Can't Turn Off Find My? How To Handle Stolen Device Protection And The 1-Hour Wait

Guide 11a · Security & Find My

Trying to turn off Find My and it won't let you? A security feature called Stolen Device Protection is usually the reason. Here is what to do.

Works on: iPhones on iOS 17.3 or later: iPhone XS, XR, SE (2nd generation) and newer.

Why Find My Won't Turn Off

Stolen Device Protection guards your phone if a thief learns your passcode. While it's on, Find My can't be turned off. So you turn it off first.

How To Turn Off Stolen Device Protection

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
3. Enter your passcode.
4. Tap Stolen Device Protection.
5. Turn it off.

See a Security Delay message instead? That means the phone is away from a familiar place like home or work. You have to wait, often an hour, and then confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. Easiest fix: do this at home the day before your appointment.

Then Turn Off Find My

Now you can turn off Find My. Steps are in our repair prep guide. You only need this if you want me to finish the Repair Assistant step. Turn Stolen Device Protection back on after the repair.

Source: About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone, Prepare your iPhone for service (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.