How to Lock an iPhone

IOS 8 has many setting choices to keep your iPhone secure.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

"Locking" an iPhone usually refers to pressing the top button to turn off the screen. However, iOS 8 includes security features to require a passcode or a registered fingerprint to turn on the screen and use the iPhone. If the Passcode setting is enabled, the top button then locks your iPhone to secure it. Go to the "Passcode" section of the Settings app to edit the method by which you secure your phone and to choose what you can still access while it's locked.

Step 1

Choose "Passcode" in your Settings app.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Click "Passcode" in your Settings app. It's marked with a padlock icon. If your phone is equipped to scan fingerprints, the setting is "Touch ID and Passcode" next to a fingerprint icon.

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Step 2

Select "Turn Passcode On" in Passcode Settings.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Choose "Turn Passcode On" in the Passcode settings options to require a four-digit numeric code to unlock your phone.

Step 3

Choose a four-digit code and enter it twice.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Enter a four-digit code. Enter it a second time to confirm.

Step 4

Disable Siri's access when the phone is locked for increased security.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Disable Siri in the Passcode settings for extra security. Use the toggle switch labeled "Siri" in the "Allow Access When Locked" section of the Passcode settings.

When this setting is enabled, which is the default, anyone can view notes and call history, make calls, post to Facebook and even send and read email while the screen is locked. The safest thing to do is to disable Siri on the lock screen.