Video: How to Prevent Your iPhone’s Security Feature From Destroying Your Data

A customer tries out the new Apple iPhone 6S at an Apple store.

A customer tries out the new Apple iPhone 6S at an Apple store. Kiichiro Sato/AP

An Apple security feature has been in the news lately for blocking the FBI from unlocking an iPhone.

That same security feature works the same for the rest of us. It can kick you out of your phone and permanently erase your data after 10 failed pass code attempts. 

That security measure is great if a thief is trying to break into your iPhone. But it's not so great if you're tired, sick, forgetful or your child gets ahold of your device.

How can you ensure you can always get back that precious data?

Users should start by backing up their phone, whether it's through iTunes or iCloud. 

If you use iTunes and your data is wiped, simply plug in your phone and it should automatically restore the backed-up data. If you use iCloud, you'll have to take a few more steps when restoring a wiped iPhone: Make sure it's connected to Wi-Fi, log into iCloud and then choose which back-up to restore. 

To learn more, check out the video below from Wired