Face ID is designed to be secure first and fast second. By default, Face ID-enabled iPhones have a setting turned on that requires you to look directly at your screen before it will unlock. This is meant to make Face ID more secure by making it much more difficult for someone to unlock your phone with your face when you don't want them to. However, I've noticed that this does make Face ID feel slower. Here's how to how to turn off attention awareness to make Face ID a little bit faster.
Privacy & Security
Temporarily Use Old Passcode on iPhone (iOS 17)
By Rachel Needell
If you've recently changed the iPhone passcode, you can set your iPhone to temporarily use the old passcode when you forget the new passcode on iPhone. This is a great way to ensure you don't get locked out of your phone before you've gotten in the habit of remembering the new passcode. In order for this option to show up, you will need to have recently changed the passcode, and you will need to have updated to iOS 17.
Protect Yourself from USPS Text Scams (iOS 17)
By Rhett Intriago
USPS text scams are becoming more and more common lately. You’ve probably received a text recently saying that your package is being held at a warehouse because it can’t be delivered for one reason or another. The text might even provide a URL to a website that looks exactly like the United States Postal Service website. However, these texts are almost always a scam. Let’s go over how to avoid falling for these USPS scam texts.
How to Report & Block Spam Text Messages
By Leanne Hays
Tired of receiving spam texts? You can report spam texts right in the Messages app. Once you've made your report, you can block the number that the potential text message scam came from, and never receive a call or message from that number again! Let's get started learning how to report junk text messages on your iPhone.
Step Up Your Security: 7 Ways to Up Your Game
By Cullen Thomas
There are many frontiers to protect in today’s world. Maybe it’s not enough to install smart blinds to hide from nosy neighbors and add security cameras and smart locks to deter unwanted guests. Now, with cybercrime a multi-billion-dollar global industry, we might also want to choose a secure app to manage our passwords, find a better backup solution to protect our digital archives from cyber theft, and make sure to keep our credentials unique. Check out our selections for the best home security systems, cyber security apps, and media to learn more about how it all works.
Instantly Protect Yourself on iPhone with Emergency Reset in Safety Check (iOS 17)
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
What is Emergency Reset in Safety Check on the iPhone? Emergency Reset is a feature that allows you to instantly stop sharing with people, apps, and Apple devices. This is particularly handy if your digital or personal safety is being threatened. Learn how to run a security check on your iPhone and use Emergency Reset to lock out the people who shouldn't be there.
What Are Compromised Passwords on iPhone? (iOS 17)
By Rhett Intriago
Have you ever checked your saved passwords and seen a message about compromised passwords on your iPhone? This is Apple’s way of helping you stay secure. When you see this message, it’s your iPhone letting you know that some of your passwords are not as secure as you might think. However, if you do not need this warning, there’s an easy way to turn it off.
How to Autofill Verification Codes on iPhone (iOS 17)
By Rachel Needell
When you sign into certain websites or apps, you will often be asked to use a two-step verification code. But did you know that the iPhone can use autofill to automatically insert the code texted to your iPhone with just a button tap? We'll show you how it works!
Keep Your Message Notifications Private (iOS 17)
By Sarah Kingsbury
Message previews are handy for allowing you to catch a quick glimpse of texts, but they also allow prying eyes to see private conversations. If you have a friend or coworker who has a bad habit of trying to glance at incoming texts, turning off message previews might give you some peace of mind. Find out how to hide messages on iPhone by disabling previews.
Sharing pictures from your iPhone can be fun, but that doesn't mean you also want to share the data attached to the photo. Not everyone needs to know where a picture was taken, especially not when it comes to posting your pictures online. Luckily, you can control how and when that data is shared directly from the Photos app. Let's dive in with how to turn off locations on photos you want to share.
How to Share Your Location on an iPhone—the Fastest Way! (iOS 17)
By Hallei Halter
There are a couple of ways to share your location from an iPhone, but this might be the quickest! Here's how to share your location from your iPhone or iPad in a text message using predictive text.
Apple AirTags: How to Set Them Up & How to Use Them
By Elisabeth Garry
Apple’s new AirTags can help you find those items you’re always misplacing: keys, purses, umbrellas, wallets, and more. The Apple tracking device uses the Find My network to show you the location of the item it's attached to. But before you can retrieve your lost item, you’ll need to learn how to set up and use your AirTag. Here’s how:
How to Scan for AirTags on iPhone & Avoid Being Tracked
By Erin MacPherson
Apple AirTags are a great tool to help you keep track of items like your wallet, keys, or backpack. However, they can also be used by untrustworthy individuals to track people without their knowledge or consent. Learn how to scan for AirTags in the Find My app to prevent unwanted tracking and how to disable an AirTag that may be found near you.
AirTags & Privacy: What You Need to Know
By Elisabeth Garry
AirTags are an Apple tracking device used to help prevent losing your possessions. You can attach AirTags to your frequently misplaced items and use the Find My app to track them down, from near or far. But if you can track your own keys or wallet so easily, what’s stopping stalkers from using an Apple tracker to follow their victims?
Can iPhones get viruses? Not in the traditional sense; but, although rare, your iPad or iPhone can be infected with malware. Luckily, you don't need an antivirus app or a virus cleaner to get rid of it. We'll go over how to improve your iPhone security, from preventing viruses to how to get rid of virus on iPhone. So much personal data is stored on iPhones, so if you're wondering, "Can iPhones get viruses?" we are here to help! Let's get started learning about iPhone viruses so that we can detect, delete, and keep from getting reinfected with viruses.
How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone in 2 Steps (iOS 17)
By Rhett Intriago
Using a VPN on your iPhone allows you to keep your internet connection private and secure. However, if you don’t want to use your VPN 24/7, you need to know how to turn it off once you’re finished using it. We’ll show you how to turn off VPN on iPhone quickly and with as little trouble as possible.
How to See What Data Apps Collect from You (iOS 17)
By Elisabeth Garry
If you're concerned about the data apps are collecting on you, every app in the App Store is required to detail the data the app collects from you and how it's being used. The App Privacy section can be found on the app's product page in the App Store. Let's go over how to find it.
How to Secure Your iPhone with Face ID (iOS 17)
By Conner Carey
Face ID is a security feature that works eerily well. The process is so fast that you’re tempted to make sure it doesn't just let anybody in (don't worry, it doesn't). The iPhone prompts you to set up Face ID when you set up your device for the first time, but if you skipped that part, here’s how to set up Face ID.
5 Quick Ways to Secure Your iPhone
By Cullen Thomas
With hacking making the news every few weeks, it’s high time to take a moment and tighten our digital defenses. Apple makes tons of privacy and security tools available, but it’s up to you to make the most of them.
Review: Upgrade Your Home with the Smart Level Lock+
By Olena Kagui
Have you ever misplaced or forgotten your keys? Gotten all comfy in bed just to wonder, anxiously, if you locked the door? Wished you could let your friend or neighbor into your home while you’re at work? The Level Lock+ makes all these concerns a thing of the past! This smart lock is Apple HomeKit compatible and comes with Apple Home Keys, giving you dozens of quick and easy ways to lock and unlock your door, even if you’re continents away.