To best protect your iPhone 11, use strong biometrics (Face ID) and an alphanumeric passcode, keep iOS updated for security patches, enable features like Stolen Device Protection (iOS 17.3+) for critical settings, use strong, unique passwords, and be wary of scams. Physical protection like a good case and screen protector is also vital, while software settings such as controlling app tracking enhance privacy.
Use a device passcode or password and Face ID or Touch ID. For better security, you can set a passcode on your device — or login password on your Mac — to help protect your data. Use Face ID or Touch ID if your device supports it. Keep your software up to date.
To prolong your iPhone's battery lifespan, it's best to keep the charge between 20-80%. This range minimizes the stress on the battery, reducing wear and tear over time. Avoid letting the battery completely drain or fully charge regularly, as this can accelerate battery degradation.
Three-finger gestures on iPhone primarily activate accessibility features like VoiceOver (for screen reading and navigation) and Zoom (magnification), allowing scrolling, zooming, and text manipulation (copy/paste/undo) with specific taps and drags, though some text actions work without VoiceOver enabled for quick editing. Common gestures include three-finger double-tap to toggle VoiceOver speech, triple-tap for the screen curtain, and pinching/spreading with three fingers for copy/paste actions, notes this YouTube video.
Set up a secure screen lock with a passcode
Apple iCloud is generally considered secure, thanks to strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and other default data protection features. And its optional Advanced Data Protection setting can offer even stronger safeguards.
On an iPhone, dialing *#21# is a USSD code used to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, SMS, or data are being redirected and to which number, without actually changing settings; it's a simple privacy check to see if someone has secretly set your phone to forward everything, though it doesn't detect advanced spyware. Dialing this code brings up a message from your carrier about your call forwarding status, often showing "Disabled" or a specific number if it's active.
You can double-tap or triple-tap the back of iPhone to perform actions such as taking a screenshot, turning on an accessibility feature, running a shortcut, and more. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then choose an action.
*3001#12345#* on an iPhone activates the hidden Field Test Mode, a diagnostic tool for network engineers and power users to see detailed cellular data like signal strength (dBm), cell tower info, and network quality, accessible by dialing the code in the Phone app and pressing call, often after turning off Wi-Fi for accurate cellular readings.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings:
For example, streaming videos or music, making calls, and gaming on the go typically cause your battery to drain much more quickly. Other culprits of battery draining include active applications in the background or constantly updating, such as real-time weather apps.
iPhone automatically stops charging when the battery is fully charged, so it's safe to keep your iPhone connected to a charger overnight.
It's safe to use the phone while charging. It will slow the charging rate slightly, as the energy from the power source goes to operate the phone, and the battery is charged with whatever is left.
For iOS, use Apple's Safety Check: To check if your iPhone has been hacked, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. This tool helps you review and revoke the access you've granted to people, apps, and devices, which is a common way iPhones are compromised.
Hidden Battery Power / Boost Signal Strength
By pressing *3370# or #3370#, you'll activate your phone's “reserve battery power”. Battery life will increase by 50%. The reserve will automatically charge up the next time you change your device. Other claims state dialing the same sequence will boost cellular reception.
##002# cancels all forwarding on many GSM networks worldwide. Dial ##002# and press call. You'll usually hear a confirmation message.
If someone taps your phone, you may notice subtle clues, like strange sounds interrupting your calls, a quickly draining battery, visual glitches, and more.
Do one of the following:
*Code #62#: This code tells you where your calls are going when you're unreachable 📴 (like if your phone is off or has no signal). If the call forwarding is set to a number you don't recognize, it could mean someone is tampering with your phone's settings 🔍. How Could Someone Use Call Forwarding to Track You?