In response to the ever-growing importance of smartphones in our daily lives, Apple has introduced a new feature called Stolen Device Protection with the iOS 17.3 upgrade. This addition aims to enhance security, particularly when users are away from familiar environments. The feature requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication for certain actions, such as accessing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details – a passcode alone won’t suffice.
As part of this security measure, if users attempt to change their password or modify other security settings when away from familiar locations, they will experience a delay. A waiting period of one hour is imposed, during which another biometric check is required. Apple’s rationale is to provide users with the necessary time to mark their phone as lost before any potential thief can access and alter critical security information.
Enabling Stolen Device Protection is a straightforward process:
- Navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter the device passcode.
- Look for the option to Turn On Protection and tap it.
Stolen Device Protection is designed to activate only when users are away from recognized locations like home, work, or frequently visited places. This means that if you’re on the go and wish to make changes like updating a password, Stolen Device Protection might temporarily hinder the process. To bypass the one-hour wait, users can return to a familiar location, and the delay will be lifted.
For those who haven’t set up a home base on their iOS device, it’s advisable to do so before enabling Stolen Device Protection to avoid unnecessary waiting periods. Here’s a simple guide:
- Open Maps on your iOS device.
- Tap on the Home icon.
- Access the Contact Card page by tapping Open My Contact Card.
- Add your home address by scrolling down to the address section.
By implementing these measures, Apple aims to provide users with an additional layer of protection against potential disasters resulting from stolen or lost phones.
