Skip to main content

Device Health

Device Health checks that the basics of the device's security are in place. On iOS it looks at two things:

  • Device lock, confirming that a lock screen has been set up correctly.
  • iOS version, confirming that the operating system is up to date and has the latest security fixes.

Both are quick, passive checks. On iOS there is no virus scanning, as Apple does not allow apps to scan the device for malware. Device Health focuses instead on the two settings that make the biggest difference to everyday safety. On iOS the whole of Device Health is included in the free level of Kiren.

Why it matters

A lock screen is the first line of defense if a phone is lost or stolen, keeping personal data out of the wrong hands. Keeping iOS up to date matters just as much, as each update includes security fixes that close off weaknesses before they can be used against the user. Checking both takes only a moment and helps ensure the device is not left exposed.

Running the check

The setup screen is titled "Your device health" and introduces the check with the line: "To keep your device protected against the latest threats, we'll look into two things:"

Two cards are shown:

  • The Device lock card shows an "Enabled" badge when a lock screen is set. If it is not set, it explains that without a lock screen, anyone who picks up the phone has full access to everything on it, and offers a Fix button.
  • The iOS version card shows an "Up to date" badge when the software is current. If an update is available, it explains that the latest updates contain important security improvements, and offers a Fix button.

Tap Check your device health to run the check. When everything is in order, a Done button appears. If something needs attention, an I'll fix later option is shown instead.

Fixing an issue

Tapping Fix opens guidance for whichever item needs attention. Each guidance screen explains why the setting matters and lists the steps to follow in the iPhone's Settings app. There is no button that opens Settings. Leave Kiren, open Settings, and follow the steps shown.

Updating iOS

The guidance is headed "Your iOS is out of date" and explains that updating brings the latest security fixes. A "Your version" row shows the iOS version currently installed, and a note points out that updates are free and usually take just a few minutes.

  1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
  2. Tap General, then tap Software Update.
  3. Download and install the available update, following the instructions given by Apple.

Setting up a lock screen

The guidance is headed "Your phone isn't locked" and explains that without a lock screen, anyone who picks up the phone has full access to everything on it. Setting up a passcode takes about a minute, and Face ID or Touch ID can be added at the same time.

  1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
  2. Tap Face ID & Passcode on an iPhone with Face ID, or Touch ID & Passcode on an iPhone with a Home button.
  3. Tap Turn Passcode On and set a passcode.
  4. Tap Set up Face ID or Set up Touch ID to add it, following the instructions given by Apple.

To see the different types of passcode available, tap Passcode Options. The most secure choices are Custom Alphanumeric Code and Custom Numeric Code.

After making any of these changes, return to Kiren and run the check again to confirm everything is in order.

The Device health screen

The main Device health screen shows the current status at a glance. Each of the two checks displays a badge:

  • Device lock: "Enabled" or "Not set up".
  • iOS version: "Up to date" or "Out of date".

If a check could not be completed, the card shows "Set up" instead. This means the state could not be read, not that something is wrong. Running the check again usually resolves it.

A Check again button re-runs both checks at any time.

Below it, a Lost Device Protection card, subtitled "Find, lock or erase your device", is the quick way to Apple's built-in Find My service for locating, locking, or erasing a lost iPhone. Its Learn about Find Devices button opens Apple's own page. The card does not check whether Find My is turned on and does not affect the device health status. See Lost Device Protection (iOS) for what the service offers and what to do when an iPhone is lost.

Below the cards is a list of recent events from the last 30 days, which records changes such as a device lock being added or removed, an available operating-system update, or an upgrade to a new iOS version. When there is nothing to show, it reads "No device health events detected".

These recent events are stored only on the device. They are kept locally and are not accessible anywhere else.