Apple’s hidden ‘self-destruct’ button completely wipes your iPhone if someone tries to break into it
Apple has a hidden 'self-destruct' button that wipes your iPhone if you use it.
Security should be a top priority in 2025, but when there are websites out there that can search everywhere our faces are, we get caught on CCTV around 70 times a day, and Apple is going to court over Siri listening to us, we don't blame you if you have that feeling that somebody is always watching or listening.
Our phones are another cause for concern in terms of security, with the average iPhone serving as our own personal bank, diary, photo album, and more. More than just someone reading those private WhatsApp messages where you slag off someone else in the group chat, gaining access to your iPhone could have a devastating effect on your life.
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While we dread to think about any bad actors getting hold of our iPhones and trying to take control of our lives, the good news is that Apple has installed a secret 'self-destruct' button.
It all sounds very Mission: Impossible, and while we promise your iPhone won't explode in the hands of a thief, this failsafe can wipe your phone before someone you don't want to gets inside.
Apple has a handy feature that will erase all of your phone's data if someone tries to break into it and attempts to input your passcode a certain number of times.
The magic setting will wipe your iPhone if someone incorrectly enters a passcode 10 times in a row. For those forgetful iPhone users who often find themselves stumped when trying to remember their passcode, fear not.
The wrong code has to be entered 10 consecutive times, meaning the counter resets if you take a break between guesses. The general idea is that it'll stop thieves using brute force to get into your phone.
It's not enabled by default, but if you want to set up Apple's hidden self-destruct mode, you'll first need to back up your iPhone. To do this manually, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, go to ‘Settings’, select your account, and then under 'iCloud Backup', press ‘Back Up Now’.
You can also set up automatic backups as long as the device is connected to Wi-Fi and a power source. Now that your phone is backed up, you can go all Ethan Hunt and stop those snoopers.
To set your iPhone to "erase all information, media, and personal settings after 10 consecutive failed passcode attempts," head to ‘Settings’ and then select 'Face ID & Passcode'. You'll be asked to enter your passcode, then scroll to the bottom and toggle on the 'Erase Data' option.
If the worst happens and your data is erased, you'll be able to restore everything from your backup. This is why it's important to make sure your phone is backed up before enabling it.
Alongside Apple's handy 'Stolen Device Protection' feature that will keep your device locked up like Fort Knox when it's away from certain locations, the 'self-destruction' option is another much-needed piece of mind in an era where it's a little too easy to have all your private information swiped.