To use locked apps with Stolen Device Protection on iPhone, turn on the feature in settings and secure sensitive actions with Face ID or Touch ID. This adds an extra layer of protection if your phone is lost or stolen.
Stolen Device Protection works on iPhones running iOS and helps prevent unauthorized access to important data.
Step-by-step guide to enable and use Stolen Device Protection
- Turn on Stolen Device Protection
- Go to Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll down and enable “Stolen Device Protection”
- Understand how locked apps work
- Sensitive actions (like changing Apple Account settings) require Face ID or Touch ID
- In unfamiliar locations, a security delay may apply before changes are allowed
- Use Face ID or Touch ID for access
- Open apps or settings that require authentication
- Verify using Face ID or fingerprint
- Access will be granted only after successful verification
- Wait through the security delay (if needed)
- If your iPhone is in a new location, you may need to wait before making critical changes
- This prevents thieves from quickly altering your account
Why Stolen Device Protection is important
If someone steals your iPhone and knows your passcode, they could try to access your accounts. Stolen Device Protection blocks this by requiring biometric authentication and delaying sensitive changes.
This greatly reduces the risk of account takeover.
Extra tips
- Always keep Face ID or Touch ID enabled
- Use a strong passcode
- Enable Find My to track your device
- Keep your iPhone updated
Warnings
- Biometric authentication must be set up for this feature to work
- Security delays can be inconvenient but improve safety
- Turning off this feature reduces your device protection
Using locked apps with Stolen Device Protection in iOS is one of the best ways to keep your personal information secure if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
