Apple’s new iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 updates for iPhone and iPad have been launched, introducing a significant new feature known as Stolen Device Protection.
What is Stolen Device Protection?
Once activated, the Stolen Device Protection feature will only kick in when the device is not in a recognized location such as the owner’s home or office. Moreover, certain features will impose a delay of an hour before any changes can be made to device settings. After this waiting period, the user will be re-verified through Face ID or Touch ID.
The controlled features consist of options to modify the Apple ID password, add or remove trusted devices or phone numbers, alter the device’s passcode or include and exclude Face ID or Touch ID, as well as turning off the Find My feature on iCloud.
In brief, it safeguards your information if your iPhone or iPad is stolen.
How to turn on Apple’s Stolen Device Protection for iPhone
- If not activated by default, navigate to your device’s Settings
- Select Face ID & Passcode
- Input your device’s passcode
- Enable Stolen Device Protection.
In order for the Stolen Device Protection option to be accessible, two-factor authentication should be implemented for your Apple ID, and you need to have certain settings enabled on your device:
- A passcode, Face ID (or Touch ID for older devices), Find My, and Significant Locations.
- The passcode and Face ID settings can be found under the Face ID & Passcode settings, whereas Find My and Significant Locations can be configured in Settings – Apple ID – Find My.
