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iPhone Hardening Guide

Here is the iPhone hardening guide.

Mobile Security · iPhone

Mobile Device Hardening

iPhone Hardening Guide

A step-by-step configuration reference for reducing your device’s digital exposure. Each setting reflects best practices for principals, family members, and anyone in a high-visibility role.

Note: Settings vary by iOS version. If a setting isn’t where indicated, search its name in the Settings search bar.

General & Software 01
Settings › General › Software Update › Automatic Updates
iOS updates › Automatically download
Turn On
iOS updates › Automatically install
Turn On
System files › Automatically install
Turn On
Settings › General › AirPlay & Continuity
AirDrop
Contacts Only
Automatically AirPlay
Never or Ask
Bringing devices together
Turn Off
Apple Intelligence & Siri
Turn Off
Settings › VPN & Device Management
Unknown configuration profiles
Remove
Settings › General › Handoff
Handoff
Turn Off
Face ID & Passcode 02
Settings › Face ID & Passcode
Stolen device protection
Turn On
Face ID with a mask
Turn Off
Require attention for Face ID
Turn On
Attention aware features
Turn On
Require passcode
Immediately
Allow access when locked
Turn Off All Options
Passcode type
Use custom alphanumeric code or 6+ digits
Review
Apple ID 03
Settings › [Your Name]
Sign-in & security › Trusted phone number
Review
Two-factor authentication
Turn On
iCloud backup
Turn On
Private relay
Turn On
Advanced data protection
May require updating all connected devices first
Turn On
iCloud.com
Review
Associated devices
Remove old or unknown devices from account
Review
Privacy & Security 04
Settings › Privacy & Security
Location services › Location alerts
Turn On
Tracking
Turn Off
System services › Significant Locations
Turn Off
System services › Product improvement
Turn Off All
Contacts access
Confirm Apps
Microphone access
Confirm Apps
Photos access
Confirm Apps
Camera access
Confirm no apps set to Always
Confirm Apps
More Privacy Settings
Journaling suggestions
Turn Off
Analytics & improvements
Turn Off
Apple advertising
Turn Off
Background security improvements
Turn On
Discoverable by others
Turn Off
Note

Settings vary by iOS version. If a setting isn’t where indicated, search its name in the Settings search bar.

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