{"id":472757,"date":"2026-02-16T23:31:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:31:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/472757\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T23:31:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:31:09","slug":"ios-26-4-enables-stolen-device-protection-by-default-for-all-iphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/472757\/","title":{"rendered":"iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default for All iPhones"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting with iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection will be enabled by default and turned on for all iPhone<\/a> users. Stolen Device Protection adds extra security in case of physical \u200ciPhone\u200c theft.<\/p>\n

\"ios
Apple implemented Stolen Device Protection back in 2023 after reports about a new \u200ciPhone\u200c theft method. Thieves would spy on an intended victim to learn their passcode, then steal the target’s \u200ciPhone\u200c. With the passcode, criminals were able to empty bank accounts, access passwords, and turn off Find My<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stolen Device Protection requires additional authentication through Face ID<\/a> or Touch ID<\/a> to access certain \u200ciPhone\u200c features like the Passwords app, Lost mode in \u200cFind My\u200c, Safari purchases, and more. Some features are disabled entirely without authentication, while others have a one-hour security delay.<\/p>\n

Actions requiring \u200cFace ID\u200c or \u200cTouch ID\u200c to complete:<\/p>\n

Viewing\/using passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud<\/a> Keychain
\nApplying for a new Apple Card<\/a>
\nViewing an \u200cApple Card\u200c virtual card
\nTurning off Lost Mode
\nErasing all content and settings
\nTaking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet
\nUsing payment methods saved in Safari
\nUsing your \u200ciPhone\u200c to set up a new device<\/p>\n

These actions do not have a passcode backup, so you can’t use a passcode to avoid using \u200cFace ID\u200c or \u200cTouch ID\u200c.<\/p>\n

Actions that have a 1-hour security delay, and require two biometric authentications:<\/p>\n

Changing your Apple ID<\/a> password
\nUpdating select \u200cApple ID\u200c account security settings, including adding or removing a trusted device, trusted phone number, Recovery Key, or Recovery Contact
\nChanging your \u200ciPhone\u200c passcode
\nAdding or removing \u200cFace ID\u200c or \u200cTouch ID\u200c
\nTurning off \u200cFind My\u200c
\nTurning off Stolen Device Protection<\/p>\n

Prior to iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection had to be enabled manually in the \u200cFace ID\u200c and Passcode section of the Settings app. There is an option to remove security delays when the \u200ciPhone\u200c is in a familiar location, which allows full functionality at home but protection when out and about.<\/p>\n

iOS 26.4 is limited to developers at the current time, but a public beta will be coming in the near future. Apple plans to release the update in the spring.<\/p>\n

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