Sleep/Wake button

When you’re not using iPhone, press the Sleep/Wake button to lock iPhone. Locking iPhone puts the display to sleep, saves the battery, and prevents anything from happening if you touch the screen. You can still get phone calls, FaceTime calls, text messages, alarms, and notifications. You can also listen to music and adjust the volume.

The upper portion of iPhone with a close-up of the Sleep/Wake button.

iPhone locks automatically if you don’t touch the screen for a minute or so. To adjust the timing, go to Settings > General > Auto-Lock.

For additional security, you can require a passcode to unlock iPhone. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (iPhone 5s) or Settings > Passcode (other models). See Use a passcode with data protection.