What should I do to protect my iPhone if it is stolen?

Your iPhone has a number of security features that you can implement to protect your data, in the event that your iPhone is stolen, which will prevent the thief from performing any critical operations to steal your passwords, bank account details, or other sensitive information.

Firstly, you should enable the ‘Stolen Device Protection’ feature, which adds a layer of security when your iPhone is away from familiar locations.  To turn on Stolen Device Protection you must use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, and enable a ‘Device Passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID, and Significant Locations’.  Once enabled, if your iPhone is not in a familiar location, you must authenticate using Face ID/Touch ID before you can take certain actions that might be used by the thief to steal your sensitive information, for example using your passwords, or accessing your payment methods.  You can view a full list by searching Apple Support.  Also, you might be required to wait an hour before using your iPhone to make any changes to critical security settings if your iPhone is not in a familiar location.

To enable ‘Stolen Device Protection’ go to Settings>Face ID & Passcode> enter device Passcode> select Stolen Device Protection> toggle On.  To enforce additional security measures regardless of location, choose ‘Always,’ alternatively select ‘Away from Familiar Locations’.

To enable Significant Locations, go to ‘Settings>Privacy & Security> Locations Services>System Services>Significant Locations’ and toggle On.

How to Protect an Unlocked Stolen iPhone

It is possible to set up protection for your iPhone if it is stolen whilst it is unlocked, or the Robber forces you to unlock your iPhone when stealing it from you, in this case only use ‘Face ID’ when forced to unlock the phone.  The Criminal will likely run away and you can find a safe place to report to the Police your mobile has been stolen.  It is quite likely the Criminal will put your iPhone in ‘Airplane Mode’, which switches off the Wi-Fi to prevent you using ‘Find my Phone’ from tracking your iPhone.

You can reduce the risk by using a ‘Shortcut’ – Go to your ‘App Library’, which is the last page of your Home Screen – search for ‘Shortcuts’ select the ‘Shortcut App’ and then select ‘Automation’ shown at the bottom of the page.  You can then create a ‘Personal Automation’ by selecting the + sign in the top right corner – scroll down until you see the title ‘Airplane Mode’ select and tick the ‘Is Turned On’ box and also tick the box ‘Run Immediately’ (do not select Notify When Run) and then select ‘Next’ top right corner.  Then select ‘New Blank Automation’ and then +’Add Action’ then select ‘All Actions’ and then scroll down ( a very long way down under Scripting) and select ‘Lock Screen’.  Then select ‘Done’ top right corner.  You can then test this is working by going to ‘Settings’ in your Home Screen and select Airplane Mode – your Screen will then lock and if your unlocked iPhone is stolen the Criminal will need your passcode to open your iPhone, and as you originally used Face ID to unlock the mobile you will be a long way away.

How do I protect my sensitive data on my iPhone in case it is stolen?

You can protect your sensitive data, such as passwords, bank accounts and photographs by enabling a range of security measures offered by Apple, using the ‘Settings’ in your iPhone.

Firstly, set a strong passcode that you will always remember without having to write it down.  Whenever you are required to enter the passcode make sure no-one can look over your shoulder whilst you enter the code.  To set a passcode go to ‘Settings>Face ID & Passcode’ and toggle On, or ‘Change Passcode’ and select ‘Custom Alphanumeric or Custom Numeric code’.

Secondly, if not already enabled, use Face ID or Touch ID by going to ‘Settings>Face ID & Passcode>Set up Face ID’ and follow the instructions on the iPhone.

Thirdly, set up ‘Two-factor Authentication’, go to ‘Settings>Your Name> Sign-in & Security’, and turn on ‘Two-Factor Authentication’ then tap ‘Continue’.  Then add a trusted mobile phone number to receive the ‘Verification Code’ and then tap ‘Next’.  A code will then be sent to the trusted mobile number.

Also turn on ‘Find My iPhone’, go to ‘Settings>Your Name>Find My’, toggle On and also select ‘Find my Network’ and toggle On.

Also enable the ‘Stolen Device Protection’ feature by going to Settings>Face ID & Passcode> enter device Passcode> select ‘Stolen Device Protection’ toggle On.

You can also protect your sensitive Photographs, such as those showing your Passport or Driving Licence, by hiding them, go to ‘Apple Photos’ and select the sensitive photographs using the ‘Select’ button in the top right of the screen and the selected photographs will show a tick,, then tap the ‘More’ button and then tap ‘Hide’.

Also disallow access to ‘Control Centre and USB connections’ when the iPhone is locked.  Go to ‘Settings>Face ID & Passcode>Allow Access When Locked’, then toggle Off the ‘Control Centre and Accessories’ buttons.

You can also protect all of your sensitive information contained on the iPhone SIM Card by enabling a SIM Pin four digit Passcode.  This will then ensure phone calls and use of mobile data requires an Identification Code.  Then every time the phone is restarted or the SIM is removed, the SIM will be locked automatically.  It is really important not to try and guess the SIM Pin because a wrong Pin could result in needing a new SIM Card.

To enable the SIM Pin go to ‘Settings>Mobile> SIM Pin’, then toggle ‘Turn SIM Pin On’.  When asked for the SIM Pin, if you have never used one before please enter the default Pin from your Network Provider, but do not try and guess the Pin.  Default Pins can usually be found on the Network Provider Customer Service pages or you can contact your Network Provider.

Credit/Debit Card security has been improved with the latest software upgrade.  When the iPhone is used to make a payment, and the ‘Wallet’ is selected and the required Card is ‘clicked’ the phone needs to recognise the Payment Machine first and then the User needs to ‘double click’ the side button.  The Wallet will then require authority of Face ID, Fingerprint ID, or Passcode before the Card Payment can be made.  This will ensure that if the iPhone is stolen the ‘bad guys’ will need a Card Reader before being able to use the Wallet to initially gain access to payments and will also require Face ID, Fingerprint ID or Passcode.