Siri Bug Allows Cellular Data to be Disabled From Lock Screen Without a Passcode

[MacRumors]

A reddit user has discovered what appears to be a Siri-related bug that allows access to a locked iPhone's Cellular Data options without a passcode.

As shown in the screenshot below, when Siri is asked to bring up Cellular Data settings (or if Cellular Data is on), an option to toggle the feature off appears on the lock screen, with no passcode required. When Siri is specifically asked to turn off Cellular Data, the personal assistant asks for a passcode first.

Given that a passcode is required when asking Siri to disable Cellular Data, it seems that this is meant to be the default behavior and that it's not a setting meant to be controlled from a locked iPhone.

It's questionable if this bug has any real impact, though, as there are other ways to disable cellular service on an iPhone that's been stolen, including turning on Airplane Mode from Control Center or simply turning the iPhone off.

MacRumors tested the Siri command and found that it worked on iOS 9 and all versions of iOS 10, including the most recent iOS 10.3.3 beta.

For iPhone owners worried about unauthorized access to their iPhones, both Siri and the Control Center can be disabled on the lock screen.

Article Link: Siri Bug Allows Cellular Data to be Disabled From Lock Screen Without a Passcode

 

[alayal]

Thanks for publishing

 

[farewelwilliams]

not a big deal. you could just remove the sim card. or the fact that if it's on AT&T wouldn't make a difference.

 

[tigertazz]

Well, people were always saying they wanted Siri to be more useful.... /sarcasm

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not working for me. If I ask Siri, it tells that I need to unlock my phone first. I do not get the toggle option on the lock screen.

 

[jhrus]

There is a lock icon circled in green in the first image, and it isn't visible in the second. Seems likely to be a non-issue. The phone was unlocked by Touch ID when Siri was invoked.

 

[jclo]

There is a lock icon circled in green in the first image, and it isn't visible in the second. Seems likely to be a non-issue. The phone was unlocked by Touch ID when Siri was invoked.

I tested it with multiple locked iPhones. It can be disabled without unlocking the iPhone.

 

[Stella]

Works for me! LOL.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I tested it with multiple locked iPhones. It can be disabled without unlocking the iPhone.

I tried it again using the exact phrase you tested with, and I was able to replicate. When I say, "Siri, bring up cellular data settings," it doesn't happen. If I say, "Siri, bring up cellular data," it doesn't work. Apparently, the phraseology is very narrow for this to occur.

 

[DennisTM]

Ok, 4th edit:

Tested it again and again, so yeah, Siri offers me the same options for "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth", but not for "Airplane Mode".

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Or, like the article states you can just turn it on airplane mode via control center... sounds like a "who cares"

 

[szw-mapple fan]

You would only need to eject the SIM card to disable cellular data, which thieves are probably doing anyways.

 

[jhrus]

I tested it with multiple locked iPhones. It can be disabled without unlocking the iPhone.

I see. You are right that the UISwitch does allow you to change the setting. I had misunderstood what the original post was saying happened in response to "Disable cellular data"

 

[jclo]

I tried it again using the exact phrase you tested with, and I was able to replicate. When I say, "Siri, bring up cellular data settings," it doesn't happen. If I say, "Siri, bring up cellular data," it doesn't work. Apparently, the phraseology is very narrow for this to occur.

Yes, it is. You can also ask if cellular data is on to bring it up.

 

[DennisTM]

Or, like the article states you can just turn it on airplane mode via control center... sounds like a "who cares"

I care, because that's exactly why i disabled Control Center on the lockscreen.

 

[44267547]

Yes, it is. You can also ask if cellular data is on to bring it up.

Confirmed. It does work as you noted. I tried it Multiple times.

 

[jonnysods]

Any reason why this is a big deal?

 

[sterlingindigo]

She talks a good game but you'll quickly realize she's just a pushover.

 

[EM2013]

Yup it works. I just say cellular data and it brings up the toggle and I used a finger that wasn't registered with Touch ID.

Not a big deal though as someone can just toggle airplane mode from CC, take out the sim, or power down.

 

[Barry Bishop]

Guess what else you can do...lock your phone. Ask Siri if you have any voicemails. Then ask her to play them...

 

[jamesnajera]

Ok, 4th edit:

Tested it again and again, so yeah, Siri offers me the same options for "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth", but not for "Airplane Mode".

Yep, I just did Bluetooth too.

 

[dan9700]

Who cares zzzzzz

 

[dwhittington]

It's a security feature.

 

[Rocketman]

Bug or stealth feature?

 

[jeffrow925]

Just say to Siri, "Cellular Data" that's all. 2 words.

It's a big deal because people can turn off cell data without the phone owner knowing. Imagine in a emergency trying to use your phone and not having cell data or whatever. It's an issue even if it's not for you. And most people don't easily know to to re-enable the cell data to be on, unlike airplane mode which shows a airplane icon.