How to Make Your iPhone Theft Proof ?

Jul 29, 2009 by Ron

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Like all other gadgets, your iPhone is also under the constant risk of being stolen. Given the hefty price tag your iPhone, and the amount of personal data that it stores, it is absolute necessary for all iPhone users to protect their phone.

Nobody can keep a thief from stealing the device from your pockets, but there are several important steps which can be done so as to increase your chances of getting the iPhone back.

1. Turn On Passcode Lock

Most people are not careful enough to implement a passcode lock on their iPhones. Even though the passcode lock won’t prevent anyone from snatching your phone, but will keep your private information private. You can enable it by the following steps.

Select “Settings”.
Click “General”.
Go to “Passcode”.
Now enter a 4 digit password.
You should always remember it.

2. Auto-Lock

iPhone comes with an auto-lock option, which automatically locks your phone after a specified period of time, and it requires the 4 digit passcode to unlock it. The auto-lock must be set on either one or two minutes to ensure that minimum time is spent on your unlocked iPhone.

3. Record Your iPhone’s IMEI Number and Serial Number

iPhone’s has a fifteen digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number which is used by wireless carriers to identify your phone. This can be noted on the back of your iPhone along with your FCC ID and serial number. These are important while reporting a stolen or lost device.

4. SIM PIN

You should assign a PIN to your SIM card, so it can’t be used in any other phones without the PIN. It should be entered when you turn the iPhone on, or when you replace the SIM card.

Select “Settings”.
Choose “Phone”.
Now turn on “SIM PIN”.
You will be prompted to enter the current PIN. You must enter the default PIN number.
After giving the default value, you can change the code according to your liking.

5. Frequently Back Up Your iPhone

You should back up your device which is crucial in all situations. Even if you lose your phone, or if you are victim of a theft, or if you simply have a buggy iPhone which crash suddenly one day, backing up your iPhone insure the safety of your data.

6. Use some security software.

The usage of some kind of security software in iPhone helps to regain the phone in case of a theft or it will reduce the loss of valuable data in the phone. Some typical examples are

GadgetTrak- It will help to find out the burglar by sending you his precise location.
FindMe- FindMe automatically updates the location of your iPhone on Twitter.
PhoneScream- PhoneScream will play a very loud siren and will vibrate rigorously when any unauthorized user moves the phone.
Motion Alarm- Motion Alarm is a grown up version of PhoneScream which has more added features in it.

7. Steps to be done in case a phone is lost.

Notify the operator so they can deactivate the wireless account so that thief can’t use your mobile account.
Immediately file a police report which will reduce the further complications due to the misuse of the phone.
Notify your important contacts. You should inform the people whom you contact frequently that it’s not you who is calling or texting them through your old number.
You should change all your passwords immediately.

These steps will not ensure that your iPhone is never stolen but it will almost ensure that the phone is trackble at least for a while or the data is protected in case the phone falls into the wrong hands.