How to enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhone & Android

Keeping your iPhone secure from theft and unauthorized access has never been more important. With rising cases of smartphone theft and account takeovers, Apple has introduced Stolen Device Protection—a powerful feature designed to add extra security layers in critical scenarios.

This guide walks you through what this feature does, how to enable it, and how it enhances your overall digital security. Whether you're looking to protect sensitive data or prevent unwanted account changes, enabling this feature is a smart step forward.

Understanding Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection is a new security feature available on iPhones running iOS 17.3 and later. It adds biometric requirements and delays to actions that could compromise your identity if your phone is stolen. For example, if someone steals your phone and attempts to change your Apple ID password or disable Find My iPhone, this feature makes it much harder for them to succeed.

Key benefits of Stolen Device Protection

• Biometric verification (Face ID or Touch ID) is required for sensitive actions

• Security delays prevent instant changes to critical settings when you're not in a familiar location

• Layered protection even if a thief knows your passcode

Learn more about protecting your identity in our guide on how to use incognito mode.

Prerequisites for enabling Stolen Device Protection

Before you can enable this feature, make sure the following settings are in place:

iOS version requirement

Ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 17.3 or later

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA must be enabled for your Apple ID. This adds a second layer of protection when signing in to your account.

Biometric authentication

Make sure Face ID or Touch ID is set up. These are required to approve sensitive actions.

Significant locations

Enable "Significant Locations" so your device knows which locations are familiar. This allows Apple to determine when to apply a security delay.

• Got to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations

Find My iPhone

Make sure Find My iPhone is turned on to allow tracking and locking of your device if it’s stolen.

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone]

Want full control of your privacy tools? Explore how to turn off proxy settings and reduce tracking risks.

Steps to enable Stolen Device Protection

Follow these steps to turn on Stolen Device Protection:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone

2. Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode (depending on your device)

3. Enter your device passcode when prompted

4. Scroll down and tap Stolen Device Protection

5. Toggle the switch to enable the feature

6. For maximum protection, select Always under Require Security Delay to enforce the delay regardless of your location

How stolen device Protection Enhances Security

Stolen Device Protection works in two key ways to secure your data even if someone has physical access to your iPhone:

Biometricverification for high-risk actions

This feature ensures that certain actions — like accessing saved passwords, turning off Lost Mode, or erasing your device — require Face ID or Touch ID. This blocks unauthorized access even if your passcode is known.

One-hour security delay for critical changes

When you're outside a familiar location, a 1-hour delay is enforced for actions like:

• Changing your Apple ID password

• Signing out of your Apple account

• Disabling Find My iPhone

• Updating sensitive security settings

This delay helps thwart real-time account takeovers.

Potential drawbacks of Stolen Device Protection

While this feature enhances security, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and trade-offs:

Added steps for users

You may experience extra prompts for biometric verification and enforced delays even for legitimate actions.

Compatibility limitations

Only available on devices running iOS 17.3 or later. Some users may also encounter regional restrictions.

Not foolproof

Some low-risk actions, like Apple Pay purchases, may still only require your passcode.

Familiar locations caveat

If your device determines you're in a familiar place (like your home), it may skip the security delay — potentially reducing protection in certain cases.

Additional tips to enhance iPhone security

Beyond enabling Stolen Device Protection, here are additional steps to protect your iPhone:

• Use a Strong Passcode: Avoid simple numeric passcodes; opt for alphanumeric combinations.

• Keep iOS Updated: Always install the latest iOS updates for security patches.

• Enable Lost Mode: If your device goes missing, use the Find My app to lock it and display a recovery message.

• Back Up Regularly: Use iCloud or local backups to protect your data from loss or theft.

• Disable Lock Screen Access: Limit what's accessible from the lock screen to reduce unauthorized activity.

Check out how to clear cache on iPhone to maintain privacy and performance.

Nym's summary

Stolen Device Protection is one of the most powerful iPhone security upgrades in recent years. By requiring biometric approval and enforcing delays, it makes unauthorized access significantly harder — especially in the critical moments after a theft.

Enable it today and combine it with strong security habits to make sure your device and data stay safe, no matter where life takes you.