Apple has included a handy new feature in iOS 11 for privacy conscious users. Now being termed as ‘Cop Button’, this feature lets users disable Touch ID temporarily without having to restart the iPhone. Apart from helping maintain user privacy, this feature can also be used to allow people to dial emergency services.
Not every user out there is comfortable with allowing others to access their phones, given how personal these gadgets are. Things can be tricky with the law enforcement agencies especially when you’re entering the US. If you have a fingerprint sensor on your phone, the police can force you to unlock your phone using your fingerprints. However, if you don’t have a fingerprint sensor and your phone is password-protected, the police cannot force you to unlock it. With iOS 11, Apple is enabling iPhone and iPad users to disable Touch ID on their devices temporarily, and quickly.
How To Use iOS 11 Cop Button
Apple has made it very simple to use the ‘cop button’ in iOS 11. Previously, to disable Touch ID temporarily, users had to either manually enter the wrong passcode/pin/fingerprint, or restart their device. But now, the process is very simple.
To use the iOS 11 cop button to disable Touch ID temporarily, all you have to do is press the power button quickly for five times.
Once you press the power button five times in quick succession, the Touch ID feature gets disabled. Your device then requires you to enter the passcode manually to enable Touch ID again.
After disabling Touch ID, your iPhone or iPad allows you to call emergency services as well.
This cop button feature is currently in iOS 11 beta. With Apple reportedly planning to launch the next iPhone with face recognition feature, this cop button might prove to be even more useful. As far as iOS 11 is concerned, it is expected to be available for all eligible devices next month.
