Helpful Guide
If your phone or tablet ever goes missing, or if you leave it on a table for a moment, a screen lock is one of the simplest ways to protect your messages, photos, email, and banking apps.
The good news is that you do not need to be technical to set one up. Once it is turned on, unlocking your device each day can still feel quick and easy.
The simple version: switch on a proper screen lock, choose a PIN or passcode you can remember, and then add fingerprint or face unlock if your device offers it.
This guide explains the calm, practical steps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Why a screen lock matters
A screen lock helps stop other people opening your device if it is lost, borrowed, or picked up by mistake. That matters because many of your important accounts are already signed in on your device.
- Email: someone could reset passwords for other accounts if they can open your inbox.
- Banking apps: your bank may still ask for extra checks, but an unlocked phone gives a stranger a head start.
- Photos and messages: private information can be seen very quickly on an unlocked screen.
- Saved passwords and passkeys: these often rely on your device unlock method for protection.
If you already use a password manager or online banking on your device, this basic step makes those tools safer too. Our guides on storing passwords safely with a password manager and making online banking safer on your phone or tablet can help with the next layer.
Important: avoid obvious codes such as 1234, 0000, your birth year, or your house number. Choose something that would not be easy for another person to guess.
Which lock type should you choose?
Most devices let you use a few different options. The names vary slightly, but the idea is simple.
- PIN or passcode: a number code you type in. This is usually the easiest option to start with.
- Password: letters, numbers, and symbols. Stronger, but slower to type on a small screen.
- Pattern: common on Android. It can work well, but only if the pattern is not very simple.
- Fingerprint: unlock by touching the sensor with a saved finger.
- Face unlock or Face ID: unlock by looking at the device.
For many people, the best balance is a PIN or passcode as the backup method with fingerprint or face unlock for convenience. That way, the device stays protected, but day-to-day use feels easier.
How to set it up on an iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on your model.
- Tap Turn Passcode On.
- Enter a six-digit passcode, or tap Passcode Options if you want a different format.
- Follow the steps to set up Face ID or Touch ID if your device offers it.
If the device asks you to scan your face or fingerprint more than once, that is normal. It is learning how to recognise you properly.
Tip for Apple devices: write the steps down on paper while you do them, but do not write the actual passcode on the same note and keep it beside the device.
How to set it up on an Android phone or tablet
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security or Security & privacy. On some devices it may say Lock screen or Device unlock.
- Choose Screen lock.
- Pick your preferred option, such as PIN, password, or pattern.
- Follow the on-screen steps to confirm it.
- Add fingerprint or face unlock afterwards if your device offers those options.
Android menus can vary a little by brand, so do not worry if the wording on your phone is slightly different. The key thing is to look for Security, Privacy, or Screen lock.
Good habits once it is turned on
- Lock the device whenever you finish using it. Most phones and tablets do this automatically after a short time.
- Keep the software updated so the device stays protected. If you have not done that yet, our guide on turning on automatic updates can help.
- Do not share your PIN or passcode by text message or email.
- Keep a backup unlock method you can remember. Even if you use your fingerprint every day, the device will still ask for the passcode sometimes.
- Turn on Find My or Find Hub as well if you have not already, so you have a better chance of locating a lost device.
If you want help with the lost-device side too, see our guide on turning on Find My on iPhone or Find Hub on Android.
If fingerprint or face unlock does not work every time
This is common and does not usually mean anything is wrong.
- Clean the screen or sensor gently.
- Make sure your finger is dry if you are using fingerprint unlock.
- Scan your face or fingerprint again if the device offers a setup redo.
- Remember that the PIN or passcode is still the backup.
On some devices, a screen protector or a big change in lighting can affect fingerprint or face recognition. If that happens, updating the saved fingerprint or face profile often helps.
Do not switch the lock off just because the fingerprint or face option feels awkward at first. Keep the PIN or passcode in place, then adjust the biometric setup later.
When one-to-one support is worth it
If the settings screen feels confusing, or if you are helping an older parent and do not want to risk locking the device the wrong way, it can be easier to have someone patient guide the setup once properly.
Simply Tech Support can help with phone and tablet setup, safer account access, software updates, email problems, and calm one-to-one support at home. You can read more on the Simply Tech Support services page.
