iOS 26.4 adds fun extras, but the most useful reason to care about this update is security. Apple is turning on Stolen Device Protection by default in iOS 26.4, which makes this a good time to review the rest of your iPhone safety settings, too.
Table of contents
1. Stolen Device Protection
This is the first feature to check. Apple built it for a worst-case scenario where someone steals your iPhone and also knows your passcode. It blocks highly sensitive actions, such as changing your Apple Account password or device passcode, by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback for those actions.
Apple also says the feature depends on two-factor authentication, Find My, a device passcode, biometrics, and Significant Locations.
How to enable it:
- Open Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode
- Tap Stolen Device Protection
- Turn it on
- Set Require Security Delay to Always for the strongest protection everywhere
2. Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
Apple describes this as its highest level of cloud security. When you turn it on, your trusted devices hold the encryption keys for more iCloud data, and Apple says it cannot access that protected information. Apple’s security documentation says this expands end-to-end encrypted iCloud categories from 14 to 23.
How to enable it:
- Open Settings
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Tap Advanced Data Protection
- Follow the setup steps
Before you switch it on, make sure your other Apple devices are on compatible software versions.
3. Safety Check
Safety Check is one of Apple’s most practical safety tools. It lets you quickly stop sharing data, review who has access to what, check which devices are signed into your Apple Account, and reset privacy permissions. Apple says you need an iPhone running iOS 16 or later and an Apple Account with two-factor authentication.
How to enable it:
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy & Security
- Tap Safety Check
- Choose Emergency Reset or Manage Sharing & Access
4. Sensitive Content Warning
This feature is easy to recommend because it helps in everyday use. Apple says it warns you before viewing or sending images that may contain nudity, and it works in places like Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime video messages, and Contact Posters. It can also turn on automatically for children when Communication Safety is enabled through Screen Time.
How to enable it:
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy & Security
- Tap Sensitive Content Warning
- Turn it on
5. Two-factor authentication
This is still one of the most important protections on any iPhone. Apple says two-factor authentication helps make sure only you can access your account by requiring a verification code when you sign in on a new device or browser. It is also required for many security features across Apple’s ecosystem.
How to check it:
- Open Settings
- Tap your name
- Tap Sign-In & Security
- Confirm that Two-Factor Authentication is turned on
One last thing. Keep your iPhone updated, because Apple now also delivers Background Security Improvements between full software updates on the latest versions of iOS.
