What Is Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

Thieves keep a close watch on victims, steal device passcode and snatch away phones. Those miscreants use the phone’s passcode to access confidential information like passwords, change Apple ID password, disable Find My service and other settings. Luckily, Apple rolled out theStolen Device Protectionmechanism with iOS 17.3 update for iPhone users to minimize the loss of data. Here’s where the iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection feature shields your private information when your device is stolen.

Why Do You Need to Use Apple’s Stolen Device Protection

When you use your iPhone in public places like cafes, buses, trains and parks, you may accidentally reveal the passcode accidentally. Apple found several instances where thieves first access your device passcode and steal the main device to access personal information.

As the name suggests, Stolen Device Protection shields your personal information if your device is stolen. It enables biometric protection of your iPhone’s sensitive settings and information. When someone with access to your iPhone passcode steals the device and tries to tweak personal settings like account passwords or access credit card info, the phone first verifies the identity with biometrics. However, the Stolen Device Protection is an optional feature and is disabled by default.

This feature also enables security delay, where you need to enter biometrics twice – once initially and again after an hour. The system kicks in security delay and asks for biometrics when it detects an unfamiliar location. When your device is lost, Stolen Device Protection gives you ample time to mark your phone as lost and change critical security info.

Which iPhone Models Support Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection is a part of the iOS 17.3 update. All iPhone models eligible for iOS 17.3 will receive this option:

While Stolen Device Protection is available on most iPhone models, Apple it is not accessible on iPad.

Enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

Since you know by now how Stolen Device Protection works, use the steps below to enable the function. Before we start, install iOS 17.3 or higher on your iPhone.

1.OpenSettingsapp on iPhone. Scroll toGeneral.

2.Go toSoftware Updateand install the latest iOS build.

When your iPhone runs iOS 17.3 or higher, follow the steps below to enable Stolen Device Protection.

1.Launch theSettingsapp and scroll toFace ID & Passcode.

2.Enter your device passcode and scroll toStolen Device Protection.

You’ll get two options for security delay:

If you are afraid your kids will change the device security settings, tapAlwaysfor an extra layer of biometric protection.

How Does Stolen Device Protection Work on iPhone

When you enable Stolen Device Protection, Apple requires biometric authentication whenever someone tries to access or change the following settings:

Security Delay kicks in when you try to tweak certain security settings from unfamiliar locations:

Stolen Device Protection doesn’t protect every aspect of your device. For instance, when someone purchases an app or game, the system only asks for a device passcode. So you can’t do anything about those purchases, except attempt to convince the Apple App Store customer support personnel over chat or call.

Keep Your iPhone Data Safe

Stolen Device Protection is an excellent add-on to Apple’s growing list ofsecurity features on iPhone. We strongly recommend enabling it to avoid unpleasant situations during device theft or loss. While it may not help you recover your iPhone, it certainly helps you exercise greater control over the data on the iPhone.

Parth Shah

Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at TechWiser, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

What Is Stolen Device Protection on iPhone