How to enable USB Restricted Mode in iOS 11.4.1

The new feature, which has been teased in earlier beta versions, has finally been rolled out to mainstream users.

Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Contributing Writer July 10, 2018 at 6:36 a.m. PT

Apple has added a new security feature to iOS 11.4.1 that makes it harder for hackers - as well as law enforcement and government agencies - to unlock your iPhone. Here's how to enable this feature.

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The new feature prevents USB accessories from connecting to the iOS device if the device has been locked for more than an hour (although there does seem to be a limitation to this).

Here's where the new setting lives:

Tap on Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (or on the iPhone X Face ID)

You will now need to enter your passcode/pincode, then scroll down until you reach USB Accessories. Below shows the feature off...

USB Restricted Mode in iOS 11.4.1 - disabled

An here it is turned on:

USB Restricted Mode in iOS 11.4.1 - enabled

It also turns out that activating SOS mode - pressing the power button five times in rapid succession - disables the USB port along with forcing passcode entry (this works no matter what option you choose from the screen, even if you choose cancel).