As iPhone theft becomes more common, a concerning method of gaining control over a user’s device is on the rise. Thieves are exploiting a security setting called the recovery key, which can make it nearly impossible for iPhone owners to access their photos, messages, and data. In some cases, thieves have even managed to drain victims’ bank accounts. This method of takeover is difficult to execute, as it requires watching or manipulating the user to gain access to their passcode. Once the thief has the passcode, they can change the device’s Apple ID, turn off “Find my iPhone,” and reset the recovery key to lock the original owner out of their account permanently.
To protect against this happening, users can take several steps. First, it’s important to protect the passcode by using Face ID or Touch ID in public and setting up a longer, alphanumeric passcode that’s harder to guess. If someone else may have seen the passcode, change it immediately. Another option is to set up a secondary password within the Screen Time setting, which can prevent unauthorized changes to the Apple ID password. Finally, make sure to regularly back up the phone and consider using a separate cloud service to store sensitive data. While these steps won’t prevent theft, they can limit the damage if it does occur. Apple recommends that users maintain access to their trusted devices and recovery key at all times to prevent permanent lockout.
