Turn Off This iPhone Lock Screen Feature for a Security Boost

It can be problematic that some iPhone functionalities can operate on the lock screen without being unlocked.

You can carry your phone, credit cards, and more in one little package with the help of some of the best iPhone cases that double as wallets. Yet by doing this, you’re also storing your private, delicate items there. If your iPhone and its case are stolen or lost, the criminal may have everything they need to use your credit card without your knowledge. Updating the settings on your iPhone can help block others from being able to access your phone and your bank account.

Your bank may text you to verify your credit card details if someone tries to make a significant purchase using your credit card information. If someone else has access to your iPhone, they might reply to your bank’s message and confirm the purchase without having to unlock it. One Reddit member recently reported having their card used by a criminal to make more than $9,000 in charges.

In iOS 8, the ability to reply to messages from the lock screen was first made available. When you receive a text notification, you can reply to the message by swiping text notifications left on the lock screen. By selecting that choice, you can compose and send a response without having to unlock your iPhone.

You and scammers can easily reply to texts from your iPhone’s lock screen. Thankfully, turning off this feature will help you safeguard yourself. Here is a guide on how to disable Respond from Lock Screen.

Turn off Reply from lock screen

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

3. Enter your Passcode.

4. Go to Reply with Message under Allow Access When Locked and tap the slider to off.

Now when you receive a text, you’ll need to unlock your phone to reply.

Turn off other lock screen features

Some functions, like Siri, may be accessible from your lock screen without having to unlock your iPhone for you or anybody else. You or another person can make calls, send texts, and use Siri to find some linked devices on your iPhone, such as your car, without having to unlock it. If this setting is enabled, anyone with access to your iPhone could locate your car.

You can use the Home app without first unlocking your iPhone. You can see connected smart home appliances like security systems, door locks, and lighting in the Home app on your phone. If someone had access to your iPhone, they could keep an eye on your door locks and security cameras, which may give them entrance to your home if you left any doors unattended.

Another way is to use the Wallet app without first unlocking your iPhone. While it might be challenging for someone to transfer themselves money straight from the app, somebody might use your iPhone to access digital keys or pay for a fare without having to unlock your screen.

The process for turning off these features is the same as before.

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.

3.Enter your Passcode.

4.Under Allow Access When Locked, tap the sliders next to the features you want to turn off.

You have the option of disabling the aforementioned features as well as any others, making your lock screen truly private to only you.

What notifications appear on your lock screen will continue to do so even if you disable these features. (You must navigate to Settings > Notifications to adjust that.) In order to safeguard your security and privacy in the event that your iPhone is lost, you won’t be able to interact with these notifications until you unlock your screen.