Check your iPhone now for setting that may let people unlock it while you sleep

The days of having to remember a complicated password to unlock your device are nearly long gone.

Thanks to biometric technology, such as Face ID, you can now access devices - like the iPhone - without having to type anything in. Just a quick glance at Apple's TrueDepth camera and the screen unlocks in a flash.

While this technology makes it almost impossible for others to access your device, there is still the odd loophole that can put you at risk. And iPhone users are being warned of a simple trick which could allow someone to unlock their device while they sleep.

The iPhone comes packed with extra-secure unlock methods like FaceID and TouchID (APPLE)

It actually has to do with that Face ID tool. For those not aware, the iPhone uses facial recognition AI to confirm your identity and, while it's handy, it means someone could theoretically hold your device in front of your face in order to gain access to it.

The feature only works if your eyes are open, but if you have a key iPhone setting switched off, it means that someone could still access it while you're sleeping.

As Apple explains, "For additional security, Face ID is attention-aware. It unlocks iPhone only when your eyes are open and looking at the screen." However, this can be turned off in the accessibility settings which then means eyes can be shut and the phone screen then unlocked.

To find out if you're protected, follow these steps:

1. Open your iPhone settings app by tapping the icon on the Home Screen
2. Look for the 'Accessibility' option then from there open 'Face ID & Attention'.
3. There should be an option that says 'Require Attention for Face ID' with a toggle next to it. If it's green, that means it's turned on.

The 'Attention Required for Face ID' setting will ensure you're protected (Getty)

Tools like Face ID and Touch ID were introduced simply because 4 or 6-digit passcodes aren't the most secure ways to protect a device.

For example, scammers have been known to ply their victims with drinks, keeping an eye on their unlock passcode, and then making off with their smartphone —taking all their private data with them.

So, just be careful, as you could lose much more than just a pricey gadget if your screen lock is compromised.