Password protect Mail on iPad

After reading through the threads, I set up an account just post here.

I use my iPad every single day. I'm a freelancer, I work with my laptop and do my browsing/research on there.

My iPad is mostly for reading newspapers (newsapps), calculator, radio, ibooks. I browse through my email first thing in the morning on my iPad so I know who I've got to reply to workwise on the PC later, and then I read emails from family and friends.

When my young daughter's here, she monopolises it for games. When I was single and my daughter was still learning to read, the iPad suited my needs fine. But now my new GF uses it for Facebook/YouTube and my daughter is a little older, techsavvy and curious. I don't feel comfortably with them being able to read all my emails whenever they want, but nor do I want to deprive them the pleasure of using the IPad.

The argument that Apple hasn't/won't password protect their native email app because the device is only meant to be for a single user is ludicrous. Of course they know all family members are gonna use it when it is a household device.

As many have pointed out on here, users can password protect/restrict Safari, camera and other apps, so Apple obviously also recognise the device owner may not wish to have users browsing and taking photos, etc.

So why not email?

Some people have suggested that Apple want to force us to buy devices for the entire family just so we can protect our emails. Maybe, maybe not. I think not.

Another possible explanation is that companies may wish to supply iPads to employees as a work tool on which email access is necessary but browsing the web and taking photos isn't. Take a look at which in-built apps can be password protected/restricted and from this perspective it makes sense: music/downloading music, deleting/adding apps, adding personal e-mail accounts, YouTube, web browsing, etc. In short, the restriction options allow companies to block any personal use and turn the iPad solely into a professional work tool.

Even the fact that the iPad user can have the general pin to slide to open and the company has the pin used to configure the device. Want more? Setting up new (read employees' personal) email accounts can be restricted but the email app not.

Also, if Apple only thought about making more money, why would they allow iTunes to be blocked? iTunes makes them billions, e-mail makes them squat!

I'm not a blind, dewey eyed Apple freak. I still use my iPad 1 coz until recently it suited my needs perfectly. Back when I bought it there were no other tablets on the shelves. But when it comes to updating (I recently got a small crack on the screen), I will definitely look at other (Android) tablets and if they suit my new needs (i.e. older, curious daughter and prying GF), I won't think twice about buying one.

So, no, I don't think the lack of email restriction is Apple trying to manipulate clients, I think it's Apple not taking the competition serious enough and resting too much on its laurels. Apple's current capital might was created on the back of its totally new, innovative devices launched during the last decade. But it appears the hard tech for new, game changing devices has been exhausted for the time being and the current market is all about perfecting existing products and services.

Apple better start listening or it will be the next Microsoft, playing catch up to Samsung!

Thank you for contributing previously unheard arguments in favor of passwording Mail.

I think the demand is there. This thread alone has been read 80k+ times. And it's not as if it would be difficult to meet or require a complete O/S overhaul when you look at other native apps that can be restricted.

I can only think of two reasons why it doesn't include email restriction.

1. Apple values the corporate market more and companies don't want to allow employees to restrict their boss's access to the emails they receive on the company device. (Highly unlikely but possible.)

2. Apple really doesn't care too much. Why should it? It's the number one company in the world and obviously believes it's got everything right. Throughout this entire forum, nearly every post has the same plot - 'problem posted, rant, rant, write to Apple, I have, no reply, nothing done, Apple can do no wrong, you're blind, Apple products are great but they don't listen to the people who buy them.'

Apple's USED to be the only gorgeous products in the stores. The competition is catching up. When it does, Apple will start listening.

Sir, your generous contribution of your time and thoughts is greatly appreciated! Just one favor I would like to plead of you. Please do let me know when Apple starts listening, I still would like to fly to work on iPhone with wings. I think that would also be more beneficial for Apple as far as competition going.

I've been pondering the same problem. I figure the only solution is to delete the account before you let others use the ipad and then put it back when they are done. Simple......a pain in the butt....but effective. Apple really should address this issue in a more efficient manner.

Filmguy123: I thought I'd point you to a far easier approach I posted in this thread some time ago... but my post seems to have disappeared??? REALLY strange...

Anyway, here it is again (iOS 6.1.3):

1. To protect your mail:

- Settings -> Mail, Contacts, Calendars -> YourMailAccount -> OFF -> Done

- Settings -> General -> Restrictions -> PIN -> Accounts -> Don't Allow changes

--> trying to access Mail only yields "Account Restriction"

2. To UNprotect you mail:

- Settings -> General -> Restrictions -> PIN -> Accounts -> Allow changes

- Settings -> Mail, Contacts, Calendars -> YourMailAccount -> ON -> Done

--> your mail is accessible and "comes back" where you left it the last time, including all messages still in there.

Depending on the kind of your mail account (i.e. the complexity of setting it up from scratch), this is far quicker and easier. Good luck!

This is the best way to protect the e-mails from prying eyes.

"Secure Webmail" app store for $1.99

Sure... as long as your mail is a webmail. Doesn't work (I guess) with corporate ones.

mac-o-man, with all due respect, I don't find this simple.

My editorial take: it seems fiddly. It's essentially a hack to work around a glaring gap in Apple's understanding and/or implementation of use cases such as the one described in the original post and echoed by several others here, me included.

If this gap was intentionally built into the 'vision for the iPad' by Apple, then the vision needs to change to one that is shared (and developed) with its customers!

Authoritarian approaches to user experience, imo, go against the original Apple philosophy of enabling individuals and misfits, of being a pirate being more fun than joining the navy, etc. Who remembers the iconic 1984 ad? 😍

My personal view: Add a mail password and everyone will be happy. Just like former's CEO Steve Jobs would say, "pretty simple" 🙂.

Oh the demand is there. Apple has refused to add passwords because it wants to keep the device as a single user device. That way users wanting privacy would need to buy another device for themselves.

Hi

Just a heads up on the not being able to lock email on ipad

I deleted all my mail addresses from the ipad and installed Logmein

All i do now where ever i am log into my home computer then log into my mail boxes.

Works great dont need mail options on my ipad

This also works for any security issues you have on your ipad

Rgds

Hi

I want to try your instructions but can't find "restrictions" on my ipad2. This, you say, is the first step. I tried mail, privacy, control center, general, etc. Where can "restrictions" be found on an ipad2?

Thank you

TQ

settings, general, about 2/3 down the page - just below the auto lock and passcode settings.