Apple introduced a new security feature in iOS 17.3 last year, known as Stolen Device Protection. Enabling this feature significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your iPhone’s data by thieves or snoopers.
Once activated, Stolen Device Protection mandates the use of Face ID or Touch ID before accessing or modifying crucial security settings like passwords, Face ID configurations, and payment methods. It also prevents the fallback to a password prompt in various security scenarios, such as accessing locked or hidden apps or the Passwords app in iOS 18. This added layer of security ensures that even if someone knows your passcode, they cannot access your sensitive data.
For critical actions like changing your Apple ID password, iPhone passcode, or disabling Find My, users must authenticate twice with Touch ID or Face ID, with at least an hour gap, when the iPhone is not in a familiar location. This precaution prevents malicious individuals from tricking users into unlocking settings with Face ID before stealing the device.
Before trading in your iPhone, it is essential to disable Stolen Device Protection and Find My. These features tie your iPhone to your Apple ID, rendering it unusable to unauthorized individuals, including Apple.
Users who forget to deactivate Stolen Device Protection before visiting Apple Stores for trade-ins contribute to longer wait times. If the Apple Store is not recognized as a familiar location by the iPhone, users will have to wait an hour to complete the process with the security feature enabled.
Here’s how to prepare if you plan to use a credit from your existing iPhone for a new iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode for older models).
- Enter your iPhone passcode.
- Scroll down and toggle off Stolen Device Protection.
By disabling Stolen Device Protection at a familiar location, users can avoid the security delay. If a delay is enforced, a countdown can be initiated, allowing users to complete the process while heading to the Apple Store.
Arriving at the Apple Store without disabling Stolen Device Protection may lead to delays. Users can attempt to prepare the device for repair or trade-in through the Find My app, but this method is not guaranteed to disable the security features required for trade-ins.
To ensure a smooth upgrade experience, it is best to disable Stolen Device Protection from a familiar location before visiting the Apple Store. Following Apple’s guidelines for trade-ins is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a seamless process.
