Here’s the nightmare scenario: someone watches you type your iPhone passcode in a crowded bar, then grabs the phone. With just that passcode, a thief could once change your Apple Account password, turn off Find My and lock you out of your own digital life.
Apple’s answer is a setting called Stolen Device Protection. It has been around since iOS 17.3, but it isn’t always on by default, so it’s worth two minutes to check.
What it does
When your iPhone is away from places it recognizes as familiar, such as your home or office, Stolen Device Protection adds extra checks to sensitive actions. Some actions require Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback. The most sensitive ones also come with a one-hour security delay.
Things that need Face ID or Touch ID only (no passcode) include:
- Using saved passwords and passkeys
- Using saved payment cards in Safari AutoFill
- Turning off Lost Mode
- Erasing all content and settings
- Viewing Apple Card details or sending money with Apple Cash
Things that need biometrics, then a one-hour wait, then biometrics again include:
- Changing your Apple Account password or signing out
- Changing account security settings such as trusted devices or your Recovery Contact
- Changing your iPhone passcode or adding a new face or fingerprint
- Turning off Stolen Device Protection itself
Apple Pay purchases still work with your passcode, so everyday use isn’t disrupted.
Before you start
According to Apple, you need iOS 17.3 or later, two-factor authentication on your Apple Account, a device passcode, Face ID or Touch ID, Find My turned on, and Significant Locations turned on in Location Services (that’s how the phone learns which places are familiar).
How to turn it on
- Open Settings.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and enter your passcode.
- Tap Stolen Device Protection.
- Turn it on.
On the same screen you’ll see an option for when the security delay applies. If you want the extra protection everywhere, including at home, choose Always instead of only away from familiar locations.
Two things to remember
First, the one-hour delay applies to you too. If you need to change your Apple Account password while traveling, plan on waiting.
Second, turn the feature off before you sell, trade in or give away your iPhone. Do it at home so you don’t hit the delay.
It’s a small trade-off for a big benefit: even if someone learns your passcode, they can’t quickly take over the account that controls your photos, backups and payments.
More on Contoh
- How to Back Up Your Phone Properly (iPhone and Android)
- How to Add a Legacy Contact to Your Apple Account
- How to Set Up a Passkey for Your Google Account