A user of a cellular telephone also has a peripheral device, such as a wristlet or ring, for example, that is worn on, and contacts, the user's body. When the user depresses a user control, such as a power button or other control on the cellular telephone, a Body Area Network (BAN) communication link is established between the cellular telephone and the peripheral device. The BAN link utilizes the user's body as a transmission medium to carry data between the cellular telephone and the peripheral device. Additionally, a passcode stored at the peripheral device is sent to the cellular telephone over the BAN link. If the passcode is valid, the device will bypass a passcode entry screen and unlock the cellular telephone for the user.