iOS Security Recommendations

This help page contains security recommendations to prevent personal information on your Apple iOS device (iPad or iPhone) from falling into the wrong hands. If you would like any further information or have any questions, please contact Information Technology at 937-766-7905.

Set a Passcode

There are three types of passwords you can set: a word or phrase, a numeric code, or a simple, 4-digit code. 

To Set a Passcode: 

1. Turn on your device.
2. Tap the [Settings] app.
3. Tap “Touch ID & Passcode.”
4. Tap "Turn Passcode On." The “Set Passcode” dialog box will open.
5. Tap the "Passcode Options" link and chose from the following passcodes:
   • Custom Alphanumeric Code: Enter a passcode word or phrase
   • Custom Numeric Code: Enter in a numeric code with an unlimited amount of digits
   • 4-Digit Numeric Code: Enter a 4 digit code
6. If prompted, enter your Apply ID password to set passcode. 

Note: It is also recommended that you set your device to erase all of its data if your passcode is entered 10 times incorrectly. This will prevent hackers from accessing your personal information. To enable this setting, navigate to the Passcode Lock settings (“Settings” > “General” > “Touch ID and Passcode”) and activate “Erase Data” (toggle "Off" to "On").

Set up Touch ID

Touch ID uses your fingerprints to unlock your device. When you set up Touch ID, you can press and hold your thumb (or other fingers) on the Home button to unlock your device. Please note that Touch ID always requires you set up a passcode first. 

To set up Touch ID:

1. Turn on your device. 
2. Tap the [Settings] app. 
3. Tap "Touch ID & Passcode."
4. Tap the "Add a Fingerprint..." link.
5. Follow the prompts until your finger has been scanned into the system. Now you can use that finger to unlock your device. 
6. To rename your fingerprint, tap "Finger 1" > Enter in a new name. 

Note: Apple will ask you to enter your passcode to unlock your device after you restart your device, if you have not unlocked your device in the past 48 hours, and after there have been at least 5 consecutive unrecognized Touch ID thumbprints. 

Use the Find my iPhone App

If you misplace your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch), you can locate it using the Find my iPhone application. When you enable Find my iPhone on your device, Apple uses iCloud to track your device. If you lose your device, you can track it on the Find My iPhone website or within the app. Using the app, you can also activate lost mode, play a sound at full volume, or wipe all personal information off the device.

To Enable Find my iPhone:

1. From your device's home screen, tap [Settings].
2. At the top, tap your Apple ID > tap "iCloud."
3. From the list, locate "Find my iPhone" and it switch to "on."

To Use Find my iPhone on an iOS Device:

1. From the Apple Store, install the "Find my iPhone."
2. Sign in using your Apple ID and password. 
3. Tap the iOS device you wish to locate and track it using the map. 
4. Tap "Actions" and choose from the following options:
   • Play Sound: activates a sound at full volume on your device, even if it is on silent or vibrate
   • Lost Mode: allows you to enter a phone number that will appear on the device's home screen. This option will play a sound to catch someone's attention so they will call the number on the device
   • Erase: deletes all personal information from your device

To Use Find my iPhone on the Web:

1. From a browser, navigate to iCloud.com. 
2. Log in using your Apple ID and password. 
3. Click the "Find my iPhone" app. 
4. Log in to your iCloud again. 
5. Click "All Devices" and select the device you wish to locate. 
6. From the pop-up window contain your device information, choose from the following options:
   • Play Sound: activates a sound at full volume on your device, even if it is on silent or vibrate
   • Lost Mode: allows you to enter a phone number that will appear on the device's home screen. This option will play a sound to catch someone's attention so they will call the number on the device
   • Erase: deletes all personal information from your device