How do I secure my iPhone or iPad?

To secure the data on your mobile device, you should always use a pattern, PIN, passcode, or password to lock your device.  If your device is lost or stolen, this precaution can prevent others from accessing your calendar, email, contacts, and other data.

Using the Passcode Lock feature

Every iOS device provides a Passcode Lock feature that lets you set a four-digit passcode for locking the device. On a device running iOS 4 or later, you can choose to set either a simple, four-digit passcode or a variable-length alphanumeric passcode.

To use Passcode Lock on your iOS device:

1. From the home screen, tap Settings, and then choose General > Passcode Lock. 
   
   
2. In iOS 4 or later:
   
   
   • To use an alphanumeric password:
     1. Switch Simple Passcode to OFF, and then tap Turn Passcode On.
     2. Enter your passcode, tap Next, re-enter your passcode to confirm it, and then tap Done.
   • To use a simple, four-digit passcode:
     1. Leave Simple Passcode switched ON, and then tap Turn Passcode On.
     2. Enter your passcode, and then re-enter your passcode to confirm it.

     3.    To select how long the device will remain idle before requiring your passcode, tap Require Passcode, and then choose from:

1. • Immediately
   • After 1 minute
   • After 5 minutes
   • After 15 minutes

   Note: Choosing the shortest time provides the best security.

With Passcode Lock turned on, you'll see "Data protection is enabled" at the bottom of the Passcode Lock screen.

If you forget your passcode, you can restore your device by connecting it to the computer you use to sync it.