How to Enable and Use Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

What to do if you lose your iPhone? You must wonder what happens to your data, such as credit card details, saved passwords, etc. Notably, the new feature in iOS 17.3 adds a layer of security that helps you preserve your data. In this light, Apple has launched stolen device protection on iPhones.

What this feature is all about? We will guide you on how to enable iOS 17.3’s stolen device protection. Further, we will highlight the devices supporting this new security feature. Well, if your phone doesn’t support the feature, fret not. We will help you understand what you can do if your iPhone doesn’t support stolen device protection. Let’s begin.

What Is Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

Your iPhone isn’t as secure as you think it is. While having a passcode and Face ID registration goes a long way in preventing any misuse, it’s easy for someone with this information to access sensitive data on your smartphone. For instance, an iPhone lets you change your Apple ID password using your iPhone’s four or six-digit PIN.

This is catastrophic since someone who sees you entering your passcode could easily change your Apple ID passcode. In fact, this was the modus operandi of several iPhone thieves in the United States. This is where iOS 17.3’s stolen device protection steps in. How? You must be wondering.

Well, the new feature mandates Face ID verification before changing your password. Moreover, Apple has added a time restriction, so if you’re not in a trusted location like your home, you can reset the iPhone’s passcode only after a certain period. Isn’t this new security feature a blessing?

Which Devices Support Stolen Device Protection Feature

So, you read the benefits of iOS 17.3’s stolen device protection and wonder whether your iPhone supports the feature. Any device that supports iOS 17 is compatible with the stolen device protection feature. So, here’s the complete list of devices.

• iPhone XR/Xs/Xs Max
• iPhone 11/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini/12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini/13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2nd/3rd generation

Further, several users complain that the stolen device protection feature is not showing up.

Is Stolen Device Protection Available on iPad

Sadly, no. iOS 17.3’s new feature is exclusive to iPhones as of now. Several iPad users tried digging deep into this issue. They could not find the feature after the latest update on their iPads.

Nevertheless, we’re hopeful that Apple will soon bring such security layers to iPads and other Apple devices.

How to Enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

Stolen device protection is crucial. If you are eligible for the 17.3 update, we urge you to enable this much-needed security feature on your iPhone. Before you trigger the feature, you should install the 17.3 update. Here’s how to install the update.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Head to General > Software Update.

Step 2: In the Software Update tab, look for the update for iOS 17.3 and download it. You can enable Automatic Updates to reduce manual effort in downloading software updates.

Once done installing the update. Here’s how to turn the stolen device protection on your iPhone:

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone. Then, head to Face ID & Passcode.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Turn On Protection below Stolen Device Protection.

How Stolen Device Protection Protects Your Device and Accounts

Face ID or Touch ID and a security delay are two primary tools for the stolen device protection feature. Face ID or a security delay is triggered if your phone is not in a known location, such as your home. Let us elaborate on how these two tools are used to bolster security on your iPhone.

Face ID or Touch ID

If your iPhone is not in a familiar location, Face ID or Touch ID is a mandate before you perform the following actions.

• To set up a new device using your iPhone
• Using payment methods set up in Safari
• Disabling Lost Mode
• Erasing all content on your iPhone
• Using passcodes saved on iCloud’s Keychain app
• Viewing Apple Card details
• Transferring Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet
• Applying for a new Apple Card

Security Delay

Further, if your iPhone isn’t at a known location, there will be a security delay in performing specific tasks.

• Changing your Apple ID password
• Signing out of your Apple ID
• Changing security settings such as adding or removing a trusted device, Recovery Key, or Recovery Contact on your Apple ID account
• Adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID
• Changing your iPhone’s passcode
• Performing the Reset All Settings task
• Disabling Find My 
• Turning off Stolen Device Protection

What to Do if My iPhone Doesn’t Support Stolen Device Protection

While the stolen device protection feature is a plus point, your data can be protected even without the feature. For starters, keep a difficult password. 111111 or 000000 isn’t doing you any favor. Apple allows you to set alpha-numeric passwords, so go for it to confuse any potential thief. Word of caution — if you use the contact cards to store passwords, be cryptic and creative. For instance, don’t do a — Amex CVV 0221. This will give the thief a direct ticket to your sensitive data.

Further, set up two-factor authentication for all your important accounts, such as Gmail. Furthermore, several password managers give you deeper protection on important passwords. Lastly, enable Find My for your iPhone. This feature can get you closer to your thief, and you can find your phone with Find My.

Try Harder, Dear Thief

Password is power for a thief. If they have your iPhone’s passcode, they can access your credit card data, etc. This is where the stolen device protection on iPhones steps in. So, even if someone smartly steals your iPhone, you are one step ahead of the thief. What are you waiting for? Update your iPhone to iOS 17.3 and enable Apple’s new security feature.