Keep Your Device and Data Private: How to Activate and Use the Passcode Lock Feature

As you’ll discover, there are several simple ways to protect the data stored on your iPhone or iPad, and keep it away from unauthorized users. If you want to keep data on your phone or tablet private, the first thing to do is set up and activate the Passcode Lock feature that’s built in to iOS 5.

From the Settings app, tap on the General option. Next, tap on the Passcode Lock option to turn on this feature. (By default, the Passcode option is turned off.)

When the Passcode Lock screen appears, tap on the icon located at the top of the screen that’s labeled Turn Passcode On to activate this security feature.

When the Set Passcode window appears on the phone or tablet’s screen (shown in Figure 2.13), use the virtual numeric keypad to create a four-digit security passcode for your device. This code is requested every time the iPhone or iPad is turned on or woken up from Sleep Mode.