iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default for All iPhones

Source: MacRumors

Starting with iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default for all iPhone users, adding extra security in case of physical theft.

Apple introduced Stolen Device Protection in 2023 after reports of a new iPhone theft method. Thieves would spy on a victim to learn their passcode, then steal the iPhone. With the passcode, criminals could empty bank accounts, access passwords, and turn off Find My.

The protection requires additional authentication through Face ID or Touch ID to access certain iPhone features such as the Passwords app, Lost mode in Find My, Safari purchases, and more. Some features are disabled entirely without authentication, while others have a one‑hour security delay.

Actions Requiring Face ID or Touch ID

• Viewing/using passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain
• Applying for a new Apple Card
• Viewing an Apple Card virtual card
• Turning off Lost Mode
• Erasing all content and settings
• Taking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet
• Using payment methods saved in Safari
• Using your iPhone to set up a new device

These actions do not have a passcode backup, so you can’t use a passcode to avoid Face ID or Touch ID.

Actions with a 1‑Hour Security Delay (Require Two Biometric Authentications)

• Changing your Apple ID password
• Updating select Apple ID account security settings, including adding or removing a trusted device, trusted phone number, Recovery Key, or Recovery Contact
• Changing your iPhone passcode
• Adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID
• Turning off Find My
• Turning off Stolen Device Protection

Prior to iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection had to be enabled manually in the Face ID and Passcode section of Settings. There is an option to remove security delays when the iPhone is in a familiar location, allowing full functionality at home while retaining protection elsewhere.

iOS 26.4 is currently limited to developers, but a public beta is expected soon. Apple plans to release the update in the spring.