Thieves keep a close watch on victims, steal device passcode and snatch away phones. Those miscreants use the phone’s passcode to access confidential information like passwords, change Apple ID password, disable Find My service and other settings. Luckily, Apple rolled out the Stolen Device Protection mechanism with iOS 17.3 update for iPhone users to minimize the loss of data. Here’s where the iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection feature shields your private information when your device is stolen.
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Why Do You Need to Use Apple’s Stolen Device Protection
When you use your iPhone in public places like cafes, buses, trains and parks, you may accidentally reveal the passcode accidentally. Apple found several instances where thieves first access your device passcode and steal the main device to access personal information.
As the name suggests, Stolen Device Protection shields your personal information if your device is stolen. It enables biometric protection of your iPhone’s sensitive settings and information. When someone with access to your iPhone passcode steals the device and tries to tweak personal settings like account passwords or access credit card info, the phone first verifies the identity with biometrics. However, the Stolen Device Protection is an optional feature and is disabled by default.
This feature also enables security delay, where you need to enter biometrics twice – once initially and again after an hour. The system kicks in security delay and asks for biometrics when it detects an unfamiliar location. When your device is lost, Stolen Device Protection gives you ample time to mark your phone as lost and change critical security info.
Which iPhone Models Support Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection is a part of the iOS 17.3 update. All iPhone models eligible for iOS 17.3 will receive this option:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation
While Stolen Device Protection is available on most iPhone models, Apple it is not accessible on iPad.
Enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone
Since you know by now how Stolen Device Protection works, use the steps below to enable the function. Before we start, install iOS 17.3 or higher on your iPhone.
1. Open Settings app on iPhone. Scroll to General.
2. Go to Software Update and install the latest iOS build.
When your iPhone runs iOS 17.3 or higher, follow the steps below to enable Stolen Device Protection.
1. Launch the Settings app and scroll to Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your device passcode and scroll to Stolen Device Protection.
3. Enable the same from the following menu.
You’ll get two options for security delay:Â
- Away from Familiar Locations: The security delay only kicks in when you are not at familiar location, such as Home or Office. If you are at an unfamiliar location, you need wait before changing the security settings on your iPhone.
- Always: Stolen Device Protection will always require a delay, regardless of your current location.
If you are afraid your kids will change the device security settings, tap Always for an extra layer of biometric protection.
How Does Stolen Device Protection Work on iPhone
When you enable Stolen Device Protection, Apple requires biometric authentication whenever someone tries to access or change the following settings:
- Passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain.
- Disable Lost Mode.
- View Apple Card details.
- Access payment methods in Safari.
- Factory reset your iPhone.
- Use an iPhone to set up a new device.
- Apply for a new Apple Card.
- Make a transfer from your Apple Wallet.
Security Delay kicks in when you try to tweak certain security settings from unfamiliar locations:
- Disable Stolen Device Protection.
- Change Apple ID password.
- Sign out of Apple ID.
- Disable the Find My feature.
- Remove Face ID.
- Change device passcode.
- Reset iPhone Settings.
Stolen Device Protection doesn’t protect every aspect of your device. For instance, when someone purchases an app or game, the system only asks for a device passcode. So you can’t do anything about those purchases, except try to convince the Apple App Store customer support personnel over chat or call.
Keep Your iPhone Data Safe
Stolen Device Protection is an excellent add-on to Apple’s growing list of security features on iPhone. We strongly recommend enabling it to avoid unpleasant situations during device theft or loss. While it may not help you recover your iPhone, it certainly helps you exercise greater control over the data on the iPhone.
