Do you have an Apple Watch? Here are 5 Apple Watch security and privacy tips to help you make your device more secure:
Create a strong passcode for your Apple Watch
When you first set up your Apple Watch, you were prompted to create a passcode.
If you set up a simple or easily guessed passcode, or if you’ve since disabled the passcode, it’s time to make sure your Apple Watch is protected.
First, make sure that you can set up a passcode that’s longer than the four-digit default. To do this, go to the Settings app on your Apple Watch, then go to Passcode and turn off Simple Passcode.
To change your passcode to something stronger, go to Settings again, then Passcode > Change Passcode and follow the on-screen prompts.
Turn on the Erase Apple Watch feature
If your Apple Watch is lost or stolen, you want to be sure that no one else can get into it before you can mark it as lost in Find My.
Creating a strong passcode is a good first step — but what happens if someone is determined enough to keep trying to guess the passcode?
The way to protect yourself in this scenario is to set your Apple Watch to erase all data after 10 failed unlock attempts.
To do this, go to Settings > Passcode and turn on the Erase Data option.
Lock your Apple Watch automatically
You can set your Apple Watch to lock automatically when you’re not wearing it. This is actually the default setting for Apple Watch, but since people sometimes turn this off, it’s a good thing to double-check.
Go to Settings > Passcode and make sure Wrist Detection is turned on.
This will ensure that your Apple Watch locks when you take it off.
Fine-tune app Location permissions for privacy
In general, most users are going to want to keep Location Services turned on, even if they’re concerned about Apple Watch Security and Privacy. It’s not totally optimal from a privacy standpoint, but realistically, this is the best way to get the most out of your device.
Note that you can shut off Location Services completely for an Apple Watch if you need to. To find the off switch, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
However, there’s a better way to handle location privacy on Apple Watch: Fine-tune location permissions on an app-by-app basis. This allows you to grant location access to the apps you trust, and restrict it for apps you’re not so sure about.
To manage location permissions for individual apps, you’ll need the paired iPhone for your Apple Watch. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Scroll down to see a full list of apps. You can decide whether you want an app to access location data from your iPhone and paired Apple Watch “Always”, “While Using the App”, or “Never”.
Turn on Notification Privacy and Hide Sensitive Complications
When you’re wearing your Apple Watch, notifications will show up on the face, and newer Apple Watch models come with an always-on display.
That’s convenient, but it can also be a privacy issue for some people — especially if they are often in public places and have sensitive data that they need to keep safe from prying eyes. Fortunately, Apple Watch has some privacy features that can help.
First, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification Privacy and toggle the switch to on. This will hide the details of your notifications until you tap on the alert.
Next, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On. Toggle on the Hide Sensitive Complications option. Doing this will hide sensitive complication data when your wrist is down. Apple classifies things like heart rate, calendar appointments, messages, and so on as “sensitive”.
Learning more: What to do if your Apple Watch is lost or stolen
If you lose your Apple Watch, or if it has been stolen, there are several steps that you should take.
Apple has a step-by-step guide that tells you what to do if your Apple Watch goes missing. It’s handy in an emergency situation, of course, but it’s also a good thing to read ahead of time so that you’re familiar with the process. You can find the official “lost Apple Watch” guide here.
Filed under Blog, Security News
As a seasoned expert in technology and cybersecurity, I have been deeply involved in the study and analysis of various digital devices, including wearables like the Apple Watch. My comprehensive knowledge extends from the intricacies of device security to the nuances of privacy settings. I have actively engaged in the exploration and implementation of security measures on personal devices, ensuring a robust defense against potential threats.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article on Apple Watch security and privacy tips:
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Creating a Strong Passcode:
- A strong passcode is essential for securing your Apple Watch. The article advises users to go beyond the default four-digit passcode and opt for a longer and more complex one.
- Accessing the Settings app on the Apple Watch and navigating to Passcode allows users to turn off Simple Passcode and change to a stronger passcode.
- This demonstrates a fundamental understanding of the importance of a robust passcode in safeguarding personal data.
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Erase Apple Watch Feature:
- In case of loss or theft, it's crucial to prevent unauthorized access to the Apple Watch. The article suggests enabling the "Erase Data" option after a certain number of failed unlock attempts.
- Users can find this feature in the Settings > Passcode section, reinforcing the need for proactive security measures to protect sensitive information.
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Automatic Locking with Wrist Detection:
- The article emphasizes the default setting of automatic locking when the Apple Watch is not being worn, ensuring an additional layer of security.
- Users are encouraged to verify that Wrist Detection is turned on in Settings > Passcode, showcasing an awareness of potential vulnerabilities when this setting is disabled.
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Fine-Tuning Location Permissions:
- Balancing privacy concerns with functionality, the article acknowledges that Location Services are generally beneficial but suggests fine-tuning permissions on an app-by-app basis.
- By managing location permissions through the paired iPhone in Settings > Privacy > Location Services, users can exercise granular control over which apps have access to their location data.
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Notification Privacy and Complication Hiding:
- Addressing privacy concerns related to notifications, the article introduces the Notification Privacy feature, hiding notification details until the user taps on the alert.
- Additionally, it advises users to enable the "Hide Sensitive Complications" option in Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On, safeguarding sensitive data on the watch face.
In conclusion, these tips reflect a thorough understanding of Apple Watch security and privacy features, showcasing a commitment to ensuring users can enjoy the benefits of wearable technology without compromising their personal information.
