What Is Security Delay on iPhone/iPad

What Is Security Delay on iPhone

What does Apple security delay mean on iPhone​? Security delay on iPhone is a feature of Stolen Device Protection that requires you to wait an hour and then perform a second Face ID or Touch ID authentication before making critical changes to your Apple Account or device when your iPhone is away from familiar locations.

Why is there a security delay on iPhone​? This delay is designed to help protect the device from unauthorized access by a thief, allow you to mark your device as lost, and ensure the security of your Apple account.

Related Reading: Stolen Device Protection on iPad

How Does Security Delay Work

The security delay works by requiring you to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before making certain critical changes to your Apple Account or device.

When your iPhone is not in a familiar location, you may need to wait for an hour, then authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID again to update settings such as changing your Apple Account password, adding or removing trusted devices, or enrolling in Mobile Device Management.

You can just select "Start Security Delay" to start the time countdown from one hour. The Security Delay in Progress page prompts the time remaining you need to wait. This delay helps ensure that only authorized users can make important changes to your device and accounts, providing an additional layer of security in case your iPhone is stolen or lost.

Further Reading: Stolen Device Protection Not Showing Up on iPhone

Should I Disable the Flawed Security Delay Feature on iPhone

According to Apple Discussions and other resources, many Apple users have expressed confusion and frustration regarding the Security Delay feature on iPhones. Despite being marketed as an added layer of protection, users question its practicality and effectiveness.

Some users argue that the security time delay seems unnecessary if their iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen with a passcode. They also criticize the system for inaccurately identifying familiar locations, such as home, and triggering the 1-hour security delay.

An iPhone user said he was at home, but it's still asking him to wait for a 1-hour delay. One iPhone user even said the security delay is so secure that even the owner can't get in. Anyway, it's very inconvenient to wait for an hour for the second biometric scan, especially when at a recognized location like home.

How to Turn off Security Delay on iPhone​

Many people express confusion over the delay's requirement for a second biometric scan, even in familiar locations like home. Criticisms include the lack of clear notifications and the perception that the function is flawed and impractical. If you find the Security Delay feature on your iPhone unnecessary and inconvenient, you can stop the security delay feature on your iPhone​. Many users opt to disable the feature immediately, deeming it useless and frustrating.

To turn off the Security Delay on iPhone, you can adjust your settings in the Face ID & Passcode section. Here's how to bypass Security Delay on iPhone​:

Step 1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap on Face ID & Passcode.

Step 3. Enter your device passcode.

Step 4. Look for the option for Stolen Device Protection.

Step 5. Toggle the Stolen Device Protection option to turn it off.

That's all takes to disable security delay on iPhone​. It's quite easy. Once you turn off the Stolen Device Protection feature on your iPhone from Settings, then the security delay is removed automatically. if you change your mind, you can also turn on Stolen Device Protection at any time.

Conclusion

The Security Delay feature on your iPhone is designed to enhance the security of your device and protect your accounts in case your iPhone is stolen or lost. The delay requires you to wait for an hour and then perform a second Face ID or Touch ID authentication before making critical changes to your Apple Account or device when your iPhone is away from familiar locations.

It adds an extra layer of protection when the device is away from familiar locations, requiring a second biometric authentication after an hour delay. However, some users find this delay unnecessary and inconvenient, especially when in recognized locations like home.

Despite Apple's intention to enhance security, users question the practicality of the feature and criticize the lack of clear notifications. Many users opt to get rid of the Security Delay function, considering it flawed and unhelpful in real-life scenarios.