Use a passcode
A passcode helps prevent other people from accessing your device. Learn how to set up a passcode on your devices. If you have an iPhone 5s or later, iPad Air 2, or iPad mini 3 or later, you can use Touch ID.
Use Find my iPhone
If you're signed in to iCloud, you can use Find my iPhone to:
- Locate and track your device on a map
- Play a sound on your device to find it when it's nearby
- Remotely lock or erase a lost device
Find my iPhone also includes Activation Lock—a feature designed to prevent anyone else from using your device if it's ever lost or stolen. Learn how to set up Find my iPhone.
Privacy controls
Apps can use and share your contacts, location services, photos, microphone access, and other data and features.
The first time an app asks for your data, you'll be asked to allow access.
If you change your mind later, or want to check which apps you've shared data with, go to Settings > Privacy.
To reset all location-service and privacy warnings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.
Only allow trusted devices
When you connect an iOS device to a computer for the first time, a message asks you to trust the computer before you can continue.
If you use a passcode, you'll need to unlock your device before it can sync with your computer.
Encrypt your iTunes backup
You can copy and save the information on your iOS device by backing up with iCloud or iTunes. If you ever need to restore a device or set up a new one, you'll have a backup of your information to use.
An iCloud backup gets encrypted automatically. To encrypt an iTunes backup, you'll need to choose Encrypt [device] backup in iTunes. Be sure to remember your password, because there's no way to recover your information or turn off Encrypt Backup if you lose or forget your password.
Get more help
Find out what to do if your device is lost or stolen.