Which makes us wonderwhy does Apple make you turn Find My off when it repairs your iPhone?

And wouldn’t it be best to just wipe your phone entirely before handing it over?

Anton Maksimov 5642.su / Unsplash

Why does Apple require this step?

A technician repairing a phone on a blue workbench

iOS will soon offer more privacy protection during repairs.Kilian Seiler / Unsplash

To ensure it’s actually the iPhone’s owner sending it in for repair.

In January, Apple addedStolen rig Protection, which plugged a big security hole.

But is this enough?

An iPhone 4 with a cracked screen, next to some repair tools

Make sure you take precautions before handing your iPhone to a stranger.Anton Maksimov 5642.su / Unsplash

But even the iPhone isn’t invulnerable.

In 2021, we learned that US police used a unit called the GrayKey to unlock phones.

You have to back it up, then erase it.

Photo of a phone with a cracked screen, balanced on its corner on a sidewalk, as if it just fell there and broke.

Ouch.Ali Abdul Rahman / Unsplash

“While the new Stolen gear Protection and repair mode enhance security, users should remain cautious.

You probably already have an iCloud backup but check to verify.

you could also back up to a Mac or PC.

Then, the actual erasing-everything part is easy.

It’s the only way to be sure.