Thieves steal your code first, then your iPhone – that way you are safe

Thieves now have a new strategy when it comes to stealing your iPhone: they steal your code first, then your iPhone. How do you prevent this?

iPhones stolen more often with code

It is of course very annoying if your iPhone is stolen, but thieves are taking it a step further these days. Recent reports show that thieves are increasingly keeping an eye on exactly what your passcode is before they actually steal your iPhone. This is evident from reports of victims, according to them, the incidents mainly occurred in nightlife.

Read also: iPhone stolen or lost? You must do this and this is how you prevent it

With a passcode for your iPhone, thieves can access just about all of your data. If your phone is not set up properly, it can be reset with the code. You can even change your password – without having to know the current password. You run the risk of your entire digital life being stolen. How do you prevent this?

Enable other security features

A passcode is often easy to read for bystanders, but luckily there are other ways to secure your phone. The easiest alternative is Face ID, with this security feature your iPhone will automatically unlock if your face is recognizable enough. You don’t have to enter an iPhone code, so a thief can’t steal it either. Earlier we explained how to enable Face ID.

Also read: Setting up Face ID or Touch ID on your new iPhone: this is how you do it

If your iPhone doesn’t have Face ID, you may be able to enable Touch ID. Apple introduced Touch ID with the arrival of the iPhone 5s in 2013 and has since incorporated the feature into virtually every iPhone with a home button. Like Face ID, Touch ID doesn’t require you to enter a code, so your code remains protected. Do you want to enable Touch ID? Here we tell you how to do that.

Another way to make your iPhone more secure is to set an alphanumeric code, which consists of both letters and numbers. With this security function it is possible to set only a word or a word combined with numbers as a password. Such a code is more difficult to read and more difficult to guess, so that thieves are less likely to steal the code for your iPhone.

How to set up an alphanumeric code on your iPhone:

If you only use numbers with an alphanumeric code, unfortunately no keyboard will appear with a locked screen. It is therefore a good idea to make a combination of letters and numbers, so that thieves cannot quickly steal your iPhone code. After all, the small keyboard is (much) more difficult for thieves to read than the large buttons that appear with an access code.

Finally, use your brain. With Touch ID or Face ID, you rarely need to enter a passcode. Does it have to be done sometime? Then make sure that no one can watch when you enter the code.

More tips for your iPhone?

Are you curious about more useful tips for your iPhone? Earlier we wrote how you can easily find your iPhone with your Apple Watch and how you can best protect your privacy on your iPhone. Check out all our iPhone tips below:

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• iPhone Tips: These 7 features will make you want to use Notes

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