The Texting Vulnerability
The iPhone lock screen is designed to balance security with extreme convenience. By default, iOS enables a feature called “Reply with Message.” If your phone is sitting on a desk completely locked, and an incoming iMessage or SMS text message illuminates the screen, anyone can simply long-press on that notification bubble. The phone will instantly open a keyboard and allow them to type a full reply to the sender without ever requiring a Face ID scan or a passcode. If you value your privacy and absolutely refuse to let anyone send messages pretending to be you from your locked device, you must sever this connection.
How to Turn Off Reply with Message
You can permanently revoke the ability to text from the lock screen via the Face ID settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models).
- Enter your device’s PIN code to access the secure menu.
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Allow Access When Locked.”
- Locate the toggle switch labeled Reply with Message.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Forced Unlocking
The change takes effect instantly. The iPhone will completely terminate the background keyboard engine on the lock screen. You will still receive text notifications, but if someone attempts to long-press the bubble to reply, the phone will throw a padlock icon and aggressively demand that you authenticate with your face or passcode before the keyboard is allowed to appear.