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Cops can force suspect to unlock phone with thumbprint, US court rules
(arstechnica.com)
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this post was submitted on 19 Apr 2024
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They can't force you to cough up a password though.
On iOS, holding the volume up and lock button long enough that the shutdown screens and whatnot start showing, will disable Face ID login and force the PIN to be entered on next unlock.
On android there's Lockdown mode, so everyone should look into this regardless of what phone you have. Better to look up what to do now rather than when you need it
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-the-android-lockdown-mode-and-why-you-should/
I'd like a way to require a pattern outside of predefined locations or WiFi networks. Anyone know of a way?
Lockdown is great but if you fail to put it on then it's open access for unscrupulous cops.
For almost any phone: just turn it off. Every phone I've used requires a passcode after a power cycle
That's not really related to what I asked though...
Sorry, I misread your comment, I thought you were asking for a method other than one using lockdown mode. I doubt there's a method using location if it isn't provided by the manufacturer, because an app trying to do that would need permissions to lock the phone.
You could try one of those automation apps. I remember seeing some triggers for entering and leaving a location, and the advanced ones should be able to use wifi connections/disconnections
Whether it can change security settings though I'm not as sure about.
They can... or could, on rooted phones. Apps like Tasker have a root mode module that can do pretty much anything. Haven't used it for a while, though.
Running tasker on a unrooted Fairphone 5 There is a function "System Lock" which locks the phone so you have to enter the PIN. I created a task and a widget on the home screen that triggers the task
I did give tasker some extra rights via adb, which is a quite straight forward process. I think the dev even has a guide for it...
Smartlock? You can set trusted locations and devices, that keep your phone unlocked. Otherwise your regular pin/password kicks in
On iOS, hitting vol up, then vol down, then hold power for a second will instantly lock down and also no danger of accidentally calling 911 or whatever.
It’s also the fast way to get to the power option.
Sure but holding volume up and power until the phone vibrates is a much faster and easier method and there is little worry you might accidentally call 911. It’s also easier to do without looking.
It has a countdown before calling with vibrations on every number.
It’s slower, actually.
Are you really trying to argue over ways of locking down the phone?
Yeah I just tested it and you’re right it’s a way faster way to get to power off. Personally prefer the five lock presses as it requires way less dexterity in your pocket. I’ve just disabled the auto-call feature.
For me it’s much easier to lock the phone by holding any volume and power then to remember the sequence needed to force power of the phone.
Clicking 5 times on power is probably faster, but I forgot that existed and if I’m trying to do something quickly essentially squeezing my phone is easier than trying to tap the correct side 5 times quickly under pressure. And much easier to me then trying to remember the force power off sequence and performing it without looking under stress.
Especially on the iPhone 15 pros there is now another button so getting the up down up power means finding the correct up button.
I’ve looked up that sequence numerous times when I’ve needed to force reboot and I still forget it half the time.
Hey cool, good to know. Just tested with my iphone and even though it said “or swipe up for FaceID”, it wouldn’t take my swipe up, and required my PIN to unlock.