How to turn on Stolen Device Protection on an iPhone

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Thieves sometimes watch a victim type their passcode, then steal the phone. With the passcode alone they could change the Apple Account password and lock the owner out. Stolen Device Protection makes the most damaging changes require your face or fingerprint and, for some, an hour's wait.

Step by step

1. Check the requirements

   You need two-factor authentication for your Apple Account, a passcode, Face ID or Touch ID, Find My switched on, and Significant Locations on under Location Services. It needs iOS 17.3 or later.

   Done

2. Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode

   Enter your passcode.

   Done

3. Tap Stolen Device Protection and switch it on

   It is in the lower half of the page.

   Done

4. Choose when the delay applies

   Away from Familiar Locations applies the security delay only when you are not at home or work. Always applies it everywhere.

   Done

Good to know

With it on, viewing saved passwords, turning off Lost Mode and erasing the phone need Face ID or Touch ID, with no passcode fallback.

Changing the Apple Account password or the iPhone passcode also needs a one-hour wait and a second Face ID scan when you are away from familiar places.

Turn it off before you sell, give away or send the phone for repair. Turning it off is itself subject to the delay when you are away from home.

Still cover the screen when you type your passcode in public, and consider a longer passcode.

In short: Settings, Face ID & Passcode, Stolen Device Protection, on.