How can someone protect their iPhone 5 with a four-digit or more complex alphanumeric passcode?
A new iPhone 5s or someone updated to iOS 7 or newer will ask users to create a Passcode to secure the phone. This four-digit code locks the contacts from the phone so that the person cannot access private data. Everyone needs to create a password, and we recommend using a complex alphanumeric password rather than a simple four-digit numeric password.
Those who cannot create password on their phone can follow this guide to set Password on iPhone 5s Lock Screen. Apple has updated the operating system and phone since we published a guide like this for iOS 6 and iPhone 5, so we’re updating it for iOS 7 and higher. There are even instructions for iOS 7.1.
Setting Password on iPhone 5s
Touch ID and Passcode has been moved to the main Settings screen in iOS 7.1.
Start by opening the Settings app and search for Passcode Lock. For those with iOS 7.0.6 or earlier. In the new iOS 7.1, it appears on the main Settings app screen instead of under General. Apple made improving security more prominent in the iOS 7.1 update.
Here is the Password Lock item in iOS 7.1
Now tap on Touch ID & Passcode to open settings. Scroll down to show the option in iOS 7.1. The image above shows the screen in iOS 7.1. Below is the screen from earlier versions of iOS 7. The screenshot below is from an iPhone with Passcode already turned on.
Here’s what the setting looked like in iOS 7 prior to the 7.1 update. Note that this phone is already powered on.
Then tap , which prompts the user to enter a new simple four-digit numeric password (see image below).
Enter a four-digit numeric passcode to secure iPhone.
For users who want a complex password we recommend, turn off the slide switch first and then tap and enter a longer password. Whether the user chooses a simple or complex password, the person will need to enter the password twice to confirm the password.
Using a Good Complex Password
The most secure password will contain both numbers and letters, hence the term alphanumeric. Add some capital letters and use eight or more. Keep it catchy by using a pronounceable, meaningless word with letters that look like numbers. Swap numbers for letters. See the examples below:
Consider using closely spaced letters on the iOS 7 keyboard for quick input. For example, use the following as the letters fit closely together: d3rtyadam. Remember to long press e to enter 3.
Use contiguous letters on the iOS keyboard for complex passwords that are easy to enter.
iPhone 5s users can now train fingerprint readers on the iPhone 5s home button to unlock the phone with a fingerprint instead of a password. Use our guide to train Touch ID on iPhone 5s.
Some other settings to consider changing include the following from the section: