Urgent warning issued to iPhone users to turn on new thief-blocking security feature

Apple users have been encouraged to turn on a new security feature that could help them if their phone is stolen.

Getting your phone stolen is annoying to put it mildly. This situation becomes even more frustrating when someone has the potential to gain access to much of your sensitive data.

Apple’s latest update, iOS 17.3, has a new feature that it believes can help deter thieves from going after iPhones.

Following the update, that released on January 22, iPhone users are able to use the Stolen Device Protection feature for added security protection, which initiates barriers against theft and stalls access to a stolen phone.

It's essentially an emergency backup solution before you call the police and report it stolen.

When the feature has been turned on, it will require the person accessing to perform a successful Face or Touch ID to access sensitive information, such as your wallet and stored passcodes.

Ultimately, it's one extra layer of protection against thieves who would likely try their hand at taking your money after they’ve stolen your device.

On the back of the recent feature, the tech giant wrote: "In the event that your iPhone is stolen, the security delay is designed to prevent a thief from performing critical operations so that you can mark your device as lost and make sure your Apple account is secure.

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"When your iPhone is in a familiar location, these additional steps are not required, and you can use your device passcode like usual."

Apple confirms that familiar locations are places where the iPhone is commonly used, including places of work and your home.

However, if the device is in an unusual location, the feature will trigger an hour-long delay if someone is attempting to change the password. This would give the actual owner more time to report their phone stolen.

As well as this, passcodes will no longer be able to be used a backup method of unlocking the phone.

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If you haven’t already turned on the feature, here is how:

• Make sure you have the latest iOS 17. 3 software updated.
• Activate two-factor authentication in settings under 'Password & Security'.
• Make sure both Face and Touch ID are enabled, along with Find My features, and create a password if you haven't already.
• Enable 'Significant Locations' in locations services.
• Tap on 'Face ID & Passcode' in settings and enter your password.
• Toggle 'Stolen Device protection' to turn it on.