iPad Basics: Security Part 2 - Find my iPhone

Lately the web has been full of stories (here and here) about people who have lost their iPads and iPhones only to get them back soon after, thanks to a feature Apple has built-in called, "Find my iPhone."

The Find my iPhone app allows a user to locate their iPad using the built in GPS and Wireless cards to locate your device using triangulation.  Once located, the user can see on a map, the devices most recent (or last known) location.

Accessing the Find my iPhone app also allows the user the ability to send a custom message to the devices screen and sound out a loud and sustained pinging noise (as long as the device has battery) to assist the user in relocated the misplaced device.

If you know your iPad has been removed from your possession, you might want to choose two of the apps other features that include immediate screen locking and (as ultimate protection for your data) a complete system restore, that wipes out your entire iPad, back to the fresh out-of-the-box state you started with.

Setting up the Find my iPhone app is fairly simple, however, you'll need to make sure you have set-up the iCloud services on your iPad first.  You can access the iCloud settings by going to your Systems app, then choosing iCloud from the options available on the left menu column.  Selecting this tab will bring up some options you'll need to look over.

If you already have iCloud enabled and set-up with your Apple ID, you can simply check to make sure the Find my iPhone setting is tuned on.  Sliding it on is all you need to do (however, it might prompt you to sign-in with you Apple ID.)

For those without iCloud enabled, before using the Find my iPhone app, you'll need to connect to the iCloud service by activating the feature with your Apple ID.  Don't be distracted by all the other options to sync notes, contacts, reminders and more.  For now, just concentrate on ensuring the Find my iPhone option is enabled and turned on.

Now that you've opted to use your iCloud settings to track the location of your device, you can access it from anywhere you have access to the internet, by visiting www.iCloud.com and logging-in with your Apple ID and password.  Clicking on the on-screen image of the radar will bring up a map with your iPad showing it's current or last know location.  You can also download and use the Find my iPhone app on any other iOS device such as an iPhone or another iPad.

Now, is the Find my iPhone app 100% fool proof?  Not really.   Unfortunately, a savvy thief could disable most of the security features and wipe the iPad back to its factory settings within a couple of minutes (if the conditions are right.)  Time is of the essence when it comes to getting your device back after it's disappeared, however, your chances are much better if you've enabled the service to begin with.

The best defense for not loosing your iPad is to keep it safe and secure in a place you feel comfortable.  I believe your iPad should always be in your bag going home with you.  If you've got to leave it in your classroom overnight, lets be sure to put it somewhere it can be locked away... in your desk drawer or even a filing cabinet.

I would encourage everyone to use their iPad safely and securely by enabling the Find my iPhone app and creating a password protected lock screen (see here for that blog post.)

If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to ask me via email, phone or in person!  Good luck and stay safe!

iPad Basics: Security Part 1 - Passcode Lock

Have you ever felt that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize you've set your phone down and you're not quite sure where it is?

Most of us will immediately retrace our steps and eventually grab another phone to call our own in hopes of hearing it ring or vibrate.  On the off chance, someone might even be willing to pick up our phone to fill us in on its location.

Well, your iPad is not a phone... but it does have some neat built in features that will help set you mind at ease... should you forget where you placed it.

Passcode Lock

Before we go too far... it would be a good idea for me to get you to do something important first...

Lock your iPad.

By default, you're iPad (and the content on it) can be accessed by anyone picking up your device.  You email, photos, videos, apps and more are available to anyone who want to see them.

There's a simple solution to this in your settings that takes only a moment or two to enable: Passcode Lock.  We get there by going to our "Settings App" and choosing the "General" tab.  Located toward the bottom of your General options is the Passcode Lock setting.  By default this is off, however, tapping the Passcode Lock will bring you to a second screen that will give you some personal settings to choose.

Turning the passcode on will prompt a request for you to enter a 4-digit numerical password.  Choose your number and you'll be again prompted to re-enter them for accuracy validation.  If a 4-ditig numerical password isn't strong enough for you, turn off the simple passcode option to be give the choice of creating anytype of aphanumeric password you would like.

The other two options of Picture Frame and Erase Data are off by default as well.  Turning Picture Frame on provides a small button on your locked screen that enables anyone to begin a timed showing of all your photos in your Photos app.  If there are photos of you inside, whoever finds your iPad will have an easier time recognizing you when you come to get it from them.  Just know, they'll be able to see your photos...  When you have some time, ask Julie Do what she found when my misplaced iPad ended up in her office once last year.  One word: embarrassing.

Erase Data is pretty straight forward.  On the off chance you've seriously misplaced your iPad or someone has purposefully misplaced it for you (i.e.theft). Choosing the Erase Data option will keep all your data safe should someone try to gain access to your iPad by wiping the hard drive contents such that the iPad goes all the way back to the default setting it had when you took it out of the box (all nice and shiny for the first time.)  I had this setting on once, only to find that my wonderful 3-year-old had accidentally set me back a few weeks when she tried in vain to get access to the Neflix App so she could watch Curious George.

Well, that should be about it for setting up your Passcode Lock.  Now... in about 1/2 an hour from now, you're going to experience some frustration.  You see, having to unlock your iPad every time you want to access it is a pain (albeit a minor one.)

You might be tempted to turn off the Passcode Lock.  My suggestion?  That feeling will pass with time...  especially the first time you accidentally realize you can't find your iPad.

For another important tip on securing your iPad... this time on how to find it if it's lost using the "Find my iPhone" App, be sure to read the next post: iPad Basics: Security Part 2 - Find My iPad.