iOS Passcode Lock (Part 1): The 3 Unique Instances

This is Part 1 of 4 in a blog series regarding the iOS passcode lock security feature for the iPads. In this first part, you will learn of the 3 unique instances of when you may encounter a passcode—these unique instances are:

• Lock screen
• Guided Access
• Restrictions (when enabling this feature locally on the iPad under 'Settings')

Each of these unique instances will be further defined in the below sections. 

NOTE: It is important to understand that only a lock screen passcode can be easily removed via Configurator or AirWatch--we will discuss how to accomplish this in future blog posts. However, the other two instances of passcode use cannot be removed so easily, requiring additional steps and software—which we will also discuss how to accomplish this in a future blog post.

Lock Screen
The most common of these instances is a passcode enabled for the lock screen. You have probably run into this type of passcode when you or a student attempted to "slide to unlock" 
an iPad and are greeted with a number panel instead of the home screen. 

Guided Access
In CPS, the Guided Access feature is most often implemented when utilizing an iPad for NWEA testing. When enabling this feature the creation of a passcode is required and although the user may choose the same 4 digits used to implement a lock screen passcode, it is not a requirement. If Guided Access is enabled, the user will receive a notification when attempting to either exit the current app and return to the home screen or when attempting to sleep the iPad using the power button. This notification will appear in a black band at the top of the screen stating, "Guided Access enabled. Triple-click the home button to exit." By triple-clicking the home button, the user will then be prompted to enter in the 4 digit passcode.

Restrictions
Prior to utilizing Configurator or AirWatch to manage the user experience of the iPads, some TechCo's and teachers would deploy restrictions to iPads—locally on an individual basis. To check if an iPad has this feature turned on (resulting in a passcode being created), go to 'Settings' > 'General' and scroll down to the 'Restrictions' section. If enabled, the section will be label "Restrictions On" and if you tap on this section you will be prompted to enter the 4 digit passcode. As was discussed in the Guided access section, the user may choose the same 
4 digits used to implement a lock screen passcode, but this is not a requirement.

Written by Gerald Proctor, iOS Device Management Administrator