How to enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone

Apple

has introduced a new feature for iPhones called

Stolen Device Protection

. It provides extra security to your

iPhone

when someone tries to access or change sensitive settings on your device. It limits some settings when your iPhone is not at a familiar location, and requires

Face ID

or Touch ID to change them. The feature also adds a one-hour delay for attempts to change sensitive information.

The Stolen Device Protection arrived earlier this week with iOS 17.3. The feature is not enabled by default and you will have to do so yourself to protect your iPhone and all that data you have on it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enable Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone.
First things first, you need to update your iPhone to iOS 17.3. Also, the Stolen Device Protection will only be available on iPhone XR and later, iPhone SE (2nd generation) and SE (3rd generation).

Once the Stolen Device Protection is enabled, to perform certain actions on your phone when you are in an unfamiliar location, you need to confirm your identity with Face ID or Touch ID. These include using saved passwords or payment methods, turning off

Lost Mode

, erasing content, applying for an

Apple Card

, and more.
Additionally, a security delay requires a facial or fingerprint scan when you're in an unfamiliar location and need to change your

Apple ID

password, update account security settings, add/remove Face ID or Touch ID, change your passcode, reset settings, turn off Find My, or turn off Stolen Device Protection.
Stolen Device Protection works only when you are away from familiar locations. It is advisable to set up your home location before enabling Stolen Device Protection, as you would not want to wait an hour to change any settings, even at your home or the workplace. To do so, head to the Maps, then tap the Home and Work icon to add the addresses. You can add more locations by tapping the ‘

Plus

’ icon.