IPad Security: How To Keep Your iPad Safe On A Trip

Keeping your iPad safe and secure can be a challenge, particularly if it’s main your device. This is because, unlike a laptop which has a fold-down screen and is less portable, the iPad on its own is in many respects a bigger version of the iPhone that can be smashed just as easily.

Moreover, since it is not a laptop and has its only operating system – iOS – many people are not clued up on how to properly protect it to ensure their personal data stays safe at all times.

With a new operating system – iPad OS – launching in the fall which is aimed at allowing more people to use their iPads as their main computing device, now is the time to secure your iPad.

Here are our top iPad security tips.

Buy a Good Case

If you have just spent hundreds of dollars on an iPad then there is no reason not to splash out that little bit extra on a good iPad security case. Many people can be tempted to purchase a cheaper one or to pick the first case they see.

However, these ones often won’t do the trick. Whilst they will offer some protection they can easily fall apart after a few weeks and they won’t protect your device.

You don’t want to be having the repair vs replace debate a few weeks after you purchase your new iPad.

Instead, shop around for a case that you feel comfortable with. There are loads of options both online and in shops.

iPad Pro users can buy a special case with a built-in smart keyboard killing two birds with one stone. It is important to remember that Bluetooth keyboards for iPads are sold separately so there is no need to prioritize the case over the keyboard.

Turn on “Find My iPhone”

Because of its name, people often forget that Find My iPhone works for all GPS enabled Apple devices including your iPad. This is how to find a missing iPad.

This app, which comes pre-loaded as standard, allows you to track your iPad or iPhone if you have lost it. You simply login into the iCloud on any computer using your Apple ID and it will reveal the last known location of your iPad based on when it was connected to WiFi and its GPS data.

You can also use a function to allow it to sound a noise so that if the location shows that your device is, in fact, your home you can go to the room you have left it.

Use Touch ID/Face ID

This is the best way to secure your iPad, with either your fingerprint or your face. Both of these are unique to you and cannot be copied but only if you set them up.

You are usually promoted to do this when you set up your iPad for the first time but it can be easy to skip over this step when you have a new device and want to use it straight away. Be sure to access it through settings and then the Touch ID and passcode menu.

Whilst Face ID and Touch ID are both great options, you can be even more secure by setting an alphanumerical password for times when your Touch ID doesn’t work. This sometimes happens when you have taken a bath or a shower and your thumbprints are wrinkled from the water or you have sweated recently.

Combining Touch/Face ID and a Password

An alphanumerical password that has letters, numbers and even characters is much stronger than a simple passcode which only consists of digits.

This can be annoying to input but it means that there is an extra layer of security and the chances of anyone guessing the password are a lot less than someone guessing the passcode as there are more combinations.

Turn Off Notifications on the Lock Screen

If you do happen to leave your iPad somewhere such as on the subway or a bus by mistake you don’t want someone being able to access your device.

Whilst they might find they are unsuccessful in guessing the passcode or password if you have set your iPad to display notifications on the lock screen a potential stranger could find out key information about you without you realizing.

For example, if one of your security questions is your mother’s maiden name and your mum messages you then a potential hacker might now have your mother’s name or their phone number.

Bank Details

Some digital banks also announce when you have made a transaction on the lock screen. This could give a hacker the name of your bank, the kinds of transactions that you usually do and the places you visit – which is all valuable information they could use.

To turn this function off go to settings and then select the notification tab and go through each app individually, turning off the option to ‘show on lock screen’.

Take iPad Security Seriously

It is important to ensure your iPad is well protected at all times. This includes protecting it from the elements in terms of a good case you feel comfortable with and a screen protector.

But it also means ensuring that your iPad security is up to date. You need to be savvy with the way you implement the settings. Ensure that notifications are only visible behind the lock screen and be sure to take additional security measures such as a password rather than a passcode.

With new operating systems and new models of the iPad on the horizon soon it is clear that it is quickly becoming a replacement for a computer and is therefore just as valuable.

If you’re iPad needs repairing be sure to check out our iPad repair service to see the full list of services we offer..