Reset Protection feature missing?

[pavparx]

Hello, I was reading the article about encrypting your device here on windows central , and read in the comments that there is a feature called Reset Protection in earlier windows phone versions. I am a new windows phone user and I was searching to enable this feature in find my phone section in settings but it's not there, also I checked online with the IMEI of my device to check if it's enabled and it's not, so I guess that if the phone gets stolen and the thief switches the sim card, he'll be able to create a new windows account without resetting the phone? Anyone has any info on this feature?

 

[Mark Kaplan]

Go to settings, find my phone. The switch is in there for Reset Protection.

 

[pavparx]

I've checked there, there is no such switch. All I have in find my phone is 2 options, both for storing the location of the phone.

 

[Lee Power]

Reset protection is only going to be for the newer Microsoft handsets, the feature is hardware dependent & has to be enabled at the time of manufacturer. Handsets that are compatible the setting will be there for the owner to switch the feature on / off as they require.

 

[pavparx]

Well, Lumia 950 XL is the newest handset as far as I know...And my phone hardware version is European so maybe it's not available yet for me. Anyway, thanks for replying guys.

 

[hprvez]

It's not hardware dependent, it must be enabled in the firmware

 

[pavparx]

So it depends on the firmware version I have? Or the region of the phone? Or something else? Can I do anything about it?

 

[Sfairat]

Hi, I've already asked about it here ( forums.windowscentral.com/microsoft-lumia-950-xl/400058-no-reset-protection-950xl.html ) and there's a small discussion. Also, the FAQ mentioned by Pete on MS site was removed, but when it still was there it was written here that the feature is only available for US.

 

[Harrie-S]

So it depends on the firmware version I have? Or the region of the phone? Or something else? Can I do anything about it?

See below link.
microsoft.com/en-us/mobile/support/faq/?action=singleTopic&topic=FA144486&tduid=(9aa04e2c7f7805158c7fda6184b24a8d)(259740)(2542549)(vb_wp)()

It's hardware (640? And higher) and Region (US only).

https://forums.windowscentral.com/e...42549%2529%2528vb_wp%2529%2528&token=8SnoRXal)

 

[pavparx]

Oh I see, it's a big pity that the European lumias don't have that feature. Thank you for your precise answers.

 

[wpctrlfan]

Thanks for starting this thread. I dont understand why MS is making this US exclusive.

This feature makes a ton of sense but cannot be activated on my German 950 XL as well.
At the same time the MS account website shows this feature when logged in.

I guess we have to wait and hope.

 

[Harrie-S]

Thanks for starting this thread. I dont understand why MS is making this US exclusive.

This feature makes a ton of sense but cannot be activated on my German 950 XL as well.
At the same time the MS account website shows this feature when logged in.

I guess we have to wait and hope.

I am not 100% sure but in the US MS and others committed ("where forced?") to this kind of feature.. And I guess Europe did not get a "law" yet to "force" them to do it in Europe.(or the rest of the world)
http://www.amta.org.au/articles/US-industry-announces-smartphone-anti-theft-voluntary-commitment

So I think this is a US "exclusive" because they are "forced" to do it and not because they "like" the US more.
Anyhow I hope that this feature also will be available world wide.

 

[wpctrlfan]

Yes true - I read about it and they (iOS, Android, WP, etc.) had to deliver until a certain deadline.
There's no such law in Europe but indeed it would be great if this feature would be enabled in EU too.

 

[Martin Zone]

So what would be cons of this feature that you need to be "forced" to implement it?

 

[Harrie-S]

You mean the cons for the manufacturer to include it?

In short, it will cost them money (time/resources etc.) to include it and they will not earn something from it.

Furthermore if it is included and a owner want to flash his phone but forgot he enabled it and does not know his password anymore the manufacturer will be "blamed" by some of these persons.
And if the protaction is hacked they will be the made the "laughing stock" by the media.

 

[Shkupjani]

So, if I buy Lumia 950 or 950Xl from US, will this security feature be available!!!???