In light of the recent surge in phone thefts across the UK, experts advise iPhone users to activate a crucial security feature promptly. With an estimated 44,000 phones stolen in the first half of 2025, users of various devices are at risk.

To address this growing concern, Darren Corney, a phone expert at Insurance2Go, highlights the significance of utilizing the Stolen Device Protection feature available on iPhones running iOS 17.3 or later. This feature enhances security by mandating biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) for sensitive operations and incorporates a security delay in unfamiliar locations.

According to Corney, this security alert triggers when the phone is in an unrecognized location, necessitating Face or Touch ID for accessing specific phone features. Enabling this feature disables the option to use a passcode as a backup, ensuring that even if a thief knows the password, they can’t unlock or access sensitive data.

Another advantage of this feature is the introduced delay when attempting to alter security settings on the phone. This delay requires biometric confirmation for any changes, such as password updates or disabling ‘Find My iPhone,’ making it challenging for thieves to erase data and resell the device.

To activate this feature effectively, users should ensure Face ID, a passcode, and two-factor authentication for their Apple ID are enabled. Enabling ‘Significant Locations’ in settings assists the phone in recognizing unfamiliar places, further bolstering security measures.

Corney emphasizes the importance of activating these features to safeguard data in case of theft. While preventing phone snatching is challenging, implementing multiple security barriers minimizes the impact of theft and deters thieves from exploiting sensitive information retrieved from stolen devices.