Three years after the feature was introduced, Apple automatically activates Device Theft Protection in iOS 26.4, expanding protection against the ever-expanding epidemic of iPhone theft.
In 2023, Apple introduced a new feature called Stolen Device Protection. This feature is designed to prevent access to iPhones if a thief manages to learn the user’s passcode and steal their iPhone.
This was a major change as more and more reports emerged showing that this type of theft was on the rise. A skilled thief could easily gain access to a user’s password list, gain access to bank accounts, and disable security features such as Find My and Trusted Devices.
Previously, this feature was disabled by default and users had to enable it through the settings. But that will soon change.
Apple will enroll all users in anti-theft protection in iOS 26.4. If you haven’t used it yet, here’s what you need to know about it.
How the protection of stolen devices works
When Device Theft Protection is enabled, the following requires biometric authentication without a backup password:
- Using passwords or passwords stored in Apple Passwords
- Request for a new Apple Card
- View a virtual Apple Card
- Turn off lost mode
- Erasing all content and settings
- Perform certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet
- Using payment methods saved in Safari
- Set up a new device using iPhone
This means that a thief with your iPhone and passcode could not access these settings. Any of these settings could result in significant financial loss or compromise the user’s Apple ID.
Features not listed above will still have a backup password option, such as Apple Pay authentication. However, FDIC insurance will cover fraudulent charges if a thief uses Apple Pay.
Stolen device protection with an hour delay
Apple adds another layer of protection for particularly sensitive settings and controls – a one-hour delay. If the user is outside of the trusted location and tries to change the following settings, a biometric scan will occur followed by a one-hour delay and another biometric scan.
- Change your Apple ID password
- Update Apple ID account security settings, such as removing a trusted device, trusted phone number, recovery key, or recovery contact
- Change passcode for iPhone
- Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
- Turn off Find
- Disable device theft protection
Trusted places are learned by the iPhone and cannot be addressed by the user. Important places like home and work are used as exceptions to protect against device theft.
How to disable protection against stolen device
The feature can be disabled through Settings, but attempting to do so outside of a trusted location will trigger an hour delay between biometric scans.
- Open the Settings app and tap on “Face ID & Passcode”
- The anti-theft switch is roughly in the middle of the page
- Turn off the feature
However, as we continue to turn to a fully digital ecosystem, AppleInsider we strongly recommend leaving the feature activated. Stolen device protection won’t prevent your iPhone from being stolen, but it can protect your Apple ID, passwords, and finances from thieves.