7 important iPhone security settings to change right now
The iPhone is Apple’s most popular product, and the Cupertino company does everything it can to keep up with the latest tech developments while adding its own. You may have had an iPhone for years and not know everything it’s capable of. Tap or click here for seven hidden iPhone features you may not know.
Beyond the fun stuff, many security settings are baked into your iPhone. It’s important to know what they do and when to use them. This goes beyond simply enabling Face ID or Touch ID. We’ll help you get started.
1. Use the built-in authenticator
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security when signing into an account, website or service. You’ll commonly encounter logins that send a code to your device for authentication.
Your iPhone can receive verification codes for sites and apps that offer 2FA without relying on text messages or additional apps. This will automatically happen if your phone is running iOS 12 and higher. When you get a texted 2FA security code, it will automatically appear in the code field.
Here’s how to set up automatic verification codes for a website or app by entering a setup key:
- Sign in to the area of the website or app where you manage your account, then select options to enable two-factor authentication and an authenticator app.
- Choose the option to manually use a setup key (or setup code or similar), then select and copy the setup key.
- Go to Settings > Passwords, then select your account for the website or app.
- Tap Set Up Verification Code, then tap Enter Setup Key.
- Tap the Setup Key field, tap Paste, then OK.
- Tap the Verification Code field, then tap Copy Verification Code.
- Return to the website or app, then paste the verification code where directed.
2. Lock down apps that always know where you are
Why would an app need to know where you are? Perhaps you want your navigation app to know this to guide you to your destination. You may want your weather app to give you accurate local results.
But what about others? Does a game or music app need to know where you are? What about social media? You can quickly check which apps can access your location and restrict them as needed.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- To review or change access settings for an app or to see its explanation for requesting Location Services, tap the app. You can set when an app can track your location or turn it off completely.
RELATED: Have an iPhone, iPad or Mac? Here’s how to set up Apple’s built-in storage
Why you should set up VIP contacts on your iPhone
Your iPhone is probably capable of so much more than you know. It has a pre-installed measuring app to help with projects around the house. There’s even a setting that will allow you to multitask during FaceTime calls. Tap or click here for 10 iPhone tricks you’ll use all the time.
How to set up a Legacy Contact on your iPhone
We’re so connected to our devices and accounts that you have to wonder what happens when you pass away. What happens to all our stuff?
You can manage your digital affairs, and it’s not very different from doing the same with your house and belongings. Leave it in the hands of someone you trust. Facebook has an option to set up a legacy contact who can manage your friends, posts and tags and even close the account. We included the feature in our report on critical security checks. Tap or click here to learn more.
Facebook privacy settings: Most important security checks to do now
Between security and revelations surrounding Facebook’s tracking policies, it’s no secret that your privacy is at risk with the social network.
Facebook has revealed a tracking technology called pixel, which website developers can add to their site’s code to track Facebook users for ad targeting. Mozilla and the Markup teamed up to get a closer look at Facebook’s pixel tracking network. Tap or click here for our report and see how you can become part of the study.
Before you die, decide who gets access to your online accounts and digital files
Have you given any thought as to what you want to happen to your accounts, files, photos, and the rest of your online life once you’re gone? If the number of calls and requests I am getting for help on my national radio show is any indication, do it now while you’re thinking about it.
What happens to your social media accounts when you die?
Social media plays a significant role in our lives. We can think of our accounts as virtual storybooks of experiences and accomplishments.
We’re all so engrossed in our digital lives that even with Facebook’s unbelievable number of missteps over the years, people can’t seem to quit using the site. Tap or click to learn more about Facebook’s data leak. But have you ever wondered what happens to your social media accounts after you’ve passed away?