A Step-by-Step Guide for Checking Your iPhone’s Unlock History

Checking your iPhone’s unlock history can be useful for a few reasons, including security, troubleshooting, usage monitoring, and privacy.

Although the iPhone has no “unlock history” feature, checking recently used apps, app activity, and lock screen notifications are possible ways to detect when your device has been accessed or used.

Suppose you suspect someone is accessing your device without your consent or notice any unfamiliar unlock events. In that case, you can easily confirm with the methods above and enhance security on your device.

On the other hand, if you share the device with children, family, or friends, checking the unlock history can let you monitor how regularly your device or some apps are being accessed. This can help monitor usage patterns or to set appropriate usage limits.

Although not everyone will bother about these, knowing that your device isn’t accessed without your permission can give you peace of mind and prevent any potential privacy or security concerns related to the device.

So, what are the steps for checking when an iPhone has been used? Keep reading to find out!

Minimize to See Recent Opened Apps

The first method for checking your iPhone’s usage is looking out for recently opened apps.

This method involves minimizing your iPhone to see which app was last visited. But remember the app you last opened before dropping your phone.

• Double-tap the home button or slide the screen halfway from the bottom, and you will see the recently opened applications.

When you find other apps in this section, and you’re sure you didn’t use them, it’s clear someone accessed your device.

You can quickly change the passcode on your device to keep it secure afterward.

App Activity

This feature is available on any iOS version of your iPhone, enabling users to know when last an app was used. It gives you the date and information of a particular app, even when opened.

This method lets you know if someone unlocks your phone without permission.

Follow the steps below for how to check your app activities on your iPhone:

• Open your menu and click the Settings button.
• Locate and click on General.
• Then it will take you to a different page where you’ll click the iPhone Storage option.
• You’ll see a list of apps and their usage information.
• Click on any one of your choices to know more.

Quick Tips To Check for Signs of Unauthorized Access

Knowing if someone accessed your iPhone can be important to maintain your privacy and security. Here are some ways to check for signs of unauthorized access:

• Check Recent Activity: Review your recent activity, including call logs, messages, and app usage, to see if there are any unfamiliar entries or actions.
• Look for Strange Apps: Check your home screen and app drawer for any new or unfamiliar apps that you didn’t install.
• Review Safari History:  In the Safari browser, check your browsing history for any sites you didn’t visit.
• Check Location Services: Go to Privacy > Location Services in iPhone settings to see if any unauthorized apps have accessed your location.
• Inspect iCloud and iTunes Activity: Review your iCloud and iTunes accounts for any unusual purchases or changes.
• Check Login Activity: Check for any unusual login activity if you use apps with login credentials.
• Monitor Battery Usage: Excessive battery usage might indicate background apps running without your knowledge.
• Unauthorized iCloud or Apple ID Alerts: If you receive any emails or notifications about login attempts or changes to your Apple ID, investigate immediately.
• Device Behavior: If your iPhone behaves strangely, such as turning on/off unexpectedly, this might indicate unauthorized access.

Quick Solutions to Prevent Unauthorized Access

• Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID to add an extra layer of security.

If you suspect unauthorized access, immediately change your Apple ID and other important passwords.

If you believe someone has accessed your iPhone without permission, take immediate action to secure your device and accounts. If necessary, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

How to Protect Your iPhone From Unauthorized Access?

Since Apple built all of its products (iPods, iPads, iPhones, Mac) with user privacy and security in mind, these devices come with strong security mechanisms that even hackers find hard to crack.

With Touch Unlock, Face ID, password, passcode, and physical security key options, you can protect your iPhone or other iOS device from unauthorized access.

If you feel your current passcode or preferred screen lock option is guessable, moving to a 10-digit passcode or an alphanumeric password combination can ensure more security over your device.

According to an assistant Professor and cryptographer at Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute, Mathew Green, “it will take 12 – 25 years to crack a 10-digit code.”

If you’re wondering, how many digit codes should I use for my screen lock password? Here’s what to know.

Gadgethacks explains that “the possible combinations of a 4-digit PIN is 10,000″, and hackers need only a few minutes to try all of them. Meanwhile, a 6-digit code could take up to 1 million combinations to crack.

Furthermore, Hive Systems states it takes 504 hours (three weeks) to crack an 18-digit numeric passcode on an iPhone. The combination of numbers and letters increases the difficulty and timeframe for the crack.

Considering these findings, using more digits, you can easily remember makes your iPhone more secure for unauthorized unlocks.

To shake things up, you can use an alphanumeric combination, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong unguessable password for your device.

How To Customize Your Passcode?

There are various options to select when setting up your passcode. Follow the steps below to set your passcode:

• Go to your settings on your iPhone

• Click on Passcode & Face ID or Touch ID & Passcode.

• Select “Turn on Passcode.” If you already have a passcode set on your device, select “Change Passcode.”
• Enter your current (old) passcode to continue.

• Next, tap on “Passcode Options” and select from the options that will appear (4-Digt Numeric code, Custom Numeric Code, or Custom Alphanumeric code).

• Input your desired code combination and select “Next”. You will need to confirm your new password by entering it again. Once confirmed, you’ve set a new code combination for your iPhone.

Benefits of Strong Password

The more complex and long a password is, the more difficulties hackers face. Also, the more secure your device will be. A strong password protects your device against unauthorized access and keeps the important document safe. Let’s show some more benefits:

• Enhance Security: using a strong password will improve the security of your device, thereby making it hard for people to access your phone.
• Optimized Protection: complex passwords are more immune to automated attacks, and hackers find it harder to compromise.
• Improved Privacy: strong password will protect your phone from unauthorized access. Privacy is important in this technological age. However Dwork. C 2011 advises some measures you can use to improve privacy.
• Minimize unauthorized access: setting up a strong password will lower the danger of unforeseen attacks.

Things to Consider When Creating a Strong Password for Your iPhone

When choosing a strong password for your iPhone, consider the following tips to enhance security and protect your personal information:

Length 

Make your password at least 12 characters long. Longer passwords are generally more secure.

Complexity 

Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., !, @, #, $, %).

Avoid Dictionary Words 

Avoid using common words or phrases that can be found in dictionaries. Instead, opt for a passphrase or a series of unrelated words.

Unique Password 

Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts or devices. Each service and device should have its unique password.

Avoid Personal Information 

Do not use easily accessible information like your name, birth date, or phone number in your password.

Randomness

Create a password that is random and not easily guessable.

Avoid Keyboard Patterns

Avoid using simple keyboard patterns like “123456” or “qwerty.”

Passphrases

Consider using a passphrase, a longer, easy-to-remember sentence, or a combination of words.

Use Password Manager

Consider using a password manager app to generate and store strong passwords securely.

Change your password regularly, especially if you suspect any potential security breaches.

Enable Biometric Authentication

Use Face ID or Touch ID, if your iPhone supports it, as an additional layer of security.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA for your Apple ID and any other accounts linked to your iPhone for added protection.

Test Password Strength

Use online tools to check the strength of your password and ensure it meets the criteria.

Remember that a strong password is a crucial defense against unauthorized access to your iPhone and personal data. Take the time to create a robust and unique password, and prioritize your digital security.

Setting Up a Strong Password 

It is highly recommended to create a six-digit passcode on your iPhone to help prevent unwanted access. Using your iPhone without a passcode is risky and can give room for hackers to access your device. You can check the steps below to create your passcode:

• Go to settings on your phone and click on Face ID & Passcode

• Click on “Turn on Passcode” to create a new passcode code. Or click on “Change Passcode” to change your old passcode. The next screen will ask for your current passcode, i.e. if you want to change it. But if you’re setting up a new one, you’ll be asked to input your desired six digits.

• To make the passcode harder, click on “Passcode Options”. Different options will appear for you to choose. Numeric custom, alphanumeric, or 4-digit numeric code.

The custom numeric code gives access to create a 10-digit code that has 100 million different combinations. Imagine how combinations of alphanumeric custom codes will have.

This will help create a stronger combination of passcodes. You can check out the Null Bytes guide on Stronger Passwords.

• After selecting your passcode, click “Set Passcode” to update your passcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check the screen unlock history on my iPhone?

Currently, Apple does not offer a native feature to check iPhone screen unlock history. The device does not log this information, and there is no standard method to access such data through settings or options.

However, checking recently used apps and browser history and looking for unusual actions can help you learn if someone unlocked your iPhone without your consent.

Are there any third-party apps that can show screen unlock history on iPhones?

Apple’s strict privacy and security policies restrict third-party apps from accessing or recording iPhone screen unlock history.

Any app claiming to provide this functionality should be treated with caution, as it might violate Apple’s guidelines or compromise your privacy.

How can I enhance security and monitor device usage on my iPhone?

While you can’t check screen unlock history directly, you can take several measures to improve security and monitor device usage.

Set a strong passcode or use biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and critical accounts, and regularly review your device’s app permissions and privacy settings.

Additionally, consider using Screen Time (a built-in iOS feature) to monitor and manage app usage, set app restrictions, and establish Downtime for better control over device access.

Conclusion

Apple prioritizes user privacy and security, so screen unlock history is not accessible through standard settings or options. This design choice ensures that sensitive information, such as unlocking patterns or biometric data, remains protected and private.

If you are concerned about device security or monitoring usage, focus on implementing best practices to safeguard your iPhone.

Set a strong passcode or use biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), enable two-factor authentication for critical accounts, and consider using the Screen Time feature to monitor app usage and manage screen time for better control over device access.

Remember that while checking screen unlock history may not be possible, prioritizing device security and being mindful of app permissions and privacy settings can help you maintain a safe and secure iPhone experience.