How to Customize Access to iPad Features While Locked

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
iPadOS 18.4 - iPad Pro M4
You will need
iPad running iPadOS 18 or later

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Access Face ID or Passcode settings

    Open the Settings app on your iPad. Navigate to the sidebar and select Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your device passcode to proceed.

  2. 1 min

    Manage Lock Screen access permissions

    Scroll down to the section labeled Allow Access When Locked. Toggle the switches for features you wish to disable, such as Today View, Notification Center, or Control Center.

    Note: Disabling these prevents others from viewing calendar events or toggling hardware settings without authentication.
  3. 30 sec

    Configure USB accessory security

    Within the same menu, locate the USB Accessories option. Toggle the switch to off to ensure your iPad remains locked to USB devices if it has not been unlocked within the past hour.

    Note: This prevents data extraction tools from connecting to your iPad while locked.
  4. 1 min

    Adjust notification preview settings

    Go back to the main Settings menu and select Notifications. Tap Show Previews and select When Unlocked or Never to hide sensitive alert content from your Lock Screen.

    Note: Choosing When Unlocked ensures previews are only visible once Face ID or Touch ID verifies your identity.
  5. 30 sec

    Test the lock screen configuration

    Press the top button to lock your iPad. Wake the screen and attempt to swipe down for Control Center or access widgets to confirm your selected restrictions are active.