Available since January 21, iOS 17.3 brings a very practical new function intended to strengthen the security of iPhones, particularly in the event of theft. Here’s how to activate and use it.
iPhone owners remain prime prey for thieves and other pickpockets. The price of these devices on the second-hand market remains quite high. And if, in addition, the thief knows or guesses the unlock code of the iPhone, he can easily access everything it contains, photos, personal data and other sensitive data such as registered bank cards and the various passwords. pass. To put a few obstacles in the way of thieves, Apple has just integrated a new function into iOS with the latest update 17.3 delivered on January 23, 2024, which is strongly recommended to be installed.
Soberly called Protection in the event of theft of the device, it strengthens its security and in particular access to sensitive data when the iPhone is stolen. Thus, if the smartphone is not in a known place such as your home, your workplace or any other place that you frequent very regularly while keeping your iPhone, an additional layer of security is automatically activated (if you have activated the ‘option). To access bank cards, saved passwords or even modify the face in Face ID or the fingerprint for Touch ID, the unlock code will no longer be enough. It will also be necessary to use biometric recognition. Additionally, if the thief attempts to change your Apple ID password to take over your account, a one-hour delay is automatically applied before performing a second identification using Face ID or Touch ID. Apple explains this choice to give you time to realize the theft and report the device as lost from the Find My app from another iPhone or iPad or the Locate service on iCloud accessible from any web browser.
Apple specifies that, when your iPhone is in a known location (home, work), this protection is not active and that you can use the unlock code as you usually do. All you have to do is cross your fingers that your thief is not one of your colleagues still there.
How to enable Theft Protection option on iPhone
This new option is optional. It is available in version 17.3 of iOS compatible with the following iPhones:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone Xr
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
To activate it, go to Settings of the device and press Face ID (or Touch ID) and code.
Enter your unlock code. Scroll through the page that appears and tap Enable protection for option Protection in case the device is stolen. It’s finish. If you want to remove this protection, you will need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
