Use Safety Check in iOS 16/iPadOS 16 on iPhone and iPad 

When you are dealing with a major feature, it’s better to have a clear understanding upfront. So, let’s first get it out of the way.

What is Safety Check in iOS 16 and How Does It Work?

Safety Check is a new security and privacy feature designed to protect your personal safety. It ensures you have the desired control over apps and devices that have access to your information. There are two key components of Safety Check:

Emergency Reset: With “Emergency Reset”, you can immediately reset all apps and people. Moreover, it also allows you to take a close look at your account security and take the necessary steps before it’s too late.Manage Sharing & Access: Depending on your needs, you can configure which people and apps can access your information. Additionally, it also lets you review your account security. 

Does Apple Inform Anyone That You Have Revoked Their Access to Apps?

If you are worried that Apple will immediately notify anyone that you have revoked their access to any app, let me tell you that Apple does not do it. However, they will soon realize that you have stopped them from having access to your information.

How to Use Safety Check to Emergency Reset Access to All People and Apps

At any time you feel that your personal safety is at risk, you should take advantage of the Emergency Reset feature to quickly shield your information from people and apps. Notably, it also allows you to change your Apple ID password and review your emergency contacts.

  1. To get started, open the Settings app on your iPhone and iPad.
  2. Now, scroll down a bit add tap on Privacy & Security.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom add tap on Safety Check.
  4. Next, tap on Emergency Reset.
  5. Next up, you will be informed about Emergency Reset and its three important stages:

People & Apps: You can choose to stop sharing your personal information with all people and also revoke access to all apps.Account Security: You will get the option to change your Apple ID password and review your account security.Emergency Contacts: In the end, you will have the option to add or remove emergency contacts.

Now, tap on Start Emergency Reset and then follow the instructions to reset everything.

How to Manage Sharing and Access Using Safety Check 

As outlined above, Safety Check enables you to customize sharing and access for specific people and apps as well as review your account security. Whatever changes you make come into effect straight away. And yes, Apple won’t alert anyone you stop sharing with.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Privacy & Security -> Safety Check.
  2. Now, tap on Manage Sharing & Access.
  3. On the next screen, you will get brief information about Manage Sharing and Access. Furthermore, it will also inform you about the three important aspects including:

Review People: You can manage things like location and photos that you are sharing with people.Review Apps: You can manage the apps that have access to your information, like your calendar or contacts.Account Security: It allows you to review your account security like your Apple ID password.

Now, tap on Continue and then customize everything in line with your preference.

My Critical Thoughts…

In an age where your privacy is always under the lens of prying eyes and the security of your personal information badly requires multiple layers of shield to remain safeguarded, Safety Check appears to be a well-timed addition to Apple’s already robust suite of security and privacy features. With this notable feature, you can not just immediately stop anyone or everyone (if need be) from using your sensitive information but also customize your account security so that it can stay protected. Being a huge privacy-conscious person, I give this feature a thumbs up. What about you? Make sure to share your invaluable thoughts in the comments section below.