Set a Passcode to Unlock

The easiest front-line measure you can take to improve the iPad’s security is to set a passcode lock that must be entered when the iPad is woken from sleep. The passcode can be a four-digit number or a longer, more secure phrase (Figure 11.1).

Figure 11.1. Unlocking the iPad using a phrase

1. Go to Settings > General and tap the Passcode Lock button.

2. To require an alphanumeric passcode, turn the Simple Passcode switch to Off. Otherwise, proceed to the next step to use a four-digit number.

3. Tap the Turn Passcode On button, which brings up the Set Passcode dialog (Figure 11.2).

Figure 11.2. Setting a passcode

4. Enter a four-digit code, then re-enter it to confirm.

5. The passcode dialog is initially set to appear whenever you wake the iPad. If that’s too aggressive, tap the Require Passcode button and choose a timing during which the passcode isn’t needed after entering it successfully once.