Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad are infamous targets for theft given their popularity, sleek design, and high resale value on secondary markets. However, with the release of iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, Apple has implemented a powerful new anti-theft capability for your iPhone and iPad called Stolen Device Protection.

The premise behind Stolen Device Protection is that even if someone gains access to your passcode, they still cannot fully control or wipe your device without authenticating via either Face ID or Touch ID. This provides an extra barrier to prevent malicious actors from accessing personal data or removing device tracking capabilities.

How to turn on Apple’s Stolen Device Protection for iPhone

Stolen Device Protection may automatically turn on with the latest iOS update. However, you can verify it is enabled by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone. Enter your passcode if prompted. Then, check if the toggle for Stolen Device Protection is set to the “on” position.

There are a few other pre-requisite security features your device must have enabled for Stolen Device Protection to work properly:

• A passcode
• Face ID or Touch ID enabled
• Two-factor authentication for your Apple ID
• Find My enabled
• Significant Locations enabled

If any of those items are disabled, you’ll need to turn them on first under your Face ID & Passcode, Apple ID and Privacy settings.

How delayed protections deter thieves

Once enabled, Stolen Device Protection lies in wait until your iPhone is reported lost or stolen via the Find My app and the device is no longer considered in a “familiar” location based on routine usage patterns. For example, if your phone was stolen from your home but Find My has not been triggered yet, there would be no extra protections enabled initially.

However, once Find My marks your device lost or stolen, then special protections kick in if it enters an “unfamiliar” location like a thief’s home or a street corner across town. Now, before critical settings can be changed, the thief has to wait 1 hour AND enter your Face ID or Passcode twice, which deters casual attacks.

The exact settings protected include:

• Disabling Find My
• Erasing all contents and settings
• Changing your Apple ID password
• Signing out of your Apple ID account
• Accessing saved passwords/passkeys in Keychain
• Activating a new Apple Card
• Using payment methods in Safari

While not foolproof, having to authenticate twice deters opportunistic thieves looking for a quick score. Devices protected by Stolen Device Protection are far less valuable on the black market as well.

The long-term impact

Stolen Device Protection uses iOS itself to actively fight device theft which has been rising globally. While Apple continues refining anti-theft protections in hardware and manufacturing like activation locks, Stolen Device Protection is the first software deterrent fully embedded in iOS.

By targeting identity, payments and precious personal data stored on iPhones, Apple makes these devices less inviting targets over time. That in turn reduces street crime related to mobile device theft which remains a stubbornly consistent issue decade after decade. For iPhone owners already anxious about protecting a $1,000+ device in public, Stolen Device Protection provides extra assurance your data has added protections against would-be thieves.