Lost Your iPhone, Forgot Your Passcode? Here's How to Protect Yourself

Your iPhone passcode can secure your device from unwanted hackers, but if your device is stolen, there's nothing you can do.

You can actually protect yourself from this event if you are careful in typing your passcode in the first place.

Some people say that thieves managed to steal their iPhones after watching them enter the code. Others complain that snatchers force them to input their passcode.

In this scenario, it's important to know what your smartphone can do and that is by setting the Apple ID recovery key.

iPhone Thieves Can Gain Access to Your Device

The Wall Street Journal has recently reported that there's an iPhone setting that thieves can use to lock you in using your Apple account. If that's the case, there's a chance you could lose your valuable documents and pictures on your device.

Apple wrote in its support document that although having a recovery key is not required, using it can help secure the safety of your account by resetting the password.

"Creating a recovery key turns off account recovery... a process that would otherwise help you get back into your Apple ID account when you don't have enough information to reset your password," the Cupertino giant noted.

How to Protect Yourself From Passcode Thieves

It's better to prepare than to suffer the consequences later. This means that in order to avoid unwanted changes in passcode from happening, you need to plan ahead of time.

Apple Insider reminds readers to be extra careful when entering our passcode. If you are in public places, it's better to use Face ID or Touch ID.

The thief won't be able to easily steal the passcode given that it requires Attention Detection. In short, the iPhone owner should look at the device to unlock it first.

Another useful tip to remember is to take track of Screen Time. If you learn to configure this, you can spot quick changes on your account and if there are suspicious activities on it.

Setting Up Apple ID Recovery Key

To mitigate unnecessary account changes which can lead to hacking, you can immediately set up your Apple ID Recovery key through the following steps below.

1. Head to the Settings of your iPhone or Mac.
2. Click Your Name, then Password and Security.
3. Click the Recovery Key and activate it. If you're using a Mac, just tap Manage beside Account Recovery.
4. Tap the Use Recovery Key and proceed to enter your passcode.
5. Make sure to store it in a secure location.
6. Confirm it by the time the next screen appears.

Getting used to the recovery key comes with responsibility and accountability with your account. It's a double-edged sword you need to take care of. The best advice is to don't lose your iPhone, or else you will be locked out of your account forever.