Does Stolen Device Protection protect your photos?
It guards your Apple Account and passwords when a thief knows your passcode. It leaves Photos and Hidden largely as they were. Here is what to add.
Only partly. Stolen Device Protection requires Face ID or Touch ID, with no passcode fallback, for actions such as using saved passwords, and adds an hour delay for changes like your Apple Account password. Apple's list does not include opening photos. Turn it on anyway, and add a separate lock for what is most private.
Thieves who watch people type a passcode before grabbing a phone are the reason this feature exists. It is good, and it has a specific scope.
What it does
Away from familiar places:
- Biometric only. Some actions, such as reaching stored passwords and credit cards, need Face ID or Touch ID, with no passcode alternative.
- Security Delay. Sensitive changes, such as a new Apple Account password, need Face ID or Touch ID, then an hour’s wait, then Face ID or Touch ID again.
That delay gives you time to mark the phone as lost.
Where photos fit
Apple’s lists focus on account and security settings, stored credentials and payments. They do not list viewing your library. And by default the Hidden collection accepts your passcode, so assume a thief with your code can look.
Turn it on
- Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode.
- Tap Stolen Device Protection and turn it on.
- Choose Always if you want it everywhere.
Add a lock for the rest
Face ID on sensitive apps helps only so far, since a passcode can stand in. A vault with its own secret holds up in this situation: a thief with your passcode still needs your Backroom pattern. Keep a copy of anything you cannot lose, because a stolen phone takes its only copy away with it.
What to do once it has happened.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need iOS 17.3?
Yes, iOS 17.3 or later. Apple says it must be on before the phone is lost or stolen. You also need two-factor authentication, a passcode, Face ID or Touch ID, Significant Locations and Find My.
Does it work at home?
By default it applies away from familiar locations. To apply it everywhere, choose Always under Require Security Delay.
Should I turn it off before selling my phone?
Yes. Apple says to turn it off before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone.