Understanding App-Level and Safe-Level Unlock in pwSafe for iOS: Passcode and Biometric Settings

This article clarifies the difference between app-level and safe-level unlock mechanisms in pwSafe for iPhone and iPad devices, and explains how to configure passcode and biometric (Touch ID/Face ID) protections.

App-Level Passcode and Biometric Protection

• pwSafe supports optional passcode protection on iOS devices. When enabled, users must enter the passcode (or authenticate via biometrics if enabled) immediately upon launching the app—before any safe is unlocked.
• The configuration for app-level passcode and biometric authentication (Touch ID/Face ID) is not found inside any individual safe's settings.
• To configure these protections, open pwSafe and tap the gear icon (top-left) to access global app settings. Here, you can enable or disable passcode and biometric unlock for the entire app.

Safe-Level Unlock Settings

• Safe-specific options (such as changing the safe password, or biometric authentication to unlock a specific safe) are managed within each safe's settings.
• Safe Settings are distinct from global app settings and are for configuring specific safes, not the app’s launch security.