Police officer warns iPhone users are in danger unless they change one important setting on their device
Published on Dec 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM (UTC-5)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Dec 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A police officer has gone viral after issuing a warning to iPhone owners about an important setting he says could leave their personal data exposed.
In a video shared online, the police officer claimed that hackers can access information from nearby iPhones in seconds if a specific feature is left enabled on your phone.
The clip started to go viral after viewers were shocked that a simple setting could cause so much drama and so many issues for iPhone users.
He urged users to act immediately by changing one setting to reduce the danger.
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Police officer warns iPhone users about specific risks
This very important tech warning came from a TikTok video in which the officer addressed anyone using an iPhone running iOS 17 or newer, which covered models released up to 2025.
In the clip, he explained that Apple’s AirPlay feature could be exploited if it remained on in its default configuration.
AirPlay was designed to make it easy to share photos, videos, and audio between Apple devices, but the police officer said this convenience also made it easier for malicious people to take advantage of nearby phones.
He claimed that hackers could place their phone close to someone else’s iPhone and take information within seconds.
The officer emphasized that even brief physical proximity to hackers might be enough, which was why he believed the setting should be changed as soon as possible.
This is the one important setting you need to change
To reduce the risk, the officer from policehelpfultips advised iPhone users to go into their device settings and locate the AirPlay options.
Within that menu, users can choose whether AirPlay connections were allowed automatically, only after confirmation, or never.
He recommended selecting the ‘Never’ option, which prevents automatic AirPlay connections entirely, and while this removes some convenience, he argued that it added an extra layer of protection for personal data.
@policehelpfultips DANGER TO IPHONE USERS #EVERYONE #IPHONE #DANGER #HACKER #fyp ♬ original sound – Police helpful tips
Apple has not issued a warning supporting the claim, and AirPlay is designed with built in security measures.
However, adjusting sharing settings is generally considered a good digital hygiene practice, especially for users concerned about privacy.
The officer ended his message by urging iPhone owners to stay alert and take simple steps to protect their information, reminding viewers that small settings could sometimes make a big difference.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
