• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
iPhone users urged to do ‘expiration’ trick to stop thieves unlocking your device

Home> News> Technology

Published 16:48 21 Jan 2024 GMT

iPhone users urged to do ‘expiration’ trick to stop thieves unlocking your device

The iOS 17 update brought along a new feature which light-fingered people could take advantage of.

Olivia Burke

Olivia Burke

In the unfortunate event of having your phone nicked, the last thing you want is the thief trawling through it.

Just imagine the bandit combing through your camera roll, rummaging through your text messages or snooping on your Safari searches. I mean, it doesn't bear thinking about.

Apple unknowingly made it a lot easier for people to break into your iPhone when they rolled out the iOS 17 update back in September, meaning you might need to take the security of your device into your own hands.

Basically, the tech giant tried to do some good for those with a short memory span with the latest software.

'Passcode Reset' helps you maintain access to your phone if you forget your new passcode, so you now get a 72-hour grace period where you can enter your old password for access if the new digits slip your mind.

Advert

You can type in your usual numbers, unlock your iPhone and are then prompted to immediately change your code again.

This is all well and good if your just a bit of a scatterbrain, but it's not exactly ideal if your phone is in the wrong hands.

The 'Passcode Reset' feature has some security issues.
Apple

If your smartphone got swiped and someone has previously clocked you entering your password, they could take advantage of this feature by slipping past the security measures and gaining access to all of your private information.

However, there is a simple trick which can save your bacon and stop light-fingered people from hacking into your phone.

Advert

All you have to do is invalidate your old password - which you can do with the click of a button. Ok, maybe a few buttons.

Go to 'Settings', then tap the 'Face ID & Passcode' option.

You will be prompted to enter your password and after that, all you have to do is click 'Expire Previous Passcode Now'.

Don't panic, as there is a way to switch it off too.
Apple

After doing so, snoopers who have eyed you putting in your trusty numbers will no longer get access, as you'll have switched to your new one without the 72-hour worry.

Advert

If you really are just that absent-minded and find yourself needing to use the 'Passcode Reset' feature, that is simple enough too.

On the 'Lock Screen' of your iPhone, try keying in your password five times until the 'Device] Unavailable' message pops up, as well as the new 'Forgot Passcode?' icon in the bottom left hand corner.

Then just simply tap 'Enter Previous Passcode', enter your old password and follow the onscreen instructions to set up a new one.

Simples!

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images/Apple

Topics: Crime, Phones, Technology, iPhone, UK News

Olivia Burke
Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

X

@livburke_

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • How to fix 'ridiculously huge' emojis as Apple users wake up to 'f****d up' iPhone update
  • iPhone users horrified after discovering what orange dot means on our screens
  • Furious iPhone users braced for incoming iOS 18 'downgrade' that will slow down popular feature
  • Millions of iPhone and Android users can now unlock their car with mobile phone

Choose your content:

12 mins ago
17 mins ago
27 mins ago
an hour ago
  • 12 mins ago

    People ‘passing out’ while watching man break terrifying free diving world record

    Russian free diver Alexey Molchanov has broken over 30 world records, and is widely considered to be the best at what he does

    News
  • 17 mins ago

    Man, 61, dies after being sucked into MRI machine while wearing long metal necklace

    The 61-year-old succumbed to his injuries the following day, police said

    News
  • 27 mins ago

    Man was left in complete shock after taking £5 million car collection into WeBuyAnyCar

    Mark McCann took his luxury cars to be valued, but he was left pretty shocked with the figure he was given

    News
  • an hour ago

    ‘Terrifying’ true reality shown after man dropped GoPro into ocean off cruise ship

    If you've ever looked at the ocean and wondered what really lies beneath, here's your answer

    News