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Privacy and security

Stolen Device Protection

Most people call this stopping a thief who knows your passcode.

When your iPhone is somewhere unfamiliar, the most damaging actions require Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback, and some require an hour's delay as well.

Available

This setting is present on your iPhone.

  • We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.

Where to find it - iOS 17 and later

  1. Settings
  2. Face ID & Passcode
  3. Stolen Device Protection

What it does

It closes the gap where a thief watches you type your passcode and then steals the phone. Away from your familiar locations, actions such as viewing saved passwords, turning off Find My, or changing your Apple Account password need biometrics, and the most serious ones need a second confirmation an hour later.

At home or work the extra checks are skipped so daily use is unaffected.

What changes

When it is on

In unfamiliar places, sensitive changes need your face or fingerprint, and some need an hour's wait.

When it is off

Anyone with your passcode can change your account and lock you out within minutes.

Should you turn it on?

Good reasons to turn it on

  • It defeats the shoulder surfing attack that causes the most harm.
  • Daily use at home and work is unchanged.
  • There is no realistic downside for most people.

Good reasons to turn it off

  • Your biometrics genuinely do not work reliably.
  • You are about to travel and expect to need urgent account changes.

Battery

No real change

Privacy

Helps

Performance

No real change

Cellular data

No real change

Storage

No real change

Out of the box: Off until you enable it. Newer releases prompt you to turn it on.

What your iPhone needs

  • Needs iOS 17.3 or later

Questions people actually ask

Should I turn on Stolen Device Protection?
For almost everyone, yes. It stops the attack where someone learns your passcode and then takes the phone.
Why is there a one hour delay?
It gives you time to mark the phone as lost before a thief can lock you out of your account.

If it is not working

  • It needs Face ID or Touch ID enrolled, a passcode, Find My on, and Significant Locations enabled.
  • Turning it off while away from a familiar place triggers the security delay by design.
  • It does not protect against someone who has your Apple Account password on another device.

Related settings