iPhone Tech Tip: How to Turn On Stolen Device Protection
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
How to turn on Stolen Device Protection
Your iPhone holds a lot of personal information: photos, messages, passwords, payment cards, email, banking apps, and access to your Apple Account. That is why one simple setting can make a big difference if your iPhone is ever lost or stolen.
Apple includes a feature called Stolen Device Protection, designed to add extra security when your iPhone is away from familiar locations like your home or workplace. Apple notes that this feature is available on iPhone with iOS 17.3 or later and must be turned on before the device is lost or stolen. (Apple Support Article)
What Does Stolen Device Protection Do?
Stolen Device Protection helps protect your iPhone by requiring biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, for certain sensitive actions. In some cases, it can also add a security delay before important changes can be made.
This can help prevent someone from quickly changing settings, accessing saved passwords, or making account changes if they know your passcode.
How to Turn It On
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode.
Enter your passcode.
Scroll down and tap Stolen Device Protection.
Turn it on.
Apple notes that if you do not see Stolen Device Protection, you may need to set up Face ID or Touch ID first. (Apple Support Article)
Why This Matters
Many people think of their passcode as the main protection for their iPhone. But if someone sees or learns that passcode, they may be able to do more than just unlock the phone.
Turning on Stolen Device Protection adds another layer of security, especially when your iPhone is away from familiar places. It is a simple step that can help protect your personal information, saved passwords, payment information, and Apple Account.
Bonus Tip: Check Your Saved Passwords
While you are reviewing your iPhone security, it is also a good time to open the Passwords app. Apple’s Passwords app lets you view and manage saved passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes in one place.
To check your saved passwords:
Open the Passwords app.
Unlock it with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Review your saved accounts.
Update weak, reused, or compromised passwords when needed.
Need Help With Your iPhone?
Not sure if your iPhone is set up correctly? Stop into MacMan. We can help review your settings, answer questions, and make sure your iPhone is working the way it should.
Check out our White Glove service options for your mobile devices.
MacMan — Making technology easy, the way it should be.
