Earlier this month, when Apple released iOS 17.3, it included one of the best security updates for the iPhone ever with the Stolen Device Protection feature. The idea is to stop professional passcode thieves like Aaron Johnson from turning your iPhone into his iPhone in seconds by using your stolen passcode to change the passcode on the phone, disable the Find My app, reset Face ID, and change the Apple ID password. Once all that has been accomplished, your bank account, credit cards, and financial apps are compromised.
Apple decided to fight back with the Stolen Device Protection feature and if you haven't installed iOS 17.3 to obtain this protection, do so now. I'll still be here waiting for you. Go ahead. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the directions. Oh, there you are. Finished installing iOS 17.3? Great, now you need to enable the feature. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and scroll to Stolen Device Protection. Tap on Turn On Protection. That's it!
Now once you have the feature enabled, it will work when you are not at a familiar location (such as home, or the office) by requiring Face ID or Touch ID to verify your identity when you want to take some actions such as applying for a new Apple Card, erasing all content and settings, taking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet, using payment methods saved in Safari, and using your iPhone to set up a new device to name a few.
But here's where the real protection comes into play. With certain sensitive tasks that a thief needs to do to take control of your iPhone, such as changing your Apple ID password, changing your iPhone passcode, adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID, turning off Find My, and turning off Stolen Device Protection, there is a one-hour delay before Apple will allow any of these changes to be made. Even after the hour has passed, Face ID or Touch ID must be used to verify your identity. The hour delay gives the victim of an iPhone theft time to realize that his phone is gone and to call Apple and alert the company.
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