Short answerBack up first, then remove or lock away sensitive data. Move private photos into an encrypted vault with its own code, or back the vault up and delete it until you get the phone back. Avoid sharing your passcode if the repair doesn't need it.
Before you hand it over
- Back up the phone and your vault. Confirm both finished.
- Move private photos into a vault with a code that's different from your iPhone passcode.
- Empty Recently Deleted, or the originals are still there.
- Sign out of sensitive apps you don't need during the repair.
- Set a temporary passcode if the shop needs one, and change it afterwards.
Extra caution
If the phone holds very sensitive material, delete the vault after confirming the encrypted backup, and restore it with your recovery phrase when the phone comes back.
When you get it back
Change your passcode, check Screen Time for unexpected activity, and restore anything you removed.
Frequently asked questions
Do repair shops need my passcode?
Some repairs need it to test the phone after the fix. Ask whether it's required, and use a temporary passcode you change afterwards.
Is a vault safe if the shop has my iPhone passcode?
A vault with its own unlock stays locked even if someone knows your iPhone passcode.
