Turn on stolen iPhone protection: Here's how

An important new iPhone security feature has arrived for testing with iOS 17.3 beta that gives you protection if your device is stolen. Join to take a look at how to turn on iPhone Stolen Device Protection and also some tips on whether you should use this feature or not.

With the first beta of iOS 17.3, Apple launched the ability to test protection for stolen iPhones. The feature is yet to come Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern Investigating the rise in iPhone thefts in public places such as bars. This approach typically saw attackers watch victims enter their passcodes before stealing their iPhones and then use that to instantly change their Apple ID password and lock out the owners from their accounts and even iCloud backups.

It is worth noting that Joanna conducted an interview with iPhone The thief who managed to take more than $300,000 from victims using this attack.

Fortunately, Stolen iPhone Protection solves the problem by requiring biometric authentication when you're away from trusted places like home and work. It also includes a time delay for the second biometric authentication for some sensitive procedures.

Check out more details on exactly how it works in our full coverage:

Should you turn on stolen iPhone protection?

Short answer, yes. Here's more context…

• The great thing about stolen device protection is that there is very little downside to the user experience while providing a significant security boost.
• After turning on the feature, if you end up in an unlikely situation where Face ID or Touch ID doesn't work:
  • You can continue to use your device for texting, calling, and most functions — you won't be able to do sensitive actions like changing your Apple ID password, changing your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID, seeing your saved passwords, etc.
  • You can turn off stolen device protection with your passcode when you return to a familiar place like home before your iPhone is repaired

How to turn on stolen iPhone protection

1. Make sure it is turned on iOS 17.3 beta On your iPhone (Demo Installation Guide)
2. open the Settings program
3. Swipe down and press Face ID and passcode (or Touch ID and passcode)
4. Now under Protect stolen devices handle Turn on protection

That's it!

As mentioned above, if you need to turn it off after the rare event of breaking or damaging the Face ID TrueDepth camera or Touch ID sensor, you can use your passcode to do so when you're in a trusted location.

Learn more about protecting stolen devices in my colleague Fernando's video:

Good practices in public places

Even with this feature turned on, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Do not hand over your iPhone To strangers to get their contact information, connect on social media, etc.
• Do not enter your passcode in public placesAlternatively, use Face ID or Touch ID
• If you're not using your iPhone, put it in your pocket, bag, or purse
• Do not connect to open public WiFi networks
• Do not use public phone chargers if possible

Read more lessons from 9to5Mac: