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Summary
This article explains the function of Stolen Device Protection on iPhone and iOS devices and how it impacts customers.
Stolen Device Protection is an Apple feature for iPhones that adds security layers to prevent unauthorized access and changes to your device. It requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication for certain actions, and also includes a Security Delay that prevents others from making changes that could lock you out of your iPhone or Apple ID account.
Introduced in iOS 17, Stolen Device Protection makes your device more secure. Stolen Device Protection is an advanced security feature that can be enabled on iOS devices which makes it harder for malicious actors to execute actions on a device that has been lost, stolen, or intercepted; or has had its unlock passcode compromised.
What does Stolen Device Protection do?
Stolen Device Protection enforces a 1-hour security delay whenever your iPhone is at an unfamiliar location and you try to perform administrative functions on the device. Stolen Device Protection will initiate the delay when you try to do any of the following:
- Change your AppleID Password
- Sign out of your AppleID
- Add or remove authentication methods (biometrics, passcode etc.)
- Reset any settings or erase the device
- Turn off location services or FindMy
- Turn off Stolen Device Protection
We have also found the security delay will be triggered if you try to remove an Exchange account from the built-in Apple Mail app.
Note: If you do not allow location services on your iOS device or if you disable the Significant Locations function, then Stolen Device Protection will always enforce the security delay, regardless of location.
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Are there drawbacks to Stolen Device Protection?
Since Stolen Device Protection adds a security delay in attempt to thwart attackers, customers will have to wait one hour before performing common troubleshooting steps such as signing in and out of accounts, even when the request is legitimate. This makes troubleshooting more difficult and time-consuming for users.
Important: If you plan on receiving support from ET&S at one of our walk-up locations while Stolen Device Protection is turned on, please be advised this feature will activate the security delay and not allow us to properly troubleshoot issues with your device.
Please disable Stolen Device Protection at least one hour before arriving for support (
instructions below).
Image showing Stolen Device Protection iOS pop-up:
Click for full-size image
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How to turn Stolen Device Protection On or Off
Task: To enable or disable Stolen Device Protection
Instructions
Step 1 - Open "Settings"
Step 2 - Scroll down and click on "FaceID & Passcode"
Step 3 - Enter your passcode
Step 4 - Click on "Stolen Device Protection"
Step 5 - Toggle On or Off
Outcome
You have now enabled or disabled Stolen Device Protection.
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Need additional help?
Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.