Stay Secure While Traveling: Apple Device Safety Tips

When we think about digital and device security, we often focus on places where we spend most of our time—home, work, or school - but travel introduces new risks that require extra precautions. Whether navigating a crowded train station abroad or using hotel Wi-Fi, protecting your devices and data becomes more challenging and more critical.

Before diving into travel-specific advice, make sure your everyday security habits are in place:

  • Devices are fully updated
  • FileVault is enabled on your Mac
  • You use a strong iOS passcode (at least six digits)
  • You follow strong password practices
  • Multi-factor authentication is turned on where available

With those basics covered, let's consider what extra steps you can take while traveling. As with our previous article on general security, we've divided the advice into two categories: essential tips for all travelers and advanced protections for those at higher risk of being targeted.

Smart Travel Security Tips for Everyone

These precautions are appropriate for all travelers and aim to prevent the most common issues: theft, loss, data breaches, or unintentional exposure.

Focus on Physical Security

Tourists are often targets for opportunistic theft. Keep your iPhone in a secure, hard-to-access pocket when not in use. Carry your iPad or laptop in a cross-body or anti-theft bag, or leave devices locked in a hotel safe or securely hidden in your room.

Enable Find My on All Devices

Ensure Find My is turned on for every Apple device before traveling. It improves your chances of recovering a lost or left-behind item. While it can also help locate stolen devices, police response varies widely by region. Never attempt to retrieve a stolen device on your own.

Use AirTags in Luggage and Bags

Placing AirTags in your suitcase, backpack, or laptop bag lets you track their location if they're misplaced or delayed. You can even share their location with airlines. If something is stolen, the AirTag might help, but always coordinate with local law enforcement to avoid confrontation.

Use Face ID or Touch ID and Enable Stolen Device Protection

Biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, provides robust security for your device while traveling. You can enhance protection by enabling enable Stolen Device Protection in Settings under Face/Touch ID & Passcode. These steps will help safeguard your account and device against any unauthorized access.

Use a VPN or iCloud Private Relay

When connecting to public or unknown Wi-Fi networks, encrypt your traffic using a VPN such as Mullvad, ProtonVPN, or NordVPN. These providers prioritize privacy and avoid logging your activity.

At a minimum, if you have an iCloud+ subscription, turn on iCloud Private Relay. It obscures your IP address and encrypts Safari browsing. However, it won't protect non-Apple app traffic or work across all networks.

Backup Photos with iCloud or an External SSD

To avoid losing vacation photos, use iCloud Photos to upload your images automatically when you're online. An iCloud+ subscription is usually necessary for sufficient storage.

Back up manually to a portable external SSD in areas with poor connectivity. You can streamline this by creating a Shortcut on your iPhone to export all photos taken that day.

Use iCloud Backup

Enable iCloud Backup to back up your iPhone every night. If your phone is lost or damaged, you can restore your data quickly to a replacement device. Again, additional storage via iCloud+ may be required.

Practice What to Do if a Device is Lost or Stolen

Familiarize yourself with marking a device as lost using the Find My app or iCloud.com. If there's a chance you'll recover the item, start with Mark As Lost. If recovery seems unlikely or you believe your data is at risk, choose Erase This Device. This wipes the device while keeping the Activation Lock in place, preventing reuse.

Extra Security for High-Risk Travelers

Not all trips are purely for leisure. If you're a journalist, activist, corporate executive, or government employee with sensitive data, you may be at higher risk, particularly in countries with strong surveillance and limited digital rights like China or Russia. These additional steps can provide greater protection:

Know Local Laws and Practices

Before you arrive at your destination, take the time to research the local laws regarding data privacy and device inspection. Understanding these laws can give you a sense of control and preparedness, as some governments have the legal right to inspect, copy, or demand access to your digital content.

Use a Separate eSIM for Travel

Consider setting up a dedicated eSIM for international travel if your mobile plan supports it. Doing so lets you access local cellular networks without exposing your personal number or data history. Just remember—the host country may still monitor traffic.

Enable Lockdown Mode

Turn on Lockdown Mode under Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode if you believe your device might be targeted. It disables many vulnerable features, including:

  • Message attachments
  • FaceTime calls from unknown numbers
  • Web technologies in Safari
  • Automatic accessory connections
  • Location metadata in photos

This mode is ideal when visiting high-risk countries or dealing with sensitive data.

Limit Cloud Use and Encrypt Files

Even with a VPN, limit your use of cloud services abroad. If you need to store or transmit sensitive files, encrypt them using a free, open-source tool like Cryptomator. This adds an extra layer of privacy before anything leaves your device.

Know How to Disable Biometric Unlock

In case you're in a situation where you might be coerced into unlocking your iPhone with your face or fingerprint, you can temporarily disable biometric access:

Press and hold the side (or top) button with either volume button until the Power Off slider appears. This forces the next unlock to require a passcode.

Travel with Dedicated Devices and Apple IDs

Consider bringing a separate iPhone or iPad configured with a travel-only Apple ID for trips to regions with heightened digital risk. Keep these free of personal data and assume they could be searched or compromised. Never leave them unattended, and be prepared to surrender access if required by authorities.

You can greatly enhance the security of your devices while traveling by following a few straightforward measures. Whether you're exploring new sights with your iPhone or managing work abroad, these tips will help safeguard your data, maintain your privacy, and give you peace of mind.

______________________________________________________________________

Need help? Contact The MacGuys+ at 763-331-6227 

Top-notch IT support for Mac-based businesses in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities Metro, Western WI, and beyond. Enjoy seamless nationwide co-managed Mac IT support for a flexible work-anywhere experience.