Billions of iPhone owners have warned against checking passwords now — just one “4-tap” mistake could ruin you

Entering your iPhone password in public can be a big mistake that will leave you at a loss.

That’s according to a new study by The Wall Street Journal that claiming to have a four-digit pin code can easily allow thieves to steal your phone and data.

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The report claims that thieves target people with their smartphones who are visible in public.

You can befriend them at a bar or other social event.

You may think you’ve made a new acquaintance, but the thief checks your phone every time you enter your passcode.

If you don’t use Face ID or a six-digit passcode, all the criminal has to do is remember four numbers and grab your phone when you don’t suspect it.

The Wall Street Journal investigated several real-world iPhone heists where this happened.

The criminal can also use the saved passcode to reset your Apple ID.

This would mean that the Find My iPhone feature would stop working.

Before doing so, they may try to hack into other accounts associated with your Apple ID.

This may include your bank account details.

How to protect yourself from iPhone thieves

It is best to use Face ID or a longer PIN code to unlock your iPhone.

Be very careful how you use your smartphone in a public place.

Keep it close and avoid entering passcodes in front of strangers.