Never Leave Your Phone Unlocked

Would you leave your house unlocked overnight?

Probably not.

And yet, many people carry something far more personal — completely unprotected.

Your phone isn’t just a phone anymore. It’s your photo album, your wallet, your calendar, and often your connection to the people and information that matter most. Leaving it unlocked is like leaving the front door wide open.

Let’s talk about why setting a passcode matters — and how to do it well.

What’s at Risk Without a Lock Screen?

If someone picks up your unlocked phone, they could instantly access:

• Your email (and everything connected to it)
• Your banking apps and saved passwords
• Your contacts and recent messages
• Your tax returns, financial documents, or health records stored in files or photos
• Your social media accounts and identity
• Information that other people entrusted to you (and that you should protect)

And it doesn’t take long. Just a few seconds in the wrong hands can lead to:

• Identity theft
• Access to your credit or bank info
• Stolen photos or private messages
• Damage to your relationships or reputation

It’s a risk not worth taking — especially when the solution is so simple.

Why It Matters to You

We lock things that matter.

Our front doors. Our cars. Our safes.

Your phone deserves the same care — maybe even more.

That small device in your pocket or purse contains your personal life, your work life, and often parts of other people’s lives too (like text messages, contact info, or shared photos). If you’ve never set a lock screen, or you’ve turned it off for convenience — now’s the time to change that.

How to Lock Your Phone (and Do It Right)

Here are some simple ways to make your phone more secure today:

• Set up a PIN or password — even a 4-digit code is better than nothing
• Choose a longer passcode (6 digits or a phrase is even stronger)
• Enable fingerprint or face recognition for quick, secure access
• Adjust your settings to make sure your phone auto-locks after 30–60 seconds
• Avoid using easy-to-guess codes like 1234, 0000, or your birth year

Pro tip: On most phones, you can also limit what shows on the lock screen (like hiding previews of text messages).

Don’t Fall for These Common Mistakes

Here are some things to avoid:

• Leaving your phone unlocked because it “feels easier”
• Thinking “no one would ever go through my phone”
• Using your birthday or a common number (e.g., 1234, 1111, etc.) as your passcode
• Setting the auto-lock timer to 30 minutes or “never”

You Don’t Have to Be Techy to Be Smart

You don’t need to understand cybersecurity to protect yourself.
You just need a few good habits — and this is one of the best places to start.

Locking your phone is like locking your home.

It’s not about fear. It’s about wisdom, peace of mind, and respecting what’s valuable.

Need Help with Tech?

Visit krichardlabbe.com for a step-by-step guide, video walkthroughs, and other tech tips written in everyday language.

Feel free to share this with someone you care about — especially older adults, young people, or anyone new to using smartphones securely.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this material. However, Labbe Media, LLC does not assume liability for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Viewers are encouraged to verify any information before making decisions or taking actions based on it.