Apple’s latest iOS 17.3 update includes an important new security feature called Stolen Device Protection. This feature makes it much harder for thieves to access your personal information or make major changes if your iPhone is lost or stolen. So here we are going to tell you how iOS 17.3 theft protection works and how you can enable it.
What is Stolen Device Protection?
Stolen Device Protection is designed to protect your data and prevent unauthorized changes to your iPhone if it falls into the wrong hands.
When enabled, certain settings and actions will require additional authentication beyond just entering your passcode. For example, accessing stored passwords and credit cards will need biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID).
The feature also introduces a new security delay if someone tries to turn off theft protection when your iPhone is not in a familiar location like home or work. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to bypass your security measures.
How to Turn On iOS 17.3 Theft Protection
To start using iOS 17.3 theft protection, you’ll need to meet a few requirements first:
- Have two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID
- Set a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID on your iPhone
- Have Find My and Significant Locations enabled
- Once those prerequisites are met, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
- Enter your passcode.
- Toggle on Stolen Device Protection.
That’s it! Theft protection will now be enabled on your iPhone.
How iOS 17.3 Theft Protection Works
When Stolen Device Protection is turned on, your iPhone will monitor for any changes made when you’re away from familiar locations.
If someone tries to access passwords, credit cards, or turn off Find My iPhone when your phone isn’t near saved locations like home or work, extra authentication will be required.
For example, accessing passwords will need biometric authentication. Turning off theft protection itself will initiate a 1-hour delay before it can be disabled.
This ensures thieves can’t easily bypass your lock screen or turn off tracking services to wipe and resell your iPhone.
Remember to Turn Off When Selling or Trading In
While iOS 17.3 theft protection provides an important extra layer of security, you’ll want to make sure to turn it off if you plan to sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone.
Since the feature is designed to prevent unauthorized changes, it can cause hassles if you’re trying to reset the iPhone before handing it over to someone else.
So don’t forget to disable Stolen Device Protection first if you won’t be the iPhone’s owner anymore.
Conclusion
The new theft protection in iOS 17.3 makes it extremely difficult for thieves to access personal data or reactivate stolen iPhones. With just a few quick settings adjustments, you can have peace of mind that your iPhone will remain secure even if it’s lost or taken.
Just remember to turn off the feature before selling or trading in your device. Follow the steps above to enable iOS 17.3 theft protection and help keep your iPhone secure.