How to Enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

Apple has added a new security tool to iOS 17.3 for iPhone users. It even keeps stolen devices safe, which is cool. WSJ’s Joanna Stern noticed a sharp rise in iPhone thefts in public places. Soon after, the iPhone introduced Stolen Device Protection. This approach was often used by thieves, who would observe victims while they entered their passcodes on their stolen iPhones. Then, they quickly changed the owners’ Apple ID passwords, which blocked their access to their accounts and iCloud backups.

iOS 17.3 adds a new key security tool to the iPhone that protects you if your device is stolen.

Key Takeaways:

• Stolen Device Protection for iPhones in iOS 17.3 extends security for sensitive data in unfamiliar locations.
• Accessing payment information and updating device settings requires biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID.
• Security delay adds an hour and needs biometric authentication for significant security changes away from frequent places.

What is the iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection

The Stolen Device Protection setting on an iPhone is an extra layer of security that can be turned on or off. It makes it harder to get private data when you’re in a place different from your device. It doesn’t matter if you use your iPhone at home or work. But if you use your iPhone sparingly, iOS will add extra steps to get to data like payment or Apple ID information. Biometric identification and security delay are the two types of extra steps that are being added.

Face ID or Touch ID is needed for Stolen Device Protection to access payment information or make changes to certain device settings, like turning off Lost Mode or deleting all content. The feature activates only when the iPhone is in an unknown place; it won’t affect your online gaming experience from the comfort of your bed. Apple says that this includes both getting to financial data and deleting data, such as:

• Accessing passwords in Keychain
• Automatically filling your payment information in Safari
• Applying for a new Apple Card or checking the status of an existing one
• Settings in Apple Cash and Savings Money clip
• Disabling Lost Mode.
• Deletes all data and settings from the iPhone
• Interfacing a new gadget with an already-established iPhone

Why Should you turn on iPhone Stolen Device Protection

The Touch ID and Face ID requirements prevent passcode bypasses in those cases. Companies say it doesn’t apply to Apple Pay purchases, which makes sense since it’s used in stores.

Second, Stolen Device Protection uses a security delay to protect private data. Apple said enabling this feature will require biometric authentication for critical security updates like resetting the Apple ID password, followed by a one-hour delay and another biometric authentication.

It only applies while you’re not at home, work, or another iPhone-using location. Apple said the delay may finish early if the iPhone returns to a familiar location during security.

If you make changes to certain settings when you’re not at home, it triggers a protection delay. These changes include:

Apple ID

• Changing your password
• Signing out
• Updating account security settings

iPhone security settings

• Adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID
• Changing the passcode
• Turning off Stolen Device Settings or Find My
• Resetting the iPhone

How to Turn on Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

To enable the new stolen device protection feature, update your device to iOS 17.3 version. Once your device is updated, it will ask your permission to turn on Stolen Device Protection. The new security feature can be enabled here if you missed the screen or want to do it later.

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Tap Face ID & Passcode

Inside Settings, find and tap on “Face ID & Passcode.”

Step 3: Look for Stolen Device Protection and Turn On Protection

Scroll down the menu bar and click on “Stolen Device Protection.”

It will say “On” next to Stolen Device Protection if the feature is already turned on. Tap Turn On Protection right below Stolen Device Protection if it says Off.

Smart Tips for Using Your iPhone in Public

• Avoid giving your iPhone to strangers for things like exchanging contact info or adding on social media.
• Use Face ID or Touch ID instead of typing in your passcode when you’re in public.
• Keep your iPhone out of sight when you’re not using it, like in your pocket or bag.
• Steer clear of connecting to public WiFi networks.
• Try not to use public phone chargers if you can help it.

Conclusion

One should keep in mind that the stolen device protection feature does not stop an intruder from unlocking your iPhone. The thieves or unknowns can still access any password-protected app. Additionally, the intruder can still access your email. Hence, any account where the password can be reset with just a confirmation email is susceptible. Nevertheless, it is a much more difficult way to prevent iPhone thieves from taking advantage of you, especially since they can’t turn off Find My or lock you out of your Apple ID, making it much easier to find or, at the very least, remotely erase.