5 iPhone security settings that you should change immediately

A user manual does not come with your phone. Although you can find Android and Apple guides online, don’t expect Big Tech to give you the best protection.

Default settings often work better for the company behind them than they do for you. Click or tap to access 10 default iPhone settings. 

Certain features receive more attention than others. For example, the new way of taking back a document. Click or tap to see the real outcome of an unsend text. Spoiler: It’s not quite as sneaky as you think.

Now, grab your iPhone and I’ll show you a few changes to make to keep yourself safe.

1. Get rid of junk messages

While spam calls can be blocked at the carrier level fairly effectively, text messages are more difficult to block. You can take steps to stop junk mail and fake shipping notifications from flooding your phone.

The simplest and easiest way to stop spam messages is to block the number. Here’s how to block a number in Messages:

• Tap the NameOder NumberAt the top of a message conversation.
• Tap InformationScroll down until you see the tap icon Block this Caller.

Filtering messages from unknown senders is another option. Any text sent by anyone other than your contact list will be sent via the Unknown Senders tab of the Messages List. Here’s how you do it:

• Go to Settings > Messages.
• Turn on Filter unidentified senders.

Bonus tipUnidentified numbers can send you messages that are spam or junk. You can report them to Apple. Tap on the message to send it. Report JunkIf so,Report and Delete Junk.

What if you get a verification code you didn’t request? Although it might seem like nothing, it could be a fraud. For the tips you need, tap or click here

iPhone 14 displayed in an Apple store in Marunouchi (Tokyo).
(Photo by Stanislav Kugiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

2. Stop tracking!

When you go from one website to another, you’re often followed by trackers that collect data on where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. 

All data about your browsing habits, shopping cart, clicks, likes and shares are available. These data can be sold to third parties, or used for targeted advertising.

Safari restricts third-party cookies.. The good news is this is on by default, but it’s a good idea to ensure you have this option turned on. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > Safari.
• Below Privacy and securityClick here to toggle onCross-Site Tracking is prevented. If it’s already on, you’re good to go.

Your computer’s browser is likely packed with trackers. You can easily wipe out hundreds of files by clicking or tapping.

TECH TIP – WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IF YOU UNSEND TEXT TO YOUR IPHONE?

3. Block the creep who won’t leave you alone

People who are dealing with an abusive parent, an ex or an old friend can ask me for help. Block them if you are fed up with their texts and calls.

Contacts allows you to block someone:

• Open ContactsNext, tap on the name of the contact that you wish to block.
• Tap Block this CallerIf so, Block Contact.

You can block anyone using the Messages App:

• Then, open the Messages appTap to initiate a conversation
• Tap the Name, number,Oder profile picThe top of the screen.
• Tap the Info buttonBelow is the contact.
• Scroll down Block this Caller > Block Contact

Bonus tip You can hide your number or block it from Caller ID. For the steps, tap or click here

iPhone apps
(Photo by Jakub porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

4. Shop privately

Private Browsing, the Safari version is Incognito Mode. No, it doesn’t keep everything you do entirely private, but it does have some plusses:

• Your browsing history isn’t saved, and the sites you visit aren’t shared with your other devices.
• Safari will not remember which pages you visited, what you searched for, or AutoFill information.

Here’s how to open a Private browsing window for your iPhone:

• Open Safari Tap the button on your iPhone to activate it Two squares tabs buttonThe lower-right corner.
• Tap the button if you have too many tabs open. [number]Tabs To view the Tab Groups list, click the button at the bottom.
• Tap when you have only one tab open. Start PageScroll to the bottom of your screen to display the Tab Groups List.
• Tap PrivateNext, tap. Done.

Of course, Private mode isn’t 100% private. Click or tap to listen to my 60 second podcast.

The logo of Incognito Mode is displayed on a smartphone.
(Photo Illustration by Avishek Der/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

5. Secure your screen lock

You can access a few features — widgets, media playback controls, your camera, and the Control Center — from your iPhone’s lock screen. 

You may want to change what’s accessible Protect your privacy by turning off your lock screen. You can see it if you have your phone.

Here’s how to keep things private:

• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode(on an iPhone equipped with Face ID) Touch ID & Passcode(on an iPhone that has a Home button
• Enter your four-digit passcodeIf asked.
• Review the options under the section Allow Access when Locked and select which can be seen at the lock screen. There are many options, including Control Center, Notification Center, and others. Turn Notification Center OffYou can choose to keep the notifications private.

TAB OVERLOAD HOW TO CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE YOU START YOUR BROWSER

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PODCAST PICK Social media smugglers, Meta meltdown, Facebook privacy Tips

Are you afraid of Apple AirTag stalkers Here are some ways to spot creeps following you. Also, be aware of this TSA scam: hide your phone number, email, and charging issues on Facebook. Meta is melting down. To recruit Americans, smugglers are also using TikTok and Snapchat to lure migrants across the border into the U.S.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

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Find out more All the most recent technologyThe Kim Komando ShowThe country’s biggest weekend radio talk program. Kim is available to take calls and give advice on digital living today. This includes smartphones, tablets, online privacy and hacks. Her website contains daily tips, newsletters and other useful information. Komando.com.