Lesson 3
Keep Your Phone Locked and Safe
A screen lock keeps strangers out of your phone if it's ever lost or left behind. Setting one up takes a minute and gives you real peace of mind.
First, tell us which phone you have
Not sure which you have?
If your phone has an apple on the back, it’s an iPhone. If it has anything else, it’s almost certainly an Android.
Step 1 of 5
Open your Settings
Find the Settings app. Its icon looks like a gear or cog. Tap it to open.
Settings is where you change how your phone works. You can't break anything by opening it.
Step 2 of 5
Go to the lock settings
On your iPhone: On iPhone, tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your model.
On your Android: On Android, tap Security, then tap Screen lock.
If you don't see 'Security' on Android, the wording differs a little by phone brand. Look for a word like 'Lock screen.'
Step 3 of 5
Turn the lock on
On your iPhone: On iPhone, tap Turn Passcode On.
On your Android: On Android, tap the kind of lock you want, such as PIN (a short set of numbers).
A PIN is the simplest choice and works well for most people.
Step 4 of 5
Choose your PIN or passcode
Pick a set of numbers you'll remember but others can't guess. Try to avoid your birthday or 1234.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, enter a six-digit passcode, then enter it again to confirm.
On your Android: On Android, enter your numbers, then enter them again to confirm.
Use at least 4 numbers, but 6 or more is safer. A 6-digit code is much harder to guess than a 4-digit one.
Step 5 of 5
Add your fingerprint or face (optional)
Many phones let you unlock with your fingerprint or your face, so you don't have to type your code every time.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, follow the Face ID or Touch ID setup when your phone offers it.
On your Android: On Android, look for Fingerprint or Face unlock in the same Security menu and follow the steps.
Even with fingerprint or face unlock, keep your PIN written down safely. You'll still need it now and then.