BySmartphone security has become the most important topic in today’s digital age. Apple has introduced a new security feature called Stolen Device Protection after iOS 17.3, which is designed to keep our devices and data safe in case of theft. But sometimes users want to turn off this feature, whether they are selling the device for some reason or want to temporarily disable the feature.
In this detailed article, we will explain the process of turning off Stolen Device Protection in detail, so that you can control this setting without any hassle.
What is Stolen Device Protection?
Stolen Device Protection is a security feature added by Apple to protect the privacy and personal information of iPhone users. When this feature is on, if a device is stolen, certain actions (such as changing Apple ID password, removing Face ID/Touch ID, etc.) are allowed to be performed only at trusted locations.
This feature is available in iOS 17.3 and above.
Prerequisites to turn off Stolen Device Protection
Some conditions must be met before you can turn off this feature:
Your iPhone must be running on iOS 17.3 or above.
Your device must have Face ID or Touch ID activated.
The device must be in a trusted location, such as your home or office, where you have repeatedly unlocked the iPhone.
Step-by-Step process to turn off Stolen Device Protection
Below, we will tell you the whole process in simple language:
1. Unlock your iPhone
Make sure the device has an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Mobile Data).
Unlock your iPhone using Face ID or Touch ID.
2. Open the Settings app
Tap the Settings app.
Scroll down and select the Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) option.
Enter the passcode.
3. Find the Stolen Device Protection option
Tap on the option named “Stolen Device Protection”.
Here you will see the status of the feature – “On” or “Enabled”.
4. Turn off the feature
Tap on “Turn Off Protection” or “Disable Stolen Device Protection”.
The iPhone will ask you for your Apple ID password, Face ID/Touch ID, and possibly a safe location verification.
If you are not in a safe location, the iPhone will not allow you to disable this feature for 1 hour.
5. Confirm and exit Settings
After confirmation, the feature will be successfully turned off.
Now you can change the sensitive settings of iPhone without restrictions.
What is a safe location, and how to set it up?
A safe location (Trusted Location) is a place where you have often unlocked the iPhone. Usually, your home or office falls in this category.
If you want to set a new location as a safe place:
1. Unlock the iPhone frequently at that location.
2. Use the device there regularly for a few days.
3. iOS will automatically recognize that place as a trusted location.
Why should Stolen Device Protection be turned off?
Although this feature is useful for security, it may be necessary to turn it off in some situations:
Selling a device: When you are selling the iPhone to another person.
iOS update problems: Some users may experience interruptions in Apple ID settings after the update.
Professional use: Developers or IT professionals have to change device settings frequently.
Precautions to keep in mind
If your iPhone is stolen after you turn off this feature, your personal information may be more vulnerable.
Turn off the feature only in a trusted situation.
Keep the Apple ID password and 2FA active.
Conclusion: Turning off Stolen Device Protection is a simple but responsible step
If you proceed with full caution and the right process, turning off Stolen Device Protection is not at all difficult. Turn off this feature only if you desperately need it and you understand the potential risks to the device.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – About Stolen Device Protection
1. Can I turn off Stolen Device Protection without a Trusted Location?
Answer: No. According to Apple’s security policy, your iPhone must be at a Trusted Location to turn off Stolen Device Protection. If you are not at that location, the feature will be delayed for at least 1 hour and will not turn off until then.
2. What is a Trusted Location?
Answer: A Trusted Location is a place where you have repeatedly unlocked your iPhone with Face ID/Touch ID. For example, your home, office, or any other private place that iOS recognizes as a safe place for you.
3. Can I turn Stolen Device Protection on again?
Answer: Yes. You can enable it again by going to Settings and tapping Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection option.
4. What if I have sold the iPhone to someone else, and this feature is on?
Answer: The new user will not be able to change the device settings easily. They will need the Apple ID password and Trusted Location. So it is mandatory to turn off Stolen Device Protection before selling the iPhone.
5. Is this feature available on all iPhones?
Answer: No. This feature is only available on iPhone XS and later models, and you must install iOS 17.3 or above.
6. Will turning this feature off reduce the security of my iPhone?
Answer: Yes, it is an additional security layer. Turning it off will make it easier to perform certain sensitive tasks on the device, such as changing the Apple ID password or removing Face ID, which could be risky in case of theft.
7. Should I always keep this feature on?
Answer: If you are serious about the security of your iPhone and want your information to be safe in case of theft, we recommend keeping this feature always on
