The Widget Data Leak
By default, if you swipe right on the iPhone lock screen (even when the phone is completely locked and secured with Face ID or a passcode), the operating system reveals the “Today View.” This screen is a dashboard filled with widgets displaying your upcoming calendar appointments, your recent text messages, your fitness activity, and a global search bar. If you leave your phone on your desk, anyone who walks by can simply swipe right and read your personal agenda for the day without ever unlocking the device. To secure your data, you must sever this screen from the locked state.
How to Turn Off Today View and Search
You can permanently hide the widget dashboard behind the passcode wall via the Face ID settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
- Enter your device’s master PIN code to access the secure menu.
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Allow Access When Locked.”
- Locate the toggle switch labeled Today View and Search.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
A Locked Dashboard
The change takes effect instantly. The iPhone will completely sever the swipe gesture from the locked state. If someone picks up your locked phone and attempts to swipe right, the screen will simply violently bounce back into place; it will absolutely refuse to reveal the Today View. To access your widgets, calendar appointments, or the system search bar, you are now strictly required to first authenticate with Face ID or your passcode, guaranteeing your personal dashboard is completely invisible to casual observers.