How to turn on iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection feature to improve your security
8 min read
Stolen Device Protection is a new security feature introduced in iOS 17.3, available only on devices running this version or later. If your iPhone has an earlier iOS version, it won’t include this feature. In this article, we’ll explore how Stolen Device Protection works, how to enable it, its potential drawbacks, and other tips to boost your iPhone’s security.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What does Stolen Device Protection do?
Stolen Device Protection is a feature that helps secure your iPhone or another Apple device if it’s lost or stolen by limiting certain actions when the device is in an unfamiliar location. If your iPhone is not in a familiar location, such as your home or work, you’ll need biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) aside from the passcode for several operations.
With Stolen Device Protection enabled, your passcode alone won’t be enough to:
- Use passwords or passkeys saved in Keychain.
- Auto-fill payment methods in Safari.
- Turn off Lost Mode.
- Erase all content and settings.
- Apply for a new Apple Card.
- View your Apple Card or Apple Cash virtual card number.
- Perform certain actions like transfers in Wallet.
- Set up a new device using “Quick start.”
For more sensitive actions, Stolen Device Protection adds a one-hour security delay. After you authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID, you must wait one hour before you can:
- Change your Apple ID password.
- Sign out of your Apple account.
- Update Apple ID security settings (like adding or removing a trusted device).
- Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID.
- Change your iPhone passcode.
- Reset all settings.
- Turn off Find My.
- Turn off Stolen Device Protection.
How to turn on Stolen Device Protection
Before turning on Stolen Device Protection, make sure you’ve enabled the following settings:
- Two-factor authentication (TFA). TFA adds an extra layer of security. After you enable Stolen Device Protection, you may be prompted for a second form of authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID. To activate TFA for your Apple ID, go to “Settings” > “Apple ID” > “Password & security” > “Two-factor authentication” and follow the prompts.
- Touch ID or Face ID. Ensure you have biometric security set up. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Face ID & passcode” or “Touch ID & passcode” and follow the prompts to configure these settings.
- Significant Locations. This setting helps your iPhone recognize familiar places. To check if Significant Locations is on, go to “Settings” > “Privacy & security” > “Location services” and make sure the toggle for “Significant Locations” is turned on.
- Find My. Ensure that Find My feature is on. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Apple ID” > “Find my” > “Find my iPhone” and make sure that the toggle is on. You can’t turn off this feature while Stolen Device Protection is active.
Now that we’ve covered the necessary steps, here’s how to set up Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone:
- Go to “Settings,” then tap “Face ID & passcode.”
- Enter your device passcode.
- Scroll down and tap “Stolen Device Protection.”
- Enable “Stolen Device Protection” by toggling the switch to the right.
If you want this protection active even in familiar locations, select “Always” under “Require security delay.”
What are the drawbacks of the Stolen Device Protection feature?
The new feature offers additional security benefits, but it comes with a few drawbacks:
- Extra steps. You’ll need to go through additional security measures, like using Face ID or Touch ID in unfamiliar locations. This process can slow you down when you’re in a hurry.
- Compatibility and functionality. You can only use this feature if your iPhone runs iOS 17.3 or later and you’ve enabled settings like Find My and Significant Locations. Some regions might not fully support the feature, while others could have additional limitations or privacy settings dictated by local laws and regulations.
- Limited security. While Stolen Device Protection adds extra layers of security for most sensitive actions, you can still use just your iPhone passcode to make purchases with Apple Pay. If someone gains access to your passcode, they could use Apple Pay without a second form of authentication.
- Familiar locations are not always safe. Apple determines whether a place is “familiar” based on how often you visit it. This approach could become a security risk if you frequently go to less secure places like your favorite grocery store, bar, or café. Apple might flag these as significant locations, which could reduce the effectiveness of the security features designed to protect your device.
- Potential for error. Stolen Device Protection is a relatively new feature that hasn’t been extensively tested in real-world situations. It might not always work as expected. You could experience issues where it doesn’t fully protect your device, or it might let unauthorized access slip through. Because it’s so new, you might encounter bugs or problems Apple hasn’t yet addressed or resolved.
Other ways to improve your iPhone’s security
Try a few more strategies to boost your iPhone’s security and protect your personal information even further. Follow the tips below to keep your device and data safe.
- Use a strong passcode. Change the passcode on your iPhone to a more complex one and combine it with Touch ID or Face ID. Consider using a reliable password manager for iOS to securely store your passcodes, app logins, and other sensitive information. Also, never share your passcode with anyone — the risk is not worth it.
- Use auto-lock. Configure your phone to auto-lock after 15 seconds when not in use. If left unattended, leaving your iPhone unlocked, even briefly, can expose your private information to malicious actors.
- Disable lock screen notifications. Your lock screen might display texts, emails, appointments, or financial updates. A bad actor might see this sensitive information even if your phone is locked. Plus, if your phone is lost or stolen, these notifications could give a thief critical data, like confirmation codes or password reset links.
- Turn on automatic updates. Enable automatic updates to keep your iPhone’s software up to date. Apple regularly releases updates with security fixes that protect your device from new threats. Keeping your iPhone updated reduces the risk of hackers or malicious software exploiting any vulnerabilities. If you suspect your iPhone might be compromised, check if your iPhone has been hacked to ensure your data is secure.
- Ensure the Find My feature is on. This handy feature allows you to locate your device if it’s lost or stolen, remotely lock it, or wipe it clean if necessary.
- Use iCloud. iCloud security boosts your iPhone’s protection by providing device tracking, remote data erasure, and secure backups, keeping your data safe if your device is lost or stolen.
- Be wary of snoopers. When using your iPhone in public, be aware of people who might try to peek at your screen, a practice known as “shoulder surfing.” Snoopers can steal sensitive information like passwords or bank details by watching you enter them.
- Avoid adding other users’ biometrics. While Apple allows you to add multiple Face IDs or Touch IDs, think twice before doing so. If a relationship turns sour, the other person could cause security issues.
- Check for malware. Malware can act like a spy, snooping around your personal information, contacts, messages, and banking details. Malware or spyware apps can help hackers capture your screen activity (phone mirroring). If you’re experiencing signs of a virus on your iPhone, immediately remove any malware.
- Use a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and is as efficient on a mobile as a desktop. If you use public Wi-Fi or want to keep your online activity private, a VPN for iPhone can enhance your digital security and privacy.
- Delete your location history. Delete location history on your iPhone to reduce the risk of sensitive information being accessed if your device is compromised. Clearing this history limits the sensitive information available that hackers could exploit.
- Act immediately. If you suspect that your iPhone has been lost or stolen, use another Apple device to put your phone in lost mode ASAP.