In January, Apple released iOS 18.3, which included bug patches for all iPhone models. However, in January 2024, Apple released iOS 17.3, which included a feature called Stolen Device Protection. This feature is designed to safeguard your data in the event that your phone is stolen or ends up in the wrong hands.

According to Apple, Stolen Device Protection can help protect your accounts and personal information in case your iPhone is pilfered. This is an optional function, although Apple suggests everyone turn it on.

Learn about the new security feature and how to activate Stolen Device Protection.

See also: Increasing the Effectiveness of Your iPhone’s Stolen Device ProtectionHow to activate protection for stolen devices
Your iPhone should ask you if you wish to activate Stolen Device Protection when you update it. Here’s how to activate the security feature if you missed this prompt or intended to do it later.

To activate the feature, tap the toggle next to Stolen Device Protection. See also: Increasing the Security of Stolen Devices

Go to Settings.

Select Passcode & Face ID.

Select Protection for Stolen Devices.What to know about Stolen Device Protection
The Apple logo in the style of padlock overlaid over the Settings menu of an iPhone
Your iPhone is made more secure with Stolen Device Protection.
When you’re not in a familiar place, like your home, Stolen Device Protection asks you to input your biometric information at least once in order to access certain of your sensitive settings and information, as David Lumb explains.

Apple stated that in order to modify or gain access when you’re in a new place, you’ll need to input your biometric information for the following reasons:

Using passwords or passkeys saved in your Keychain.
utilizing autofill payment methods that are stored in Safari.Disabling Lost Mode.
deleting all of your iPhone’s data and settings.
Applying for a new Apple Card.
Viewing your Apple Card’s virtual number.

making a transfer or doing other specific Apple Cash and Savings operations in your wallet.
setting up a new device with your iPhone.
When adjusting certain settings, the feature also makes use of a novel mechanism known as Security Delay. Stolen Device Protection will ask you to input your biometric information twice if you attempt to modify these settings while in an unknown place: once at first and again an hour later. According to Apple, if you arrive at a familiar site while waiting for the Security Delay to expire, your device might prematurely stop the delay.Apple stated that Security Delay protects the following items:

Disabling the protection for stolen devices.
Changing the password for your Apple ID.

using your Apple ID to sign out.

modifying the security settings for your Apple ID account, such as adding or deleting trusted devices.
modifying or deleting Touch ID or Face ID data.
Changing the passcode on your iPhone.
Resetting all your iPhone’s settings.
Turning Find My off.
A smartphone bearing the Apple Pay logo
If you have Stolen Device Protection enabled, you may still use Apple Pay to make transactions.
Budrul Chukrut/Getty Images/SOPA/LightRocket
You must still take precautions to safeguard your other data since Stolen Device Protection only shields a small number of settings. For example,Although it’s an optional feature that doesn’t safeguard everything on your phone, Apple nevertheless advises everyone to switch on Stolen Device Protection. However, Apple adds that you may still use your iPhone passcode to make transactions with Apple Pay, so it won’t completely protect your cash.