Protect your iPhone from thieves immediately with this one simple setting

As we continue to store more of our personal lives on our smartphones, the thought of losing them to theft becomes increasingly distressing.

For many of us, our iPhones are not just phones; they are our photo albums, our address books, our personal assistants, and even our wallets.

That's why Apple's latest security update is something all iPhone users should be aware of and act upon immediately.



The new feature, introduced in iOS 17.3, is called Stolen Device Protection, and it's a game-changer for iPhone security.

It's designed to make your device significantly less attractive to thieves and protect your data if your phone does fall into the wrong hands.

Here's what you need to know to take advantage of this new security measure:

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Apple released a new feature to protect our security and prevent our iPhones from being stolen. Credit: Shutterstock


  1. Update your iPhone to iOS 17.3. This is crucial as the feature is only available in this latest update. To check if you have the latest version, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Once updated, navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. You'll be prompted to enter your passcode to access these settings.
  3. Look for the option labelled 'Stolen Device Protection' and toggle it on. This will activate the new security features.
When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, your iPhone will require a successful Face ID or Touch ID verification before anyone can access your Apple Wallet and stored passcodes.

This means that even if a thief manages to get into your phone, they won't be able to make payments or access sensitive information without your unique biometric data.

Moreover, if your iPhone detects that it's in an unusual location, it will initiate an hour-long delay for any attempts to reset the passcode.

This gives you extra time to report the device as stolen and secure your Apple account.



In the unfortunate event that someone tries to wipe your device clean to sell it, they'll hit a wall.

The phone will not allow a factory reset without the necessary Face ID or Touch ID verification, thanks to the Stolen Device Protection feature.

An Apple spokesperson has highlighted the importance of this feature, stating, 'In the event that your iPhone is stolen, the security delay is designed to prevent a thief from performing critical operations so that you can mark your device as lost and make sure your Apple account is secure.'



This update is a significant step forward in smartphone security, making it less appealing for thieves to target iPhones.

However, it's also essential to remember the other security measures at your disposal. For instance, regularly updating and 'expiring' old passwords can prevent someone who has been eyeing your phone from gaining access if they already know your current passcodes.

While updating your security settings, it's also a good time to review what's running in the background on your phone.

Some apps and features can drain your battery life, so take a moment to optimise your settings for better performance.
Key Takeaways

  • Apple has introduced a new security feature called Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3 to help protect against data misuse if your iPhone is stolen.
  • To activate the feature, iPhone users must update to iOS 17.3 and enable it in the 'Face ID & Passcode' settings.
  • Once enabled, the feature requires a successful face or fingerprint ID check to access stored wallet and passcodes and delays passcode reset attempts.
  • The Apple spokesperson highlighted that this security delay prevents a thief from performing critical operations, allowing the user time to mark their device as lost and secure their Apple account.
Have you already updated your iPhone with this new security feature? Or do you have other tips for keeping your smartphone safe from thieves? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
 
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Any Android phone is much better and always has been, but Apple has always had the better publicity so people have thought they've always had something special.

For years people have been saying they've got an iPhone as if it was some sort of status symbol. Those phones are always good for people who don't want to be technical and just have whatever Apple say they can have.
I prefer having more control of my phone and download whatever app I decide I want.
Do you base your statement that, “Any Android phone is much better and always has been…” on actual fact? Have you compared all Android phones to Apple phones from personal experience or have reliable, genuine statistics to back up your claims? If so, please share your information so it has some significance and not just your opinion.
I’ve had both Android phones and Apple phones. But I’ve never been so narrow minded as you appear to be. Who says Apple owners think it’s a status symbol? You. I don’t know of other people who think that way.
 
Bagging iPhones appears to be the trend with some SDC members, doesn’t it? But no one has shown any facts as to why iPhones are inferior to other smartphones.
 
You’ve still not provided an explanation of why you think iPhones don’t measure up to any other brand of phone.
By the number of people who present at an Apple Store. About 54% of Apple customers attending their stores are there for complaints and repairs.

Statistics don't lie. But I've been known to stretch the truth a bit....at times! 😁
 
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Do you base your statement that, “Any Android phone is much better and always has been…” on actual fact? Have you compared all Android phones to Apple phones from personal experience or have reliable, genuine statistics to back up your claims? If so, please share your information so it has some significance and not just your opinion.
I’ve had both Android phones and Apple phones. But I’ve never been so narrow minded as you appear to be. Who says Apple owners think it’s a status symbol? You. I don’t know of other people who think that way.
I've only had Android phones and have had no reason to want an iPhone. When they first came out they were bought by people in the high income bracket and looked at as a status symbol. There are some people who treat them as the Rolls Royce of phones. Kids these days only seem to know about iPhones/iPads. I take my Android tablet when I visit my 4 year old grandson and even he says he wants to play on my iPad. I've given up telling him it's an Android tablet.

And I still say an Android phone is more flexible with the apps for them. Apple apps, I believe, you can only get from them, but I'm sure with your expertise you'll advise me if I'm wrong?
 
I've only had Android phones and have had no reason to want an iPhone. When they first came out they were bought by people in the high income bracket and looked at as a status symbol. There are some people who treat them as the Rolls Royce of phones. Kids these days only seem to know about iPhones/iPads. I take my Android tablet when I visit my 4 year old grandson and even he says he wants to play on my iPad. I've given up telling him it's an Android tablet.

And I still say an Android phone is more flexible with the apps for them. Apple apps, I believe, you can only get from them, but I'm sure with your expertise you'll advise me if I'm wrong?
Of course you can believe whatever you want. But you are mistaken about this iPhone owner. I’ve never been or will be in a “high income bracket”, nor consider my iPhone as a “status symbol”. I have my reasons which are not your concern.

I also don’t appreciate your sarcasm with your last sentence.

I don’t understand the them & us mentality that you and some others possess. Enjoy your phone.
 
I agree that Android phones are more flexible, with more adjustments that can be made, but for most iPhone buyers, they just want a phone that works well and is reasonably secure. The world is already complex enough without having to muck around with your phone as well. I once had a Google Pixel phone, and it didn't have a timer/alarm clock built in. So I had to try to choose a good app to do it. I downloaded one and it didn't work well and I was late for work. So I had to find another one. But I didn't trust it. Then I bought an iPhone which had a good timer/alarm clock built-in, and I was so happy with it. I could trust it. You don't want to miss a plane flight because of a dicey app on your phone!
 
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