IPhone 7 unlocking itself
Discussion
I have an iPhone 7.
I do a fair bit of running. Often in temperatures of 27-31C and with high humidity, can be 99%.
The phone goes into a pocket on my hydration pack.
To unlock my phone it requires a six digit password or fingerprint. Obviously I know how to lock the phone, had iPhones since version2.
Annoyingly on runs I’ll often find it has unlocked itself; made random phone calls (not to my wife; her number is linked to pressing lock button 5 times. It’s the only linked number).
Last week I found my apps jiggling around with the x in the corner and Skype had been deleted.
It will change music tracks, stop podcasts etc. My settings have been opened, other random apps open.
Issue is worse after about an hour or 10km out.
Frankly, its bloody annoying.
Things I have tried:
- check lock button functions; it does. I cannot unlock the phone without entering code our using fingerprint under any other circumstances.
- removed music controls from the lock screen.
- used wired and Bluetooth headphones; no difference.
- run with it in the case and without the case.
- changed pockets on my pack; it seems worse when upright in side pocket, happens less in waist pocket and horizontal.
I’ve pressed all the buttons in various combos in case that’s what is happening (unlikely with a sturdy case on and in fabric pockets.
I’m baffled....FBI etc have to use sophisticated software to break into an iPhone. I just need to run over 15km or so for it to happen all the time!
Any thoughts from anyone?
Just to be clear - I know how to lock the phone.
Humidity?
I do a fair bit of running. Often in temperatures of 27-31C and with high humidity, can be 99%.
The phone goes into a pocket on my hydration pack.
To unlock my phone it requires a six digit password or fingerprint. Obviously I know how to lock the phone, had iPhones since version2.
Annoyingly on runs I’ll often find it has unlocked itself; made random phone calls (not to my wife; her number is linked to pressing lock button 5 times. It’s the only linked number).
Last week I found my apps jiggling around with the x in the corner and Skype had been deleted.
It will change music tracks, stop podcasts etc. My settings have been opened, other random apps open.
Issue is worse after about an hour or 10km out.
Frankly, its bloody annoying.
Things I have tried:
- check lock button functions; it does. I cannot unlock the phone without entering code our using fingerprint under any other circumstances.
- removed music controls from the lock screen.
- used wired and Bluetooth headphones; no difference.
- run with it in the case and without the case.
- changed pockets on my pack; it seems worse when upright in side pocket, happens less in waist pocket and horizontal.
I’ve pressed all the buttons in various combos in case that’s what is happening (unlikely with a sturdy case on and in fabric pockets.
I’m baffled....FBI etc have to use sophisticated software to break into an iPhone. I just need to run over 15km or so for it to happen all the time!
Any thoughts from anyone?
Just to be clear - I know how to lock the phone.
Humidity?
alorotom said:
That is very strange but does have some history.
Is raise to wake activated on the phone as this can lead to the phone waking and then accessing previously used apps or the apps on the "swipe right" screen accessed when locked?
I had not thought about that.Is raise to wake activated on the phone as this can lead to the phone waking and then accessing previously used apps or the apps on the "swipe right" screen accessed when locked?
Will have a look on settings.
Some of the apps are not used regularly (or at all)...also would it be able to open ‘settings’ like this..?
I shall check it out!
Hi.
No. Usual headphones are Jabra 75t or something like that.
Impossible to press accidentally, as in my ear.
Usually music or podcasts playing so I'd notice if Siri were active.
Just to be clear - this isn't something simple happening; like tracks fast forwarding.
If I pull my phone out when music cuts off or fast forwards or I hear suddenly I'm making a call..its unlocked and I could use it without further unlocking. An App might be open off any page.. Last week it was in my settings (as in settings/general/...). Its deleted apps (I mentioned Skype above) and done other stuff.
I had an issue a few weeks ago because it had unlocked and changed a setting in podcasts to speed them up. I had to google how to fix this - first I thought an issue with a podcast, then maybe all podcasts. Had no idea there was a setting in podcasts to speed them up or slow down..
Something is happening that is unlocking the phone without code or fingerprint.
Its only when running. I take the phone and use the same headphones when out walking; no issue. Its only after about an hour as well.
I would add its not like the phone is being shaken around - I have a fancy hydration vest which is very stable and I run reasonably long distances and you kind of have to do that as smoothly as possible.
It might happen four or five times on a longer run.
Ghost in the machine...?
No. Usual headphones are Jabra 75t or something like that.
Impossible to press accidentally, as in my ear.
Usually music or podcasts playing so I'd notice if Siri were active.
Just to be clear - this isn't something simple happening; like tracks fast forwarding.
If I pull my phone out when music cuts off or fast forwards or I hear suddenly I'm making a call..its unlocked and I could use it without further unlocking. An App might be open off any page.. Last week it was in my settings (as in settings/general/...). Its deleted apps (I mentioned Skype above) and done other stuff.
I had an issue a few weeks ago because it had unlocked and changed a setting in podcasts to speed them up. I had to google how to fix this - first I thought an issue with a podcast, then maybe all podcasts. Had no idea there was a setting in podcasts to speed them up or slow down..
Something is happening that is unlocking the phone without code or fingerprint.
Its only when running. I take the phone and use the same headphones when out walking; no issue. Its only after about an hour as well.
I would add its not like the phone is being shaken around - I have a fancy hydration vest which is very stable and I run reasonably long distances and you kind of have to do that as smoothly as possible.
It might happen four or five times on a longer run.
Ghost in the machine...?
essayer said:
Sell your phone to MI5/CIA/Mossad and buy a new phone with the profits 
I think it’s the method they’d want rather than the phone.“Quick we need to open this terrorist’s phone to find the location of the bomb!”
“Yes sir! I’ll get it straight over for that bloke to run around with it for an hour or two”
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