Apple iOS 17.3 Update: How to Activate Stolen Device Protection on Your iPhone
In an effort to enhance user security, the latest iOS 17.3 update introduces a significant feature: Stolen Device Protection for iPhone. This new addition is designed to safeguard accounts and personal information, especially when the device is outside of familiar locations, such as home or workplace, thereby reducing the risk of compromise in the event of theft.
Once enabled, Stolen Device Protection enforces heightened security measures for specific features and actions when the iPhone is beyond recognized locations. This additional layer of security ensures that even if a thief gains access to the device’s passcode, critical changes to accounts or the device itself remain inaccessible.
Among the security enhancements are the implementation of Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication for specific actions, such as accessing stored passwords and credit cards. This not only provides an extra layer of protection but also restricts access solely to the device owner. Additionally, a Security Delay protocol is introduced, requiring an hour-long wait and a secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication for actions like changing the Apple ID password.
In the unfortunate event of an iPhone being stolen, the Security Delay serves as a strategic deterrent, hindering unauthorized individuals from executing critical operations. This feature provides users with a window to mark their device as lost and secure their Apple account promptly. Detailed guidance on what to do if an iPhone is lost or stolen is also provided.
The Stolen Device Protection feature is context-sensitive, with additional security steps required only when the iPhone is not within familiar locations, including the home, workplace, and other regular usage areas. In familiar settings, users can continue using their device passcode as usual.
To enable or disable Stolen Device Protection, users can navigate to Settings, access Face ID & Passcode, enter their device passcode, and toggle the feature accordingly. However, attempting to turn off this protection in an unfamiliar location triggers a security delay, emphasizing the importance of deactivating the feature before selling, giving away, or trading in the iPhone.
With Stolen Device Protection active, certain actions demand additional security measures when the iPhone is not in a familiar location. These include Face ID or Touch ID authentication for tasks such as using saved passwords, turning off Lost Mode, erasing content, applying for a new Apple Card, and more. The Security Delay feature also comes into play for critical changes like updating the Apple ID password, signing out, or modifying security settings.
For more information on how to use Stolen Device Protection on iPhone, users can refer to the official Apple Support article on the topic.
I have provided a detailed article on how to activate Stolen Device Protection on an iPhone running iOS 17.3. The article covers the new security feature, its benefits, and the steps to enable or disable it. If you need further information, please let me know.
