Apple has released its two flagship phones – iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in an event held in San Francisco this September. And now you are using one of the phones with some airs.
While basking in the iPhone glory, you should not forget about security of your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. The best gadget needs the best security, and therefore, Apple has installed many cool features to encrypt your iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Equipped with iOS 10, your Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus boast many security features you can explore.
![How to Encrypt iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus [Tutorial]](https://indabaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/How-to-Encrypt-iPhone-7-or-iPhone-7-Plus-Tutorial.jpg)
How to Encrypt iPhone 7 or 7 Plus
We have listed a few workarounds to encrypt and secure your iPhone. You can go through one by one and follow the steps.
1. Enable Passcode on iPhone 7/7 Plus
Passcode is your first step towards securing your iOS device. This feature is available on iPhone and iPad, and both devices follow the same procedure.
Step #1: Open Settings app on iPhone.
Step #2: Find Touch ID & Passcode and tap on it.
Step #3: Tap on Turn Passcode On.
Step #4: You will be prompted to enter a six digit passcode. Alternatively, you can select Passcode Options to enter four-digit numeric code, custom alphanumeric code, and custom numeric code.
Step #5: Enter the passcode of your choice; your phone will ask you to enter the code twice.
Smart Tip: You should choose a six-digit code so that you can enter alphanumeric passcode, which can be a good option.
2. Enable Touch ID on iPhone 7/7 Plus
Motorola Mobility Atrix 4G was the first phone to offer Touch ID feature back in 2011; it was Apple, who made this Touch ID popular by introducing it in 2013 with the launch of iPhone 5s. This feature identifies your fingerprint and allows you to access the phone. Keep your passcode ON while you are setting up Touch ID on iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Step #1: Remove all the dust/dirt from the Home button and keep your finger/s dry.
Step #2: Launch Settings app, and then tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
Step #3: You may be asked to enter passcode.
Step #4: Now tap on Add a Fingerprint option.
Step #5: Hold your iPhone in your hand and place your thumb or finger on the Home button; here, you are not supposed to press the Home button. Raise your finger or thumb when you are asked or when your phone vibrates.
Step #6: Next, keep lifting and touching your finger on the Home button; each time, you need to adjust the position of your finger.
Step #7: Once your finger is properly adjusted, you will be prompted to adjust edges of your finger. Hold your iPhone in hand and gently touch the Home button with finger edges.
Step #8: You can change your finger if you cannot set up Touch ID first time.
Smart Tip: You should not use Touch ID to unlock iPhone if you are concerned about legalities of current political situations of country.
Your Touch ID & Passcode can also protect your data stored on iPhone. There is an option of ‘Erase Data’ in your iPhone and you need to enable this feature to protect your valuable data.
Go to Settings → Touch ID & Passcode → Enter Passcode → Toggle Erase Data ON. This will erase all your data if a stranger makes 10 failed attempts to enter your passcode.
3. Two-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of protection to your Apple ID. This system has garnered a lot of popularity in this digital age. Users have also opted for two-factor authentication on Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail.
By enabling two-factor authentication, Apple will send a unique code on your registered mobile number, and you need to enter this unique code to access your Apple ID. To enable this feature:
Step #1: Launch Settings app.
Step #2: Tap on iCloud.
Step #3: Tap on your Apple ID.
Step #4: Tap Password & Security.
Step #5: Now select the option of ‘Turn On Two-Factor Password Authentication’.
During this process, you should remember password to your Apple ID; update your trusted devices; and enable passcode or Touch ID of your iOS devices.
Smart Tip: Users need to protect their backup with a password each time they take backup on iCloud. Remember that iOS 9 and iOS 10 offer feeble security backup. Creating a backup on computer with iTunes is also recommended.
4. Find My iPhone
Find My iPhone is a unique security feature offered by Apple. Once you enable this feature, you can trace your iPhone by logging into your iCloud on Mac or Windows PC. You can check this Find My iPhone feature at Settings → iCloud → Find My iPhone.
Below the Find My iPhone, you can also find Send Last Location. This feature sends GPS location to Apple when the lost device is shut down.
5. Location Information
Common users allow app to track their location information on iPhone. The apps use your location for targeted ads; you can change your location detail settings from Privacy.
Step #1: Launch Settings.
Step #2: Tap on Privacy.
Step #3: Next, tap on Location Services and then disable apps like Camera, Twitter, Facebook etc. Remember that you should not disable apps like Uber and Maps under Location Services.
You can also disable Frequent Locations option on your iPhone: Location Services → System Services → Frequent Locations → Toggle Frequent Locations OFF. Right here, you will find HISTORY section which reveals number of visits to a particular location. You can clear history by tapping on Clear History. A menu will swipe up to confirm your action; tap Clear History again and the location history will be cleared.
6. Limit Third-Party Apps from Getting Tracked
Apple can smartly limit Ad Tracking on your iPhone. The Privacy section has a feature to Limit Ad Tracking.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Privacy.
- Scroll down and tap on Advertising.
- Toggle Limit Ad Tracking ON.
- While you are here, you can also Reset Advertising Identifier.
7. Limit Message History
Users can limit MESSAGE HISTORY so that any strange cannot check your conversation or data you have shared through Messages app on iPhone. You need to set a limit to delete the messages automatically.
- Launch Settings app.
- Tap on Messages.
- Under MESSAGE HISTORY section, tap on Keep Messages option.
- Now select 30 Days option.
This will limit your Message history; after 30 days, your messages will be deleted from the Messages app.
Similarly, you can also set limit on AUDIO MESSAGES.
8. Use Virtual Private Networks
A virtual private network gives you utmost security especially when you are browsing websites on Safari. A strong VPN can cover your browsing activities and your apps traffic.
9. Disable Lock Screen Notifications
Many users keep lock screen notifications enabled; this means they get to see notifications even when the phone’s screen is locked. A person who is in the habit of sneaking on from behind can see those notifications and some content also. In this situation, you should disable lock screen notifications.
- Fire up Settings.
- Tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
- Enter Passcode (if your passcode is turned off, entire section of ALLOW ACCESS WHEN LOCKED will be greyed out).
- Now toggle Notifications View OFF.
We have listed the best nine tips to encrypt your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus. If you think that you can add something to this list, share your feedback with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.