Check for Obvious Signs of Tampering
Start by looking for any immediate and easy-to-spot changes that might indicate your passcode has been altered.
- Try to unlock your iPhone with your usual passcode. If it doesn't work, ensure you haven't simply forgotten it or mistyped it.
- Look for any new or unfamiliar apps on your Home screen that you don't recall downloading.
- Check if any apps have been rearranged or removed from your Home screen layout without your input.
Important
Do not attempt your passcode too many times if you suspect it's been changed, as this could lock your device.
Review Face ID or Touch ID Settings
If your biometric authentication method is no longer working, someone might have added their own, or removed yours.
- Go to Settings →
Face ID & Passcode(orTouch ID & Passcode). - Notice if the passcode you are prompted to enter is different from your usual one. If it is, this is a strong indicator of a change. Do not enter an unfamiliar passcode.
- Once inside, check if there are any unfamiliar faces or fingerprints registered that aren't yours. This would be listed under
SET UP ALTERNATE APPEARANCEorAdd a Fingerprint....
Good to know
You will need your current passcode to access these settings. If you can't get in, it's a significant red flag.
Examine 'Screen Time' Settings for Unusual Activity
Someone who has gained access to your device might impose restrictions to control your usage or prevent you from accessing certain settings.
- Navigate to Settings →
Screen Time. - Look for any unfamiliar settings under
Content & Privacy Restrictionsthat you didn't enable. - Check
App Limitsto see if any unexpected limits have been set on your apps. - Review
Communication LimitsandAlways Allowedapps for any changes.
Tip
Screen Time can be protected by its own passcode, which might be different from your device passcode. Check if this has also been altered unexpectedly.
Check 'Safety Check' and Location Services
Access to your device might be used to monitor your location or share your data without your consent.
- Go to Settings →
Privacy & Security→Safety Check. Look for any unfamiliar people or apps listed under 'Manage Sharing & Access' that have access to your information. - In the same
Privacy & Securitysection, tap onLocation Services. - Scroll down to
System Servicesand check ifSignificant Locationsis enabled and if the history shows any unfamiliar places or activity.
Important
If you find unfamiliar sharing in 'Safety Check', do not make any changes yet, as this could alert the person who made them.
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers