Apple says Stolen Device Protection helps protect your accounts and personal information if your iPhone is stolen. It’s an optional feature, but Apple recommends everyone turn it on.
How to turn on Stolen Device Protection
When you update your iPhone, your phone will ask if you want to turn on Stolen Device Protection. If you didn’t see this screen or want to see it later, here’s how to enable the security feature.
1. Open “Settings”.
2. Tap “Face ID & Passcode”.
3. Tap Stolen Device Protection.
4. Tap the switch next to Stolen Device Protection to enable the feature.
As CNET reports, Stolen Device Protection requires you to enter your biometric data at least once to access some of your sensitive settings and information when you’re not in a familiar location, like home.
According to Apple, you’ll need to enter your biometric information to change it or access unknown locations if:
- Use a password or passkey stored in your keychain.
- Use a payment method saved in Safari with Autocomplete.
- Turn off Lost Mode.
- Erase all content and settings on your iPhone.
- Apply for a new Apple Card.
- View your Apple Card virtual number.
- Perform certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet, such aa Initiating a transfer.
- Use your iPhone to set up a new device.
This feature also uses a new mechanism called “security delay” when changing some settings. If you try to change these settings in an unknown location, Stolen Device Protection requires you to enter your biometric credentials twice: once, and again an hour later. According to Apple, if you arrive at a familiar location while waiting for the security delay to end, your device can end the delay early.
Here are some of the things Apple says Security Delay protects:
- Disable Device Theft Protection.
- Change your Apple ID password.
- Sign out of your Apple ID.
- Update the security settings for your Apple ID account.
- Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID information.
- Change your iPhone passcode.
- Reset all settings on your iPhone.
- Turn off Find My.
- Phones with an Apple Pay logo
You can still make purchases using Apple Pay, even if Device Theft Protection is turned on.
