One of the biggest fears that iPhone owners face is face the loss or theft of their terminals. These devices are not exactly cheap, and we also store a large amount of information that is relevant to us on them. Today we will explain How the famous anti-theft mode of the iPhone and how to get the most out of it.
Apple has always been aware of the importance for its users to preserve their devices. For this reason, it has implemented throughout its history various measures that guarantee security and privacy. The anti-theft mode is considered by many to be something totally new and revolutionary, we will tell you everything about it.
What is the famous iPhone anti-theft mode?
Apple has released several measures and features over time that protect your device, and All information contained therein in cases of theft or lossOne of the most popular in recent times is the so-called iPhone anti-theft mode.
This allows that in cases where someone steals your mobile, and gains access to the code to unlock it, can take some drastic actions on it, such as making changes to your Apple account code or password.
This mode works very efficiently for achieve protection in case the device is stolen. It does not require Internet access or GPS to operate, but works in a similar way to an AirTag.
That is, even if they reset the device to factory settings, or even manage to access it using its usual unlock code, if they do so in a location unknown to the mobile, They will not be able to access the account dataThis mode basically prioritizes biometric authentication over unlocking via code.
The moment you activate this anti-theft protection mode, This type of action will require a waiting time for security reasons.. That is, you will need to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. In total, you will have to wait for more than an hour, and then an additional biometric method will be requiredThese security measures will give you more time to activate Lost Mode or also use Find Devices on iCloud.com.
How can you activate protection on your mobile phone in case of theft?
In order to use this protection and security mode for your iPhone, it will be necessary to activate it previously. It is not intended to replace Face ID or Touch ID, it just provides an additional layer of security for them.
To activate it you must:
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone and perform one of the following actions: If your iPhone has Face ID, tap on this section and then tap on your code. If you have Touch ID, tap on it and then add the code.
Move your finger across the screen and tap on the Device protection in case of theft option.
If you do not find this option, It may mean you need to set up your Face ID. or Touch ID first.
Activate the option, and Select in which cases you want this to be activated, whether in unknown places or anywhere.
Of course, you have to keep in mind that once you decide to activate this anti-theft protection mode, it won't be so easy to disable it.
How can you do it?
Follow the same steps you had to complete for manage to activate the anti-theft mode of the iPhone.
Toca above the tab to disable it. Now, depending on the option you have previously configured, the next steps will be.
For example, if you selected the option to activate anti-theft mode in any location, or the option for only unknown places, You will have to deactivate it only at your home or workplaceOtherwise, a period of one hour will be required to deactivate it.
Touch on the option Start waiting period, and then follow the instructions that will be shown on the screen.
For what actions will additional biometric authentication be required?
As we have already mentioned, iPhone anti-theft mode makes it additional biometric authentication may be required for some more important actions on your device which are:
Perform password changes from your Apple ID account.
Carry out Updates to some security settings from your Apple ID account.
Change the access code required to unlock your iPhone.
Add or remove the Face ID and Touch ID settings.
Disable the Search option.
Disable protection mode of stolen devices.
make a application for a new Apple Card.
Use any type of passwords and access keys that have been saved in Keychain.
Make online payments using methods that have been previously saved in Safari.
View your virtual card number both Apple Card and Apple Cash.
Perform actions in Apple Cash.
Use that iPhone to configure new devices.
Some of these actions They will even require double biometric authentication so that they can be carried out when you are in unknown places, that is, places that do not correspond to the locations that are registered as your home or work.
Which devices have Device Theft Protection mode?
All Apple devices that have iOS 17 operating system onwards have this option enabled. It was precisely the users who were enjoying iOS 17.3 in its Beta version who were the first to try out this functionality.
Now, with the release of iOS 18, and also of the new model of Apple mobile devices, the iPhone 16, Many more Apple customers will be able to use the anti-theft mode.
This method is considered by many Internet users as something totally new. It focused mainly on one of the main vulnerabilities that mobile devices had, which is the possibility of performing actions with only the unlock code.
And that's all for today! Let us know in the comments what you think of this guide to understanding How the famous iPhone anti-theft mode works. What do you think? Does it really offer good measures to protect your device in case it is stolen?