Every iPhone owner needs to check an important security feature.
It’s appropriately named Safety Check – and can stop snoopers from spying on you.
1
This feature, which is new to iOS 16 allows you to see the people your information is being shared with.
It’s possible to have shared your private content with other people if you own an iPhone over the years.
This might be your location or a photo album, which may have felt fine at the time – but no longer does.
One example is if you have an abusive ex who may be looking at what you do online.
A sneaky online crook could have gotten into your iPhone.
Safety Check will stop any dangerous snooping.
“If your personal safety is at risk, you can use Safety Check on iPhone (using iOS 16 or later) to quickly stop sharing your information or to review and update sharing with individual people and apps,” Apple explained.
“When using Safety Check, keep in mind that people may notice if you stop sharing your information with them. When you end sharing relationships, you may lose access to data such as shared photos and notes.”
Safety Check is available only if you are signed in to your Apple ID and two-factor authentication.
Once you’re signed in, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
Apple allows you to use Safety Check to:
- Check and delete devices that have been signed into your account
- Update and review trusted telephone numbers
- Change your Apple ID password
- Update your emergency contacts
- Update your device passcode and your Face ID or Touch ID information
Emergency Reset is also available.
This instantly stops you from sharing any items in the previous list.
“Familiarise yourself with the “Safety checks” feature in iOS 16,” Central Recorder was informed by Chris Hauk, cyber-expert.
“Safety Check allows users to review and reset the access they’ve granted to other users,” Hauk is a Consumer Privacy Advocate for Pixel Privacy.
“Here, they can reset privacy permissions for apps and can restrict Messages and FaceTime to their device.
“This feature can be particularly handy for victims of domestic abuse.”
Safety Check can examine many apps that are commonly used together.
It includes Calendar, Health, Find My locations and Notes.
The best phone and gadget hacks
Are you looking for hacks and tips for your smartphone? You want to discover the secret features of social media apps? You’re covered…
Our stories get paid! Do you have a story for Central Recorder Online Tech & Science team?