Do you know how to set a picture on your lock screen on your iPhone? How to customize it? How to set up a passcode to secure your phone? Want to know how to set up Touch ID? You’re in the right place if you do.
This post isn’t just about setting a new lock screen image. I will show you how to customize and secure it with a passcode and/or fingerprint. All so you can enjoy your new iPhone while keeping it secure.
I am using an iPhone 7 so all these instructions will use that as an example. Older versions of the handset should also work. The only exception may be Touch ID as older iPhones don’t have that feature.
Set a lock screen image on an iPhone
Setting a lock screen image is just one of many ways to personalize your iPhone. The lock screen image sits on the screen after you wake the screen up and before you unlock your phone. You don’t usually get to see it much but it is a way to make the phone your own.
- Tap the Settings icon on your iPhone and select Wallpaper.
- Select Choose a New Wallpaper.
- Select from Dynamic, Stills, Live or Libraries and then select an image or image folder.
- Adjust the image if it doesn’t fit or work perfectly.
- Select Set and Set Lock Screen.
The image or selection should now appear on your lock screen.
Change the time delay on your iPhone lock screen
Once you have an image you like, do you need to change the default lock time? It is set to two minutes by default but that might be too much. Here’s how to change it.
- Tap the Settings icon on your iPhone and select Display & Brightness.
- Select Auto Lock and set the time. You can choose from 30 seconds upwards.
- Experiment with the settings until you find one you like.
That’s all there is to that one.
Set a lock screen passcode on an iPhone
Changing the lock screen passcode on your iPhone is one of the first things you should do when you begin setting it up. It is an essential extra security measure that helps protect your phone should it get lost or stolen.
- Tap the Settings icon on your iPhone and select Touch ID & Passcode.
- Select Turn Passcode On.
- Enter a memorable six digit passcode.
- Confirm by re-entering the passcode.
That’s it. Your phone is now protected by that six figure code. All you need do now is make sure you remember it without writing it down or making it too obvious what it is.
From now on, whenever you wake up your iPhone you will be asked to enter the passcode. You get three attempts to enter it correctly before it locks you out so make sure you remember it!
If you do forget it or it stops working for some reason, visit this Apple webpage to learn what to do.
Set up Touch ID on an iPhone
Touch ID was introduced with the iPhone 5 so most iPhones in use will have it available even if it isn’t being used. I think it is an essential security tool and everyone should use it to protect their handset. Other phone manufacturers quickly followed suit as it is a very effective way to protect what’s yours.
Here’s how to set up Touch ID on your iPhone.
- Tap the Settings icon on your iPhone and select Touch ID & Passcode.
- Select Add a Fingerprint and place your thumb onto the Home button until it vibrates.
- Place your finger or thumb over the Home button repeatedly at slightly different angles and positions. Don’t press the button, just apply enough pressure for your fingerprint to be read.
- Change the grip as suggested by the next screen.
That’s it.
It is best to hold the thumb in the exact position you would when opening your phone for use. Touch ID takes several snapshots of your fingerprint to allow for slight deviations when holding the phone. That is why it asks you to repeat the print in several different positions.
Once set up, you can use Touch ID to lock your phone, authorize purchases through iTunes and Apple Pay to make life a little faster and easier. Those features alone makes Touch ID worth configuring.
Do you use Touch ID? Have any problems with it? Any suggestions for new users? Leave a comment below if you do.
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