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How to Set a Passcode on Lock Screen of iPhone 5

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For security purposes it’s a good idea to set up a Passcode on Lock Screen for the Apple iPhone 5 or any iOS device like the iPad, previous iPhones and the iPod Touch.

This requires the user to enter the Passcode before the user can reach the iPhone’s content. Without the Passcode, no one can reach private data on the phone.

Why bother to set up a Passcode on Lock Screen of the iPhone?

Let’s say I accidentally put my iPhone down at work and one of my coworkers wants to prank me by messing up settings or changing the name Siri calls me which can embarrass me. The lock keeps that prankster from getting the best of me. Obviously, it also keeps bad guys from getting my banking information or passwords stored in apps like Lastpass password manager.

passcode on lock screen

How to Set Passcode Lock on the iPhone 5

The steps for setting up a Passcode on Lock Screen are as follows:

  • Go into settings and find the Passcode section
  • Set the Passcode using either a simple four digit numeric code or a longer and safer password style Passcode
  • Hit the power button to turn off the screen and the phone is locked

Let’s look at the steps in detail.

tap general

Open the Settings app which looks like a black set of sprockets. Go into General and scroll down a little to Passcode lock, which Apple sets to Off by default.

passcode lock

Tap the Passcode lock option and it shows the following screen. Tap the top option which reads Turn Passcode On.

turn on passcode lock

The Passcode Lock will turn on and ask the user to input a new Simple Passcode, with four numeric digits. Pick something that’s easy to remember, but not something like four digits in a phone number or street address. People who know the owner or can reach the owner’s personal details can guess simple codes like that. Choose a random combination of numbers.

enter passcode

Turning off Simple Passcode will force the user to set a more complex Passcode. The user may pick numerals and letters, making it less likely that pranksters or criminals can guess the code.

turn off siomple passcode

Once the user sets Simple Passcode to Off the following screen shows. Input a complex passcode. Again, don’t pick easy to guess passwords like dictionary words. I like the use nonsensical words that I can pronounce along with a number or two to make it more complex.

enter complex passcode

Now turn off the screen by hitting the power button or just wait for the auto lock time to expire. From then on, once the user turns on the screen, the Passcode screen will force the user to enter the code (see first image above).

allow acces when locked options

Some of the options to consider include the following:

  • Auto-Lock – sets the time it takes for the screen to turn off automatically. Next option sets the time.
  • Require Passcode – found in the Passcode lock screen and gives the user a certain amount of time before it requires the Passcode ranging from immediate to 1 hour. Set to immediate for most security.
  • Allow Access When Locked – lets the user access Siri, Passbook and Reply with Message without entering the Passcode. Set to Off for most security knowing that the user can’t use those features without entering a code. This could get dangerous if the user needs Siri while driving.
  • Erase Data – when turned on, this setting erases the phone if someone enters a false passcode 10 consecutive times in a short period.
5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Jason Lee

    12/07/2012 at 8:12 pm

    Hi, Kevin

    Just watched your YouTube video tip and transferred me to your blog. You are a very nice tech guy. With the trick, my iPhone 5 should be more secure.

    BTW, for those who might or to suffer iPhone 5 water damage, learn this article https://www.anysoftwaretools.com/how-to/fix-rescue-water-damaged-iphone-5.html for the step by step fix solution.

    Best regards!

  2. Dewey

    12/31/2014 at 2:43 pm

    There is no “passcode lock” on my iPhone 5. Only “auto-lock” and “restrictions”

  3. alamin

    03/31/2015 at 7:44 pm

    iPhone 5 inc.password
    I have need?

  4. rekab

    08/03/2015 at 1:25 am

    go to touch ID and pass code, right below restrictions

  5. Rob

    06/03/2016 at 6:02 am

    Just how do you get to settings if the phone is asking for a passcode in the first place??!

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