How to Lock an iPhone Touch Screen During Phone Calls

By Todd Bowerman

The iPhone screen should shut off when you lift it to your face.
i Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The iPhone's touch screen is designed to react to the lightest touch of your finger, which is great when you're navigating apps but not quite as useful when you're trying to talk on the phone. If you regularly mute or end calls by accidentally touching the iPhone screen with your face, you can prevent these mishaps by locking the screen during the call. The iPhone doesn't support this functionality by default, so you'll need a workaround.

Use Headphones

Step 1

Plug a pair of headphones into the headphone jack on your iPhone. Your device came with a set of Apple ear buds equipped with a small microphone.

Step 2

Start a phone call. Wait for the other person to answer the phone to ensure the call connects.

Step 3

Press the “Sleep/Wake” button on the top of the iPhone. The iPhone will lock. If you press this button without using headphones, it will end the phone call.

Use a Pass Code

Step 1

Touch “Settings,” select “General” and then touch “Passcode Lock.” Turn on the pass code feature and set it to “Immediately.”

Step 2

Make a phone call. Wait for the recipient to answer.

Step 3

Press the “Speaker” button followed by the “Sleep/Wake” button. Slide to unlock the iPhone and touch the “Speaker” button again.

Step 4

Press the “Home” button followed by the “Sleep/Wake” button to lock the device with the screen off.

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