Inspired by Real Events
This article was inspired by a viral YouTube video in which a professional phone thief explains step-by-step how he takes control of someone’s iPhone — and how quickly it can happen.
Once he gets your passcode, the thief can:
- Change your iCloud password and register his own Face ID
- Access Apple Pay and the Apple Passwords app
- Gain full access to your bank and PayPal accounts — and quickly drain your funds.
- Read your emails, change email passwords, and check stored security info in Notes
- Even view saved SIN numbers, then wipe your phone and sell it — leaving you permanently locked out of your iCloud account
Total Access: Why It’s So Dangerous
After gaining your passcode, the thief has 100 % access to your contacts, messages, photos, apps, and accounts.
Once he resets your email password, he can access every website and online service you use — because your email is the recovery key for almost all your logins.
In a matter of minutes, your digital identity, finances, and privacy can be completely taken over.
To make sure this never happens to you, follow the steps in this guide and apply all recommended iPhone security settings.
Lost or Stolen iPhone or iPad: Immediate Actions
Immediate Actions:
If your iPhone or iPad was stolen
Mark as Lost on iCloud.com/find
(You can login with ID and password only)
If you can’t recover your device
Erase your device using the Find My app on another device or at iCloud.com/find.
Fast iPhone Protection Checklis
Recommended iPhone/iPad Security & Recovery Configuration
Stolen Device Protection
iPhone/iPad: Settings > Privacy & Security > Stolen Device Protection > Enable
Trusted Phone Numbers
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Add Trusted Phone Number > Choose someone who is always with you.
Recovery Key
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Recovery Key > Not Recommended
Recovery Contact
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Recovery Contact > Add two contacts who are usually quick to respond.
Legacy Contact
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Legacy Contact >Add Wife, Kid …
Advanced Data Protection
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection > Not Recommended
Detailed Configuration of Apple Security, Recovery, and Data Protection Settings
Stolen Device Protection
Settings:
iPhone/iPad: Settings > Privacy & Security > Stolen Device Protection
Adds extra security when your iPhone is away from familiar locations (home/work).
Key protections include:
• Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication: Some actions such as accessing stored passwords and credit cards require a biometric authentication with Face ID — with no passcode alternative or fallback — so that only you can access these feature
• Adds a 60-minute delay for Apple ID password changes when away from trusted locations, giving you time to react, to mark as Lost on iCloud.com/find
• Suspends Apple Pay when device is marked as lost.
• Locks device with passcode in Lost Mode.
Stolen Device Protection: About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone – Apple Support
We strongly recommend enabling Stolen Device Protection because it adds powerful safeguards like biometric-only access and time delays, giving you critical time to protect your data if your iPhone is stolen.
Trusted Phone Numbers
Settings:
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Add Trusted Phone Number
Add multiple trusted phone numbers (2–3) for better recovery flexibility.
We recommend adding two or more trusted phone numbers to ensure you can always verify your identity and recover your account, even if your main device is lost or unavailable.
Recovery Key
Settings:
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Recovery Key
A recovery key is a 28-character code that replaces Apple’s standard account recovery process.
Recovery Key: Set up a recovery key for your Apple Account – Apple Support
What does it replace:
- Standard recovery allows Apple to help you regain access through identity verification and waiting periods.
- When Recovery Key is enabled, Apple cannot assist you. You must provide the Recovery Key and a verification code.
Why We Don’t Recommend It
- Zero fallback: If the Recovery Key is lost or misplaced, Apple cannot unlock or reset your account — ever.
- High human-error risk: Many users forget to save or back up the key properly, especially when switching phones or cleaning up notes.
- No support options: Apple Support cannot override the system; losing the key equals a permanent lockout.
- Better alternatives exist: Features like Stolen Device Protection, Advanced Data Protection, and Trusted Contacts provide excellent security without cutting off Apple’s recovery assistance.
Risks of disabling standard recovery
• Permanent lockout if Recovery Key is lost and no trusted device is available.
• No fallback help from Apple.
• You must securely store the key in multiple safe places.
Recovery Contact
Settings:
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Recovery Contact
A recovery contact is a trusted person who can help you regain access if you lose your account credentials.
Recovery Contacts: Set up an account recovery contact – Apple Support
Recovery Key vs Recovery Contact
| Feature | Recovery Key | Recovery Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 28-character code | Trusted person generates a code |
| Control | Full control by you | Relies on another person |
| Risk | Lose key = permanent lockout | Lose contact = still recover via key |
Standard Recovery vs Recovery Key
| Feature | Standard Recovery | Recovery Key |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Assistance | Yes, after identity verification | No assistance possible |
| Waiting Period | Yes (several days) | No waiting period if you have the key |
| Requirements | Trusted device or email | Recovery Key + trusted phone number |
| Risk | Low (Apple can help) | High (lose key = permanent lockout) |
We recommend using a Recovery Contact instead of a Recovery Key because it keeps your account secure while still allowing Apple to assist you if something goes wrong.
Legacy Contact
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Legacy Contact
A Legacy Contact is someone you choose to have access to the data in your Apple Account after your death. Legacy Contact:How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple Account – Apple Support
We recommend adding a Legacy Contact so your trusted family member or friend can securely access your Apple data if something happens to you.
Advanced Data Protection (Not Recommended)
iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection
Provides end-to-end encryption for most iCloud data, even Apple cannot access it.
Advanced Data Protection: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108756
Benefits
Highest level of security with end-to-end encryption.
Protects backups, photos, notes, and more from cloud breaches.
Even Apple cannot access your encrypted data.
Risks
- No Apple assistance for recovery if you lose credentials and recovery options.
- Mandatory setup of Recovery Key or Recovery Contact.
- Permanent data loss risk if recovery options are lost.
- Web access to iCloud.com is disabled by default; requires trusted device approval for temporary access.
We do not recommend enabling Advanced Data Protection for most users because it limits web access, complicates recovery, and increases the risk of permanent data loss if credentials or recovery options are lost.
Actions for Stolen or Lost Devices
Mark Device as Lost on iCloud.com/find
Purpose: Lock your device and protect your Apple Account immediately.
If your iPhone or iPad was stolen – Apple Support
Steps:
Go to iCloud.com/find or open the Find My app on another Apple device.
Sign in with your Apple ID.
Under All Devices, select your stolen or lost iPhone/iPad.
Click Mark as Lost (or Lost Mode in the app).
Follow on-screen instructions to set a custom message and phone number.
6. Confirm activation. Once activated:
- Device locks with its passcode.
- Apple Pay cards and passes are suspended.
- If Stolen Device Protection is enabled, Face ID or Touch ID is required to turn off Lost Mode.
Behavior if thief knows passcode:
• Without Stolen Device Protection: Thief can unlock and access apps, disable Find My, and change Apple ID password.
• With Stolen Device Protection: Thief cannot disable Find My or turn off Lost Mode without Face ID/Touch ID, and password changes are delayed by 60 minutes.
If you can’t recover your device
If you can’t recover your stolen device, remotely erase it and remove it from your trusted devices.
Remotely erase your iPhone or iPad
You can remotely erase your device using the Find My app on another device or at iCloud.com/find.
Don’t remove the device from Find My, even if you remotely erase it. Removing the device from your Find My list removes Activation Lock, which will make it easier for the thief to unlock and resell your device.
If your device is offline, the remote erase process begins the next time it’s online.