How iOS 17.3’s Stolen Device Protection Security Feature Works

Apple released iOS 17.3 in January, and the update brought some bug fixes and a few new features to your iPhone, including the long-awaited collaborative playlist feature in Apple Music. The update also included a new security feature called Stolen Device Protection, which aims to protect your data if your iPhone is stolen or falls into nefarious hands. 

According to Apple, Stolen Device Protection can help protect your accounts and personal information in case your iPhone is stolen. This is an optional feature, but Apple recommends everyone turn it on.

Here’s how to enable Stolen Device Protection and what to know about the new security feature.

How to turn Stolen Device Protection on

After you update your iPhone to iOS 17.3, your iPhone should ask you whether or not you want to turn Stolen Device Protection on. If you didn’t see this screen, or meant to do it later, here’s how to enable the new security feature.

1. Open Settings. 
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.
3. Scroll down the menu until you see Stolen Device Protection.

If you already have the feature enabled, it will say On next to Stolen Device Protection. If it says Off, tap Turn On Protection directly below Stolen Device Protection. 

What to know about Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection adds a layer of security to your iPhone in case it falls into the wrong hands.

Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Getty Images

According to CNET’s David Lumb, Stolen Device Protection requires you to enter your biometric information at least once to access some of your sensitive settings and information when you’re not in a familiar location, like your home. 

Here are some of the things Apple said you’ll need to enter your biometric information for in order to change or access when you’re in an unfamiliar location:

• Using passwords or passkeys saved 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, like initiating a transfer.
• Using your iPhone to set up a new device.

The feature also uses a new mechanism called Security Delay, when changing some settings. If you try to change these settings when you’re in an unfamiliar location, Stolen Device Protection will require you to enter your biometric info twice; once initially and then again after an hour. According to Apple, if you arrive at a familiar location while waiting for the Security Delay to end, your device could prematurely end the delay. 

Here are some of the things Apple said are 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.

You can still make purchases with Apple Pay even if Stolen Device Protection is turned on.

Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Because Stolen Device Protection only protects a handful of settings, you still have to take steps to protect your other information. For example, Apple notes that you can still use your iPhone passcode to make purchases with Apple Pay, so Stolen Device Protection won’t totally protect your finances. While Stolen Device Protection is an optional feature and doesn’t protect everything on your phone, Apple still recommends everyone turn it on. 

How to require Security Delay even when close to home

If you frequent a coffee shop or you live in an apartment complex and you lose your iPhone, your data could still be at risk since your iPhone might recognize those areas as familiar locations. 

While Apple appears to be working on an option to always require a Security Delay no matter if you’re at a familiar location or not in iOS 17.4, here’s how to always require the Security Delay now.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Location Services.
4. Tap System Services.
5. Tap the toggle next to Significant Locations.

Now if you have Stolen Device Protection enabled, your iPhone will require a Security Delay to access or change some of the above settings and features, like turning Stolen Device Protection off.

For more on iOS, you can check out what features could be included in iOS 17.4, the other new features in iOS 17.3 and our iOS 17 cheat sheet.

Watch this: New iPads in 2024: What We Expect (OLED, M3 and Beyond)

05:43