secureTextEntry

secureTextEntry refers to a flag used by text input controls to mask typed characters, typically for sensitive data such as passwords or PINs. When enabled, the characters the user types are shown as dots or bullets while the underlying value remains accessible to the application.

In iOS development, the property isSecureTextEntry (Objective-C) or isSecureTextEntry (Swift) on input controls like UITextField or UITextView. Setting this to true causes the control to obscure input. Some platforms or older APIs may have used a corresponding secureTextEntry flag; modern usage emphasizes isSecureTextEntry for clarity and consistency.

Behavioral implications include changes to keyboard and input behavior. Secure text entry often disables or reduces auto-correction and auto-capitalization to minimize leakage of sensitive data. It also commonly interacts with password autofill features; developers can improve usability by configuring content types such as textContentType = .password to enable secure, platform-supported autofill like iCloud Keychain. Copy, paste, and screenshot policies for secure fields may vary by platform and app policy.

Security considerations: secureTextEntry is a user-interface feature and does not encrypt data in memory or during transmission. Developers should refrain from logging the field’s content, store passwords in secure storage (e.g., Keychain), and transmit credentials over TLS. While it protects on-screen display, it should be complemented by proper backend security, access controls, and secure handling throughout the app lifecycle.