If you use an iPhone or iPad, you know that there was a major upgrade recently to iOS; version 7.  The most common complaint we’ve heard about this update is that it requires a passcode to unlock the device.  And, by default, it requires that passcode EVERY time the screen goes dark.  It is very annoying when you’re using your phone (or tablet), get distracted for a just a minute, and when you look back you need to swipe to unlock AND enter a passcode.  Although this feature got turned on with the iOS 7 upgrade, you do have the ability to turn it off, or adjust it.

Android phones and tablets have similar settings.  Both are detailed below.

There’s a setting for that!

You can turn off the need for a passcode altogether, but we don’t recommend that.  These devices contain a lot of your personal information.  If you leave it on an airplane, or drop it at the park, you don’t want just anyone to be able to pick it up and use it.  BUT, you can at least turn it down so it only asks for the passcode after some time has passed.

To keep your iPhone / iPad from turning the screen off (locking) so often:

1. Tap on Settings->General->Auto-Lock (2021 update: Settings->Display and Brightness->Auto-lock)
2. You should see a choice now of 2, 5, 10, or 15 minutes; Or Never.  The shorter the time, the greater the battery savings.  However, having your screen go black every 2 minutes can be a bit annoying.  We recommend 5 minutes.

To keep your iPhone / iPad from asking for a passcode every time you turn the screen back on i.e. every time you “unlock” it:

1. Tap on Settings->General->Passcode Lock (2021 update: Settings->TouchID and Passcode)
2. You will have to enter your passcode here to enable you to change the setting
3. If yours is set to Require Passcode “Immediately” that means a passcode is necessary every single time.  If you tap where it reads “immediately,” you should now see options for 1, 5, or 15 minutes or 1 hour and 4 hours. (Immediately will be your only option if you use Apple Pay or Face ID)  If you choose 1 hour, this means that even though your screen goes dark or “locks” you will only need a simple swipe right to unlock it, UNLESS more than 1 hour has passed.  If the hour has passed, then you will need the passcode.  You can turn it off altogether if you prefer with the option at the top, “Turn Passcode Off”

To keep your Android phone / tablet from turning the screen off

1. Settings->Display->Sleep (2021 update: Settings->Display->Screen Timeout)
2. Choose to have it sleep after 15, 30 seconds or 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes.

To manage when your Android phone / tablet asks for a passcode

1. Settings->Security and Screen Lock (2021 update: Settings->Lock Screen)
2. Choose None, Pattern, PIN or Password
3. If you chose something other than None, you can select a time for it to automatically lock: 5, 15, 30 seconds or 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes.  You can also choose for the power button to automatically lock – thereby requiring some kind of code to unlock it.
4. Smart Lock will keep your phone unlocked when in a trusted location