How to enable iPhone theft protection

The Stolen Device Protection feature on iPhone is new for iOS 17.3, enhancing the security of the phone, especially when it is lost or stolen. For some sensitive operations, the device will require Face ID and PIN, such as viewing saved passwords, changing passwords, or removing iCloud accounts from the phone. Below are instructions for turning on Stolen Device Protection for iPhone.

Update: Currently in iOS version 17.4, there is an additional feature called Request Security Delay with two options:

  • Away from familiar locations: Request a delay to change security settings when you are away from familiar locations like your home or work.
  • Always: Always delay to change security settings instead of only requesting a delay when your device leaves familiar locations.

Instructions to enable iPhone theft protection

Step 1:

First, go to Settings and click on Face ID & Passcode . Switch to the new interface, scroll down and you will see the Stolen Device Protection option . Click on Turn On Protection to turn on iPhone protection when stolen.

When you are in familiar places like home or work, this feature will automatically turn off.

How to enable iPhone theft protection
How to enable iPhone theft protection

How to enable iPhone theft protection

Step 2:

In case you turn off this iPhone security feature or your iPhone is stolen and there are sensitive actions , then the screen displays the waiting time as below. In these cases, the user must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, wait an hour and authenticate again with Face ID or Touch ID to use the phone.

How to enable iPhone theft protection

There will be 1 hour to stop the iPhone protection feature and when the time is up, Face ID authentication will be required again .

How to enable iPhone theft protection

Actions that require Face ID/Touch ID when iPhone protection is enabled

When the Stolen iPhone Protection feature is enabled, thieves will perform many actions to take over your account. These actions require Face ID/Touch ID to be used.

  • View passwords saved in iCloud Keychain
  • View and apply for Apple Card
  • Erase all settings on iPhone
  • Turn off Lost Mode on iPhone
  • Use payment methods saved in Safari
  • Use Apple Cash to send and receive money
  • Use Savings in the Wallet app to transfer money
  • Perform a new setup for iPhone

Actions that require Face ID or Touch ID authentication and a one-hour security wait:

  • Change Apple ID password
  • Update your Apple ID account security settings, including adding or removing trusted devices, trusted phone numbers, Recovery Keys, or Recovery Contacts
  • Change your iPhone password
  • Add, remove Face ID or Touch ID
  • Turn off Find My iPhone
  • Turn off iPhone Security when stolen

For these actions you will need to authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID, wait an hour, and then authenticate again with biometrics to complete the action.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In this article, we will guide you how to regain access to your hard drive when it fails. Let's follow along!

How to use dental floss

How to use dental floss

Dental floss is a common tool for cleaning teeth, however, not everyone knows how to use it properly. Below are instructions on how to use dental floss to clean teeth effectively.

How to gain muscle according to experts

How to gain muscle according to experts

Building muscle takes time and the right training, but its something anyone can do. Heres how to build muscle, according to experts.

The Best Diets for Heart Health

The Best Diets for Heart Health

In addition to regular exercise and not smoking, diet is one of the best ways to protect your heart. Here are the best diets for heart health.

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

The third trimester is often the most difficult time to sleep during pregnancy. Here are some ways to treat insomnia in the third trimester.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

There are many ways to lose weight without changing anything in your diet. Here are some scientifically proven automatic weight loss or calorie-burning methods that anyone can use.

All about iOS 26

All about iOS 26

Apple has introduced iOS 26 – a major update with a brand new frosted glass design, smarter experiences, and improvements to familiar apps.

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.

How to get beautiful nails quickly

How to get beautiful nails quickly

You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.