How to Turn Off Stolen Device Protection When Face ID is Not Working: iPhone 16?

Apple’s Stolen Device Protection (SDP) is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access to your iPhone. However, some users have reported that after enabling SDP, their Face ID stops working, making it impossible to turn off the feature or reset Face ID. This issue can cause major inconveniences, especially when trying to access banking applications, password settings, or other security-related functions that require Face ID verification.

iPhone Problem with Stolen Device protection:

Many users have faced situations where their Face ID suddenly stops recognizing their face, making it impossible to reset Face ID or change security settings. Since SDP requires Face ID authentication to disable the feature, users find themselves stuck in a loop where they cannot disable SDP without Face ID, and they cannot fix Face ID without first disabling SDP.

For example, some users who recently underwent facial changes, such as cosmetic surgery or injuries, found that their Face ID no longer worked. In such cases, SDP remains active regardless of safe locations, making it impossible to update Face ID without significant troubleshooting.

If you are experiencing this issue, here are two solutions that may help you regain control of your device.

How to turn off Stolen device protection without face id?

✅ Solution 1: Reset Your iPhone to Fix Face ID Issues

If Face ID is completely unresponsive and you are unable to disable Stolen Device Protection, resetting your iPhone may be the only solution. This method erases all data on your device, so it’s essential to back up important data before proceeding.

Steps to Reset Your iPhone:

Trigger the Reset Process:
- On the lock screen, enter the wrong passcode 10 times (or more) until the phone displays “iPhone Unavailable for x minutes.”
- At the bottom right corner, tap the option that says “Erase iPhone” or “Forgot Password”.
Authenticate with Apple ID:
- Log in with your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
- You’ll see options to Reset, Delete (keep eSIM), or Delete (with eSIM).
Initiate the Reset:
- The phone may display a message such as “You have to wait x minutes for the phone to be available.”
- Tap Cancel at the bottom right corner, and the phone will begin resetting itself.
Complete the Setup Process:
- Once the reset is complete, the iPhone will show “Locked to User” with your Apple ID.
- Log in using your Apple ID to unlock the phone.
- After setup, Face ID should be functional, and you can now reconfigure your settings.

This method has helped many users regain access to their Face ID settings after encountering issues with Stolen Device Protection.

✅ Solution 2: Disable Stolen Device Protection (If Face ID is Partially Functional)

If your Face ID is still somewhat responsive, you may be able to turn off SDP without resetting your iPhone.

Steps to Disable Stolen Device Protection:

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Go to Face ID & Passcode: Scroll down and tap on “Face ID & Passcode.”
Enter Your Passcode: Input your device passcode when prompted.
Locate Stolen Device Protection: Scroll down and find the “Stolen Device Protection” option.
Toggle Off the Feature: Tap to turn off Stolen Device Protection.

Potential Security Delay:

Apple may impose a security delay if you are not in a familiar location (such as your home). This delay typically lasts one hour, after which you can proceed with the changes.
If you see a delay message, wait for the required time and then retry the process.

Alternative Step If Face ID is Completely Unresponsive:

If Face ID is not working at all and you cannot disable Stolen Device Protection, your best option is to contact Apple Support for assistance. Apple may guide you through additional steps to restore your access.

Apple’s Stolen Device Protection is meant to enhance security, but when Face ID stops working, it can lock users out of essential settings. If you’re unable to disable SDP due to Face ID issues, the best solutions are to either reset your iPhone or follow the manual deactivation method (if Face ID partially works).

For those facing persistent issues, contacting Apple Support is recommended. Hopefully, Apple will improve this feature in future updates to prevent such frustrating experiences.

Have you faced a similar issue? Let us know your experience in the comments!