iPhone and Android security settings to protect you

Secure your phone fast by using these iPhone and Android security settings to block hackers, guard your data, and protect your privacy.

Science/Technology Oct 16, 2025 0 2 Add to Reading List

If you own an iPhone or Android phone, the default settings alone aren’t enough to keep you fully secure. Hackers and scammers are constantly looking for ways to get at your personal information. The good news is you can take control. This article walks you through the most important security settings to update on both iPhone and Android, step by step, with the latest software. Let’s get started.

A person is using a phone

The ultimate iPhone security settings checklist

Apple’s iPhone has some of the best security built in, but most people don’t know how to turn on all the right protections. Many of the settings that keep hackers, scammers, and snoops away are buried deep in menus. This guide lays out everything step by step, explaining why each option matters and how to switch it on. Be sure your iPhone is updated to the latest software; all of these steps were tested on iOS 26. To check, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version.

A person with an iPhone in her hand

1) Lock Screen and Passcode

Set a strong passcode: A simple 4-digit code is easy to crack. Use a longer alphanumeric passcode with both letters and numbers. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Change Passcode > Passcode Options > Custom Alphanumeric. This makes it much harder for thieves to guess or brute-force.
Enable Face ID or Touch ID: Biometric authentication ensures only you can unlock your device. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. It’s faster than typing and prevents others from accessing your phone.
Require passcode immediately: If your phone waits before requiring a passcode, someone could slip in. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Require Passcode > Immediately. This locks it as soon as you press the power button.
Control lock screen access: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Allow Access When Locked, then toggle off the features below that you don’t want anyone without your passcode to use:
- - Notification Center & Today View and Search → hides message previews and widgets with personal info.
  - Control Center → blocks anyone from changing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or enabling Airplane Mode.
  - Lock Screen Widgets → stops widgets from showing live data, like calendar events or notes, without unlocking.
  - Live Activities → prevents apps from displaying real-time updates (like sports scores or ride-share tracking) on your lock screen.
  - Siri → prevents Siri from being used without unlocking.
  - Reply with Message → stops replies to texts from the lock screen.
  - Home Control → blocks access to smart home devices, like locks, lights, or thermostats, when the phone is locked.
  - Wallet → disables Apple Pay passes/cards when locked.
  - Return Missed Calls → prevents callbacks directly from lock screen notifications.
  - Workout Health Data → hides health and fitness info, like workouts or activity rings, unless the phone is unlocked.
Hide lock screen previews: Notifications can show private information on your lock screen. Go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews > When Unlocked so only you can see them after Face ID/Touch ID.

2) Apple ID and Recovery

Turn on two-factor authentication: Even with your password, thieves can’t log in without a second code. Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
Add trusted numbers: Add at least one backup number so you can recover your account if your main phone is lost. Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security.
Set a recovery contact: A trusted friend or family member can help unlock your account if you’re locked out. Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection > Recovery Options.
Add a recovery key (optional): This is a secure 28-character code you keep offline. If you lose access, this key is your way back in.

3) iCloud and backups

Turn on iCloud Backup: Without a backup, losing your phone could mean losing everything. Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Toggle on next to Back Up This iPhone.
Enable Advanced Data Protection: This encrypts more of your iCloud data so even Apple can’t read it. Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection > On.
Turn on Find My iPhone: This feature lets you locate, lock, or wipe your phone if it’s stolen. Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > On.
Enable Send Last Location: If your phone battery dies, this saves its last known location. Same menu as above. Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone> Toggle on Send Last Location.

4) Privacy permissions

Review App Privacy Report: See which apps use your location, mic, or camera. Settings > Privacy & Security > Scroll down and click App Privacy Report. Review monthly.
Limit Location access: Many apps only need location when you’re using them. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and set each app to “While Using the App.”
Turn off Precise Location (when not needed): Most apps don’t require your exact address. To reduce exposure: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > [App] > Precise Location and toggle it off so the app only sees your approximate area.
Restrict microphone: Block apps that shouldn’t use your microphone. Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and toggle off access for apps that don’t need it.
Restrict camera access: Block apps that shouldn’t use your camera. Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and toggle off access for apps that don’t need it.
Review Photos access: Limit apps to “Selected Photos” if possible. Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos > None.
Tracking control: Prevent apps from profiling you. Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking > toggle off next to each app that you don’t want to allow to track you.

5) Stop your iPhone from always listening

Restrict Siri on Lock Screen: Stop Siri from activating without unlocking. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Allow Siri When Locked and toggle it off. Confirm your decision by clicking Turn Off Allow Siri When Locked.
Limit Siri suggestions: Prevent Siri from popping up predictive prompts. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Suggestions and toggle off options like Suggest Apps Before Searching, Allow Notifications, Show in App Library, Show When Sharing, and Show Listening Suggestions depending on what you don’t want Siri analyzing or surfacing.
Restrict microphone access: Already covered, but worth repeating. Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and toggle off access for apps that don’t need it.
Turn off background app refresh: Stops apps from constantly checking data in the background. Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Click it again > Off (or Wi-Fi only).

6) Messages, Mail, Safari

Screen Unknown Senders: Keep texts from unknown numbers out of your main inbox. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Under Unknown Senders, you’ll see Screen Unknown Senders and toggle it on.
Screen or Silence Unknown Callers: Cut spam calls from unsaved numbers. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Under “Screen Unknown Callers,” click either “Silence” or “Ask Reason for Calling” (which asks the caller for more information before your iPhone rings.)
Mail Privacy Protection: Blocks senders from tracking when you open emails. Settings > Apps > Mail > Privacy Protection > Protect Mail Activity > On.
Safari security: Go to Settings > Apps > Safari and under Privacy & Security enable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking, Hide IP Address, Fraudulent Website Warning, and under where it says ‘General’ enable Block Pop-ups.

7) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop

Ask to Join Networks: Prevents auto-joining unsafe Wi-Fi. Settings > Wi-Fi > Ask to Join Networks > Click Ask.
Forget old Wi-Fi networks: Clears out saved unsafe ones. Settings > Wi-Fi > [tap “i”] > Forget This Network.
Set AirDrop to Contacts Only: Stops strangers from sending files. Settings > General > AirDrop > Contacts Only (or Receiving Off).
Turn off Bluetooth when unused: Settings > Bluetooth > Toggle Off.

8) Updates and apps

Automatic iOS updates: Keeps you patched. Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > On.
App updates: Keeps apps safe. Settings > Apps > App Store > App Updates > Toggle On.
Pro Tip: Only install from App Store: Avoid shady apps from elsewhere.

9) Passwords and Passkeys

Use iCloud Keychain or a password manager like NordPass: Store unique passwords safely.
Enable 2FA on key accounts: Email, banking, and social media.
Check for password alerts: Go to Settings > Apps > Passwords. If Apple detects weak, reused, or compromised passwords, you’ll see a banner or warning icon. Tap the alert to update the login; fixing it is what protects you, since detection alone won’t stop someone from using a stolen password.

10) Advanced Protections

Private Wi-Fi Address: Hides your real hardware ID. Settings > Wi-Fi > [tap “i”] > Private Wi-Fi Address > On.
SIM PIN: Adds protection to your SIM card. Settings > Cellular > SIM PIN > On.
Lockdown Mode: For high-risk users. Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Click Turn On Lockdown Mode. (Turn on this extreme protection if you believe you’re being targeted in a cyberattack. Apps, websites, and feature functionality will be limited and some experiences may be completely unavailable).

11) Safety

Stolen Device Protection: Requires Face ID/Touch ID for account changes. Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection > On.
Set up Medical ID: Shows medical info to first responders. Settings > Apps > Health > Medical ID and fill out the details like allergies, medications, emergency contacts, and blood type.
Enable Emergency SOS: Quickly call for help using your side button.
- Call with 5 presses: Press the side button 5 times fast to start an emergency call.
- Call with hold and release: Hold the side + volume buttons until you see SOS Emergency Call. Then click where it says SOS Emergency Call.

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Android security settings you should check

Android offers powerful customization, but that means you have to take extra steps to secure your phone. These steps give you the exact settings to check, with both the “why” and the “how.” They’re based on the latest version of Android (Android 15), so you’ll know your phone is protected with up-to-date security settings.