Apple introduced ‘Stolen Device Protection’ for iPhones with the iOS 17.3 update earlier this week. This brings an additional layer of security on top of the biometric security already in place on your iPhone when it is away from your home or work location. Apple says these requirements will help prevent a thief or “someone who stole your device and knows your passcode from making significant changes to your account or device.”

This can be quite a useful feature for those who frequently lose their phones or are at huge security risk. This works using your Face ID system or Touch ID; If no one authenticates using these, there’s no need for a passcode, making your device more secure.

Additionally, some actions, such as changing your Apple ID password, require you to wait up to an hour to perform a second Face ID or Touch ID authentication.

To enable this feature, you will need to download iOS 17.3, as this feature is only available after installation. iOS 17.3 is compatible with all iPhones that support iOS 17, i.e. iPhone XS and above.

How to enable the ‘Stolen Devices feature’: Follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone, go to the Settings app.

2. View Face ID and Passcode on a device with the TrueDepth camera system, or View Touch and Passcode if you have a device with Touch ID biometrics.

3. Now, find ‘Stolen Device Protection’ and turn it on.

4. That’s all! This feature should now be functional for you.

If you want to turn off the feature, you’ll need to authenticate again using your iPhone’s biometrics.