How to turn off Stolen Device Protection on iPhone 15 before upgrading to iPhone 17?

Stolen device protection...


So we upgraded devices from an Iphone 15 to an Iphone 17. In order to clear the phone, the setting "Stolen Device Protection" needs to be turned off. Here is the issue, when we go in to try and turn it off it says we are not on a home network. We waited an hour like the device said, and it still does the same thing. I previously worked in cellular for 13 years...are you meaning to tell me that:


  1. We're supposed to wipe the old device BEFORE activating the new one?
  2. That now I have to go back in and re-activate the old one?


As far as antiquated steps go in terms of cellular, this is up there with the old days of transfer cables.



[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Stolen Device Protection.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 12, 2026 8:09 AM

Reply
1 reply

Feb 14, 2026 12:50 AM in response to marzoirmed159

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."



How to turn off Stolen Device Protection on iPhone 15 before upgrading to iPhone 17?

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