Here are steps you can take to help locate your iPhone if it is lost or stolen
Many of us have been there. That heart stopping moment when your phone is lost or stolen. In this case, Apple can’t do anything so don’t waste your time running to the store.
First, breathe and look around to ensure that it’s really gone (if lost). Lucky for you, this issue is anticipated and already has an easy solve in place. By visiting icloud.com, you can sign in with your Apple ID /password and use Find My iPhone. This app allows you to
- Locate your device on a map
- Play a sound on your device to help you find it
- Use Lost Mode to lock and track your device or lock it with a passcode so that others can’t access your personal information.
- Remotely erase all of your personal information from the device
To use these features, the device needs to be powered on and connected to the internet. One of my favorite features of Lost Mode is that you can display a custom message on the screen. Many people use this feature to offer a reward for the device. Find My iPhone attempts to suspend any credit or debit cards you have in Wallet for ApplePay, even if your iPhone is offline.
So take a minute right now and double check all of your devices to make they’re all signed in to the same iCloud account. You should also be aware of a few things to help prevent people from being able to use your phone.
You should:
- Add a passcode lock
- Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. On devices without Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode:
- Tap Turn Passcode On.
- Enter a six-digit passcode (you can choose 4 if you like). …
- Enter your passcode again to confirm it and activate it.
- Make sure Auto-Lock is on (settings > General > Auto Lock). I prefer 3 minutes but I always lock my phone out of good habit when I am done by pushing the side button AKA power button. Older devices this is on the top) This saves battery too!
- Make sure you are signed into iCloud (settings > iCloud > Sign in)
- Turn on Find my iPhone
- While you are here go ahead and make sure you are backing up your phone (Settings > iCloud > Backup > turn on by sliding the button to reveal green). *When turned on, plugged into power and connected to Wifi this will backup automatically each night.
Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to secure your device if the unfortunate happens and all else fails (you can not locate your phone through iCloud), file a police report at your local police department and let your carrier know after. *Please note, once you shut service off of the phone it is no longer trackable unless it is connected to wifi. The chances of it being connected to a wifi location you have been before are slim when stolen hence why I say “let your carrier know after.”