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 step-by-step guidance for whichever item needs attention, and its button opens the iPhone's Settings app. Note that the button opens Settings but does not land on the exact screen. The correct section still needs to be reached by hand. The steps below show where to go.
Updating iOS
The guidance is headed "Your iOS is out of date" and explains that updating brings the latest security fixes. Tapping Update iOS opens Settings, where an available update can be downloaded and installed.
- Tap Update iOS to open Settings, or open the Settings app on the iPhone.
- Navigate to General, then tap Software Update.
- Follow the prompts to download and install any available update.
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. Tapping Set up a lock screen opens Settings, where a passcode and Face ID or Touch ID can be set up.
To set or change the passcode:
- Go to Settings, then, depending on the model:
- On an iPhone with Face ID, tap Face ID & Passcode.
- On an iPhone with a Home button, tap Touch ID & Passcode.
- Tap Turn Passcode On or Change Passcode.
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".
A Check again button re-runs both checks at any time.
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.