What is a Duress PIN?
A practical explanation of a personal-safety feature for robbery or threats.
When access to your phone is not your choice
Encryption protects the confidentiality of messages, but an unlocked device can expose what is on its screen. Someone who threatens you to unlock your phone creates a different problem from an online attacker.
Your physical safety comes first. No app feature can guarantee how a threatening person will respond.
A second PIN with a different purpose
A Duress PIN is separate from your everyday PIN. In SYNC, it provides a personal-safety option if you are being robbed or threatened, helping keep your real account protected while you get to safety.
It is not a promise of anonymity, concealment from lawful requests or protection for funds. Do not rely on it as a substitute for emergency help.
Set it up before you need it
Open the app’s security settings and follow the instructions for your app version. Choose a distinct PIN and understand the effect of entering it. Keep recovery information in a safe place.
Do not assume that the feature behaves identically across app versions. Read the current in-app explanation before enabling it.
Combine it with everyday precautions
Use a strong device lock and limit message previews on the lock screen. Put selected conversations behind a separate PIN if that suits your needs. Prepare a trusted contact for a lost or stolen phone.
If you are in danger, seek safety and contact local police or emergency services.
How is it different from a screen lock?
A screen lock is your everyday barrier against someone opening your phone. A Duress PIN addresses a different situation: someone is pressuring you to provide access. It should not be treated as a stronger version of the same password or as a replacement for a secure device lock.
Message encryption also has a different role. It protects the message content under the encryption model, while a person with access to an unlocked screen may be able to read what is displayed. Our end-to-end encryption explainer covers that distinction.
Before enabling a personal-safety feature
Read the setup instructions in the version of SYNC you use. Understand which PIN is your normal credential, what the secondary PIN does and which recovery information you need to retain. Avoid assuming that a feature in another app behaves in the same way.
Choose a memorable setup without making the secondary PIN an obvious variation of the main one. Store any recovery information safely. If another person depends on you for account recovery, discuss their role ahead of time without sharing secrets unnecessarily.
After you are safe
Once you are in a safe place, review what may have been exposed, including visible messages, notifications and other accounts on the phone. Use the relevant services’ account and device controls to review access. Seek help from local authorities or someone you trust when appropriate.
If a device is missing, the Kill Switch section explains SYNC’s prepared remote-removal option and its connection requirement. A Duress PIN, recovery plan and remote removal each serve different purposes.
