Can’t turn off the stolen device protection

My Iphone 12’s Face ID is disabled because of some issues and stolen device protection is on and i can’t turn it off because it can be only turn off with the Face ID In some words I’m stuck in a loop.

iPhone 12, iOS 18

Posted on May 4, 2025 4:48 AM

Reply
1 reply

May 4, 2025 7:26 AM in response to merajraHimi

See the pic below which is self-explanatory



Probably you have "Always" Ticked in place of "Away from Familiar Location"


For enhanced security, there's a one-hour delay when changing your location settings from "Always" to "Away from Familiar Location." This applies even if you use Face ID for authentication.



A delay will be required when you are not at a familiar location, such as your home or work, to change security settings.


Know more --> About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone



Simply adding a location to your contact card (e.g., marking it as "Home") does not automatically make it a "Familiar Location" in the context of iPhone's location-based learning and features.


Why Adding "Home" to the Contact Card Isn't Enough:

  1. Trust and Validation: Adding an address to your contact card can be done manually or by anyone with access to your phone, but the iPhone uses activity-based learning to validate locations it deems "familiar."
  2. Behavior-Based Learning: iPhones utilize machine learning and location tracking (if enabled) to recognize patterns of frequent visits. It identifies "Familiar Locations" based on where the phone spends significant time during specific periods, like overnight stays or long durations.


What You Can Do:

  1. Spend Time at the Location: Use your iPhone at your new address consistently, especially during the hours you'd normally be home (e.g., evening and night). Over time, the iPhone will learn this as a familiar location.
  2. Enable Location Services:
    1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and ensure it's turned on.
    2. Make sure "Significant Locations" (under System Services) is enabled. This helps the iPhone learn frequently visited locations.
  3. Ensure GPS Accuracy: Poor GPS accuracy can delay location recognition. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, as this improves location precision indoors.


By doing this, the iPhone will naturally associate the address with your routines, and over time, it will classify it as a "Familiar Location."



This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can’t turn off the stolen device protection

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.