Is it true that a no one can use your iphone if locked, icloud logged in?

[applet]

l was told by Genius in Edinburgh apple store that even if someone took possession of your iphone, they couldn't do anything with it even if all was wiped out, as the icloud account would have to be logged in before any changes can be made. this sounds too good to be true. does it also apply to macbooks, ipads if locked and logged into persons icloud? thanks

 

[MacsBug]

Yes and No.... They should have told you that you need to have Find my Phone enabled. Once thats enabled then if someone steals your iPhone then they cannot erase it or reuse it without having access to your AppleID account.

On a Mac the same applies if you have a Mac with a M series processor. You would need to turn on Find my Mac.

 

[Rodananne]

Find My is enabled by Default when you are signed into iCloud, it is found in Settings > Apple ID or just Search for "Find My" in Settings.
Once that is on your Apple ID and Password is required to turn it off. You cannot erase any Apple device without turning it off.

 

[applet]

so l have find my turned on, what if you are using your iphone , eg browsing, and it gets snatched off you. could the thief not erase all and make the phone theirs?

 

[MacsBug]

No, if FindMy is turned on, and they erase your iPhone. Before they can set it up to be used, they would need to enter your AppleID and password, Without that they basically have a brick.

 

[Rodananne]

Assuming you have to enter a Face ID after your screen times out they would not be able to do anything with the phone and as MacsBug says they would require your numerical PIN to erase it and your Apple ID an Password to turn off Find My iPhone first. While they are trying to do that you can use Find My to locate the phone on a map, set off an alarm, lock it or even erase it remotely.
With today's new iPhones even turning it off will not prevent Find My iPhone from locating it.

 

[Rodananne]

l was told by Genius in Edinburgh apple store that even if someone took possession of your iphone, they couldn't do anything with it even if all was wiped out, as the icloud account would have to be logged in before any changes can be made. this sounds too good to be true. does it also apply to macbooks, ipads if locked and logged into persons icloud? thanks

Yes.