How to turn off "erase data" feature on iPhone or change number of failed passcode attempts?

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Level 1

11 points

How to turn off "erase data" feature on iPhone or change number of failed passcode attempts?

The "erase data" feature on my iPhone 11 is set to erase data after 8 failed passcode attempts. This is grayed out and will not allow me to change it. My 3 year old keeps getting hold of my iPhone and has now erased all my data. My understanding is that some exchange servers (such as my work email) require you to have this feature enabled however how do I change this feature? If I can't turn off this "erase data" feature then is there a way to at least increase the number of failed passcode attempts before erasing? Thank you in advance for your help.

iPhone 11

Posted on Jan 19, 2021 9:30 AM

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Answer 1

LD150

Level 10

103,928 points

Jan 19, 2021 9:38 AM in response to Nxl256

As you indicate it is usually in Settings, Face ID and passcode.

My iphone 7 is 10 attempts

Screen Time or Company Profiles can inhibit turning it off.

Bear in mind if it is done enough times to disable the phone it effectively trashes the data anyway because recovery requires restoring.

Full backup every day to icloud or every week to a computer is the best mitigation but you probably know that!

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Answer 2

Nxl256 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 19, 2021 7:07 PM in response to edclange

One hack around this is to use third party apps, I've since discovered. I've managed to get NHS mail via the outlook app, and my other work email via google. Does mean you can't automatically integrate calendars and other aspects, but more importantly doesn't mean my device is going to get deleted next time my kids get the phone.

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Answer 3

Nxl256 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 19, 2021 9:42 AM in response to LD150

Thanks Peter, very helpful. I deleted two work accounts and I’ve managed to turn it off. I could reinstall one by one, detecting by trial and error, but is there any way to figure out which account is causing that mandatory problem?

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Answer 4

Jan 19, 2021 9:59 AM in response to Nxl256

No, there's really not other easy way to find out. I suppose you could contact the IT departments in charge but that would probably take longer. If you need those email accounts on your phone, you'll need to live with it and put the phone out of reach.

Also, make sure you're backing up regularly!

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Answer 5

edclange

Level 5

5,020 points

Jan 19, 2021 10:41 AM in response to Nxl256

Some of the device restrictions can be viewed in Settings -> General -> Device Management -> <profile> -> Restrictions. But you cannot change them.

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How to turn off "erase data" feature on iPhone or change number of failed passcode attempts?

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