Before we start any iPhone mainboard repair, we always try to back up the device first.
Some repairs require a system restore, and some board repairs simply do not succeed.
Without a backup, your photos, messages, and files can be lost.

Recently, more customers have Stolen Device Protection turned on.
When this feature is enabled, certain security actions require your real Face ID or Touch ID — no passcode fallback.

Why It Blocks Computer Backups

If Face ID or Touch ID hardware is damaged, the phone cannot complete the biometric check.
When that happens, the device may refuse USB backup even if you know the passcode and are the real owner.

In short: if Stolen Device Protection is ON and Face ID is broken, local backups are blocked. Only iCloud backup works.

Why the Feature Is Still Good

The feature protects you from thieves. Even if they know your passcode, they cannot:

• Turn off Find My
• Change your Apple ID password
• Erase or reuse your phone

For normal users, this feature adds strong protection.

How to Turn Off Stolen Device Protection (If Needed)

If you need to back up your device before repair and your Face ID is still working, you can temporarily turn it off:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Face ID & Passcode
• Enter your passcode
• Scroll to Stolen Device Protection
• Turn it Off (Face ID required)

Important: if your Face ID is already broken, you will not be able to turn this feature off.
In that case, only iCloud backup can be used.

What You Should Do Before a Repair

• Make sure iCloud Backup is ON and recent.
• If Face ID starts failing, back up immediately.
• Tell us at drop-off whether Stolen Device Protection is enabled.

If Face ID is dead and Stolen Device Protection is ON, iCloud may be the only backup option.

Stolen Device Protection keeps criminals out of your phone, but it also limits what repair shops can do.
Keeping a recent iCloud backup is the safest way to protect your data before any mainboard repair.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information and reference only. Device conditions vary, and you should not rely solely on this content
to make repair or safety decisions. For accurate diagnosis or repair, please have your device inspected by a qualified technician.