Even though Apple's Find My iPhone helps locate your device quite easily, the company's new Stolen Device Protection gives you an extra layer of security in case of theft. This feature is currently available on iOS 17.3 and newer versions. It aids in protecting your personal information by securing the data from being accessed in the case of a stolen iPhone.
Enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone for added protection - 4 simple steps
When you activate Stolen Device Protection, some of the private data requires you to go through security barriers when the iPhone is away from a known location. You have to authenticate via Face ID, Touch ID, or even Security Delay to access the sensitive information. This includes accessing stored credit cards or saved passwords. Similarly, actions like changing the Apple ID password would have a Security Delay with a wait time of up to an hour and then a second biometric verification.
There are certain pre-requisites for using Stolen Device Protection:
- iOS 17.3 or later version
- Two-Factor Authentication enabled
- Face/ Touch ID enabled
- Find My enabled
- Passcode enabled
Setting up your iPhone for stolen device protection is quite easy and straightforward.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Once you do that, tap on the Face ID or Passcode.
Step 3: Select Stolen Device Protection.
Step 4: Scroll down, then toggle the protection On.
This is all that you have to do to enable the Stoel Device Protection feature. Later, if you don’t want to use the feature, you can turn it off, by selecting “Turn Off” Protection by following the same method. When you have your iPhone in a familiar location, going through the additional security is not necessary, and a device passcode would do as well.
The known locations could include your home, workplace, and frequently used saved locations on your iPhone. If you want the security checks to be enabled irrespective of where you are, this can be enforced by going to Require Security Delay and selecting “Always.” This would enable the feature regardless of location. However, the settings are not enabled by default so you would have to customize them manually.
This is all there is to it, folks. The Stolen Device Protection is a pretty neat addition that adds another layer of security over Face ID or Touch ID to protect your personal data and information. We will be sharing similar guides in the future, so be sure to stick around.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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