The new iOS 17.3 is now available for all eligible iPhones. If you’ve upgraded your iPhone to iOS 17.3 or it came with a newer build, there’s a security feature you should enable for future protection. I’m referring to the Stolen Device Protection feature introduced with iOS 17.3. Here’s how to enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone.
iOS 17.3 introduced several new features, with the main highlights being collaborative playlists and stolen device protection. Apple consistently brings security and privacy features through both major and minor updates.
Since this is a new feature, many people will want to know more about it, so let’s get started.
What is Stolen Device Protection?
As its name suggests, the feature protects your iPhone if it’s stolen or lost. When the iPhone is away from familiar locations, such as home and workplace, it requires Face ID or Touch ID to access data and change settings. So even if someone has your passcode, they won’t be able to perform sensitive operations without Face ID or Touch ID.
No, you don’t have to enter your password, Face ID, or Touch ID when you are in a familiar location. You can use your device password as usual in familiar locations, so it will not impact your iPhone usage.
It’s an essential feature that adds an extra layer of security to your iPhone. It is recommended to enable this feature to secure your Apple ID and sensitive data on your iPhone. By default, it is turned off.
How to Turn on Stolen Device Protection on iPhone
Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 17.3 or newer, because the feature is introduced with iOS 17.3 update. Also you need to setup Face ID or Touch ID if its not already done.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Now head to Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode settings.
- Enter your device passcode. Scroll down and you will find Stolen Device Protection.
- To enable the feature, tap on Turn On Protection text in blue color. Or open the Stolen Device Protection to access toggle.
In iOS 17.4 and newer, you can tap on ‘Stolen Device Protection’ to access new settings, including a toggle to turn on and off Stolen Device Protection. Here, you will be able to choose when the Stolen Device Protection should trigger, with options such as ‘Always’ and ‘Away from Familiar Locations’.
Note: If Stolen Device Protection is not available, either your iPhone is not on the required iOS version or Face ID/Touch ID is not set up.
Security Delay
Stolen device protection also includes an additional layer of security as security delay feature that prevents turning off or changing settings for the next one hour. This will give users time to lock their Apple ID and take necessary action if the iPhone is stolen. It will also be helpful if someone wants to take advantage of you when you are drunk, by scanning your face, it will not work for an hour.
If you wish to disable the feature, perhaps when selling your iPhone, you can easily turn it off. Keep in mind that you might need to wait for an hour from the time of the first attempt.
- Open Settings on your Phone.
- Go to Face ID & Passcode settings or Touch ID & Passcode settings.
- Use the Turn Off Protection text or open the Stolen Device Protection to turn off through toggle (in iOS 17.4 or later). It will ask you to wait for an hour.
- After an hour, try again and it will turn off.
If there is no important reason, then I advise to keep the Stolen Device Protection feature enabled.
So that’s everything on the new Stolen Device Protection feature. What’s your opinion on this new feature. In case you have any queries, you can let us know in the comment section.
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