Use a passcode with data protection

For better security, you can set a passcode that must be entered each time you turn on or wake up iPhone.


Set a passcode. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (iPhone 5s and later) or Settings > Passcode (other models), then set a 6-digit passcode.

Setting a passcode turns on data protection, using your passcode as a key to encrypt Mail messages and attachments stored on iPhone, using 256-bit AES encryption. (Other apps may also use data protection.)


Add fingerprints and set options for the Touch ID sensor. (iPhone models with Touch ID) Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. 


Allow access to features when iPhone is locked. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (iPhone models with Touch ID) or Settings > Passcode (other models). Optional features include:

  • Today 

  • Notifications View 

  • Siri 

  • Wallet 


Allow access to Control Center when iPhone is locked. Go to Settings > Control Center. 


Erase data after ten failed passcode attempts. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (iPhone models with Touch ID) or Settings > Passcode (other models), then tap Erase Data. After ten failed passcode attempts, all settings are reset, and all your information and media are erased by removing the encryption key to the data.



Touch ID


On iPhone 5s and later, you can unlock iPhone by placing a finger on the Home button. Touch ID also lets you:

  • Use your Apple ID password to make purchases in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store.

  • Authorize credit or debit card payments using Apple Pay.

  • Provide debit and credit card info, billing and shipping addresses, and contact info when paying in an app that offers Apple Pay as a method of payment.


Set up the Touch ID sensor. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Set whether you want to use a fingerprint to unlock iPhone, and to make purchases. Tap Add a Fingerprint, then follow the onscreen instructions. You can add more than one fingerprint (your thumb and forefinger, for example, or one for your spouse).


Note: If you turn iPhone off after setting up the Touch ID sensor, you’ll be asked to confirm your passcode when you turn iPhone back on and unlock it the first time. You’ll also be asked for your Apple ID password for the first purchase you make in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store.


Delete a fingerprint. Tap the fingerprint, then tap Delete Fingerprint. If you have more than one fingerprint, place a finger on the Home button to find out which fingerprint it is.


Name a fingerprint. Tap the fingerprint, then enter a name, such as “Thumb.”


Use the Touch ID sensor to make a payment in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store. When purchasing from the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store, follow the instructions to enable purchases with your fingerprint. Or go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then turn on iTunes & App Store.


Use Touch ID for Apple Pay. (iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and later) Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode to ensure that Apple Pay is enabled with your Touch ID.



iCloud Keychain


iCloud Keychain keeps your Safari website user names and passwords, credit card information, and Wi-Fi network information up to date. iCloud Keychain works on all your approved devices (iOS 7 or later) and Mac computers (OS X Mavericks or later).


iCloud Keychain works with Safari Password Generator and AutoFill. When you’re setting up a new account, Safari Password Generator suggests unique, hard-to-guess passwords. You can use AutoFill to have iPhone enter your user name and password info, making login easy. 


iCloud Keychain is secured with 256-bit AES encryption during storage and transmission, and cannot be read by Apple.


Set up iCloud Keychain. Go to Settings > iCloud > Keychain. Turn on iCloud Keychain, then follow the onscreen instructions. If you set up iCloud Keychain on other devices, you need to approve the use of iCloud Keychain from one of those devices, or use your iCloud Security Code.


Important: If you forget your iCloud Security Code, you have to start over and set up your iCloud Keychain again.


Set up AutoFill. Go to Settings > Safari > Passwords & AutoFill. Make sure Names and Passwords, and Credit Cards, are turned on (they’re on by default). To add credit card info, tap Saved Credit Cards.

The security code for your credit card is not saved—you have to enter that manually.

To automatically fill in names, passwords, or credit card info on sites that support it, tap a text field, then tap AutoFill.

To protect your personal information, set a passcode if you turn on iCloud Keychain and AutoFill.