOS provides is quick and simple, and they won’t impact your battery life.

Apple’s iOS is renowned for its security, so it’s easy to believe that you don’t have to make any changes to protect your iPhone. However, we’ve found plenty of iPhone security tips to protect your device, including regularly updating your software, using in-built privacy features and utilizing software like a high-quality VPN.

To avoid the top online threats — like phishing scams, data leaks, vulnerabilities found in outdated software, and hackers on unsecured public WiFi — it’s important to be vigilant and safeguard your iPhone. The following tips are easy to implement; they don’t take long to set up and won’t impact how your iPhone operates, getting you secure in no time.

  • 07/10/2024 Facts checked

    We rewrote this guide, also providing an easier-to-read format.

Apple Security: 11 Best iPhone Security Tips

Here are some of the top tips for keeping your iPhone, Apple account and iOS operating system safe and secure.

1. Keep Apps & iOS Software Updated

Regularly updating your apps and operating system keeps your iPhone secure. Apple frequently deploys iOS updates to patch software vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers, potentially compromising your security (read more about this topic in our ransomware statistics article).

For apps, the best way to keep your software secure is to enable automatic updates. Go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and toggle the option to “on.” iOS usually has automatic updates that notify you when they’re ready. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

iphone ios update process
Switch on automatic updates to ensure you’re using the latest iOS version.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) makes you provide extra information to verify your identity when using your Apple ID on an unfamiliar or new device, like a new phone or web browser. Among the paid and free identity theft protection tools, it’s the best free method to avoid identity theft. You must input your device password, and a second factor — a six-digit number or security key — will be sent to your existing device or phone number.

To set up two-factor authentication, follow these steps: 

Go to Settings > (tap your name) > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.

3. Check Your iPhone Security & Privacy Settings

Your iPhone has a “privacy & security” menu that details which apps can access your location data, contact list, camera and other sensitive information. You’ll also find details on app permissions for tracking activities and location access. Check each option and toggle off any app permissions that you feel are invasive to your data and online privacy.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security to access these options. Scroll down to switch on the app privacy report. This records information like data access, app activity and frequently contacted domains, making it easier to make adjustments on an app-by-app basis.

iphone privacy security settings
Tap to adjust app permissions that access contacts, photos and other data.
4. Use Safety Check (iOS 16 or Later)

Safety check is a feature that quickly stops the sharing of data and information with apps and other people if your circumstances change. 

There are two options for using it:

  1. Emergency Reset: This feature instantly resets data-sharing access with all people and apps, and prompts you to change your Apple ID password and review your emergency contacts.
  2. Manage Sharing & Access: This option lets you customize which apps and people can access your information, and allows you to review your account security.

To find this feature on your compatible iPhone, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.

5. Disable Lock Screen Notifications

Notifications that pop up when your iPhone is locked can reveal private and sensitive data that you might not want others to see, like private messages and mail activity. To avoid this, change your notification settings to only display notifications when your phone is unlocked.

Go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews and choose “when unlocked or never.” If you’re concerned about sensitive information in specific apps (like emails or WhatsApp), you can switch off notifications for those apps. For example, head to Notifications > WhatsApp > Show Previews to disable lock screen notifications for that app.

iphone lock screen notifications
You can change lock screen notifications overall or on a per-app basis.
6. Only Download Apps From Official Sources

One of the biggest threats to iPhone users involves fake apps that are loaded with malware or are designed to trick you into divulging your sensitive data. When downloading third-party apps, make sure you get them from the Apple app store — don’t sideload apps or download them from shady websites.

7. Enable Face ID or Touch ID & Set a Strong Passcode

Depending on your iPhone model, you’ll have Face ID or Touch ID. While Touch ID is considered more secure than Face ID, both are excellent ways to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your device. Make sure you also set up a strong passcode. A strong passcode comprises six numbers that can’t be easily linked to you — so not your birth date!

To set up Face ID or Touch ID, head to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode and follow the prompts to turn on biometric authentication. You can also set up or change your device passcode from there.

8. Enable “Find My iPhone”

Putting down your iPhone and forgetting it is not only inconvenient, but also a security risk if someone can access your device. Switching on Find My iPhone lets you track your phone to an exact location using another Apple device. You can also remotely wipe your phone to protect your data if you think it’s been stolen.

To activate the “Find My iPhone” feature, go to Settings > (tap your name) > Find My > Find My iPhone.

iphone enable find my iphone
You can enable “Find My iPhone” in your device’s Apple ID options.
9. Enable Apple’s Stolen Device Protection

Stolen device protection is a newer security feature that activates when your iPhone is away from familiar locations. Turn on this new iPhone setting to protect your money and photos from someone who may take your device while knowing your passcode.

To turn on stolen device protection, go to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode > (enter your passcode) > Stolen Device Protection and activate it.

10. Get Additional Privacy Software

Tools like a quality VPN and password manager will boost your iPhone security. An iPhone VPN encrypts connections, which is especially useful on public WiFi that hackers often use to intercept sensitive data.

  • A service like NordVPN is one of the top VPNs for iPhones — you can read all about it in our NordVPN review.

A password manager works by protecting all of your website and app passwords, so you don’t have to remember tons of unique passwords or reuse a password multiple times (which is extremely risky). They can also help you generate secure passwords

NordVPN and 1Password
Software like NordVPN and 1Password can help improve your iPhone security.
11. Get a Privacy Screen

A privacy screen limits the viewing angle of your iPhone screen, so only the person holding the phone can see what’s on it. It’s useful for areas like public transport, the office or eateries, allowing you to check banking apps and sensitive data without anyone spying on your activity.

How Secure Are iPhones?

iPhones are very secure, but they’re not 100% safe from every online threat. Using all of our recommended tips — plus extra tools like Apple’s iCloud storage with end-to-end encryption — won’t protect you from scams such as phishing links or dangerous public WiFi networks

Achieve Online Privacy and Security Even as a VPN Novice

  • Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
  • Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
  • Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
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Ultimately, it’s up to you to avoid the threats that iOS can’t prevent. Being vigilant about link safety, ensuring you only download reputable applications and switching on your iPhone’s built-in tools will help you maintain security.

Does an iPhone Have a Built-In Antivirus?

No, iPhone doesn’t have a built-in antivirus. iOS is a “sandbox” operating system, which means apps can’t gather information from or modify other applications. As such, an antivirus tool can’t scan a different application for malware because iOS won’t allow access between the two.

How to Run a Security Scan on iPhone

The best way to run a security scan on your iPhone is by using the “safety check” feature. This lets you see and edit the people and Apple apps that you’re sharing data with — plus, you can review your Apple account to confirm that it’s secure. Here’s how to run a security check:

  1. Open the iPhone Settings menu and tap Privacy & Security
  2. Scroll down to Safety Check
  3. Choose Manage Sharing & Access
  4. Follow the prompts to allow or disallow data sharing with individuals and apps
  5. Review your account and change passwords if necessary

iphone safety check
Run a security scan by using the “manage sharing & access” option.

Final Thoughts

It’s always a good idea to take extra precautions to protect your iPhone and your data. Fortunately, boosting security is simple with iPhone’s built-in tools. If you need a little extra protection, you can opt for a VPN or password manager.

Have you experienced a safety issue with your iPhone? Do you have any tips to keep your iPhone secure? What do you think is the best software to protect your device? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.

FAQ: iPhone Security Check

  • You can make your iPhone more secure by limiting the data you share with apps and other people. It’s also possible to configure your iPhone’s settings to maximize privacy (like adding two-factor authentication and biometric authentication). Finally, you can use software like a VPN and get a privacy screen.

  • You can perform a security scan using the “safety check” feature on your iPhone.

  • There are a few ways to tell if your iPhone has been hacked: Your battery life may drain quickly; your device could overheat; contacts may report spam messages from your number; you could experience high data usage when you’re using your device normally; and unknown apps or pop-ups may appear.

  • To improve your iPhone security, turn off data sharing between your device and other people or apps, switch off location sharing and disable lock screen notifications.

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