Stolen Device Protection on iOS 17.3: Here's What the New Feature Secures
Apple recommends everyone turn this feature on, but what does it protect?
How to turn Stolen Device Protection on
After updating your iPhone to iOS 17.3, you will be prompted to enable Stolen Device Protection.
If you don't see the prompt or want to enable it later, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Face ID & Passcode.
3. Scroll down until you see Stolen Device Protection.
If it is Off, tap on Turn On Protection to enable the feature.
What to know about Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection adds an extra layer of security to your iPhone, particularly when it falls into the wrong hands.
To access certain sensitive settings and information when you are in an unfamiliar location, you will need to enter your biometric information at least once.
Here are some examples of what you'll need to enter your biometric information for:
- Using saved passwords or passkeys in your Keychain.
- Using payment methods saved in Safari that autofill.
- Turning off Lost Mode.
- Erasing all content and settings on your iPhone.
- Applying for a new Apple Card.
- Viewing your Apple Card's virtual number.
- Taking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in your Wallet.
- Using your iPhone to set up a new device.
The feature also introduces a Security Delay mechanism for changing certain settings. If you attempt to modify these settings in an unfamiliar location, you will be required to enter your biometric info twice, initially and after an hour.
Here are some examples of settings protected by Security Delay:
- Turning Stolen Device Protection off.
- Changing your Apple ID password.
- Signing out of your Apple ID.
- Updating your Apple ID account security settings, like adding or removing trusted devices.
- Adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID information.
- Changing your iPhone passcode.
- Resetting all your iPhone's settings.
- Turning Find My off.
While Stolen Device Protection does not safeguard everything on your phone, it is still recommended to enable the feature by Apple.
Additional Information
Stolen Device Protection does not provide comprehensive protection for all aspects of your device. For instance, you can still make purchases with Apple Pay using your iPhone passcode.
For more information on iOS 17.3 and its new features, you can explore our iOS 17 cheat sheet and learn about other features in the update.
If you want to know more about VPNs, cybersecurity, streaming services, web hosting, and other services and software, we have comprehensive guides available.
