How iPhone users are locked out of their own accounts by thieves

There is some consternation over the fact that more and more thieves are stealing iPhones in cafes and other venues and then excluding the user from his or her own account. The phenomenon is increasingly occurring in the US, but such cases are also quite conceivable in the Netherlands. Do they have access to your iPhone? That can have disastrous consequences.

This smart method used by thieves is causing quite a stir in the United States. Basically, they observe iPhone users when they unlock their phone with a code. They then wait for their chance to steal the device and ban the user from the account ‘for good’.

Your iPhone is worth more than just the device

One of the examples cited by the WSJ is Greg Frasca, whose iPhone 14 was stolen. The thieves wanted to use his phone to withdraw money from his account. They also immediately disabled the Find My iPhone option.

In addition, they used his code to enable the (hard to find) Recovery Key option on his iPhone. This made his account virtually impossible to recover. Frasca even offered Apple $10,000 to get at least his daughters’ priceless photos back from iCloud, but it made little sense.

Apple only has two ways to get back into your account. So the first is via the Recovery Key, which can be easily turned on by criminals.

The second option is virtually impossible. Apple requires you to prove you are who you are. Many posts state that this is a painful, time-consuming, lottery process where you can get lucky or not.

Frasca therefore suggested that he personally fly to Cupertino to gain access to his iPhone, but received no response.

Take extra security measures

Although Apple has strict rules with regard to recovering your account, there are measures you can take in advance to prevent account theft. Here are some useful and easy tips.

• Use Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone so you don’t have to use your code in public.
• Always put your phone on ‘locked’ when you’re not using it.
• Don’t leave your phone on a bar or table, even if you’re sitting near it.

It is also possible to use Screen Time as an extra layer of security. To do this, activate Screen Time in your settings and give it a different passcode than that of your entire iPhone. This prevents thieves from making any changes to your iPhone, including turning on the Recovery Key.

Another good idea is to add a Recovery contact. You can also find that option under Password and security. This allows a friend or family to regain access to your iPhone.

The bottom line is that you better take a moment to set up these things, and other security options.

It’s a bit unfortunate that Apple makes it so difficult for you to prove that you own the device. That should be easier with a passport or ID at an Apple Store. But in any case, you are still responsible for the security of your iPhone and certainly don’t leave it lying around.