Vigil Learn › Your iPhone

Why does my iPhone need a passcode?

Lesson 2 of 2 in Your iPhone

Without one, anyone holding your phone can open your email, bank and photos. Set a 6-digit passcode or longer in Settings, Face ID & Passcode.

Why It Matters

A passcode also locks the data on your phone, so it stays scrambled if the phone is lost or stolen.

What To Do

  1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. On iPhones with a Home button, it's Touch ID & Passcode.
  2. Tap Turn Passcode On, or Change Passcode if you have a short one.
  3. Use 6 digits or more. Tap Passcode Options for a longer code.
  4. While you're there, turn on Stolen Device Protection.

Check your own home

Vigil by Cortex is a weekly Wi-Fi checkup for iPhone. One tap checks every device on your Wi-Fi and what the internet can see, then shows you what to fix, step by step.

Try Vigil Free

More in Your iPhone

  1. Do iOS updates really matter?