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.

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.

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

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.