Are you trying to find out how you can track your stolen iPhone? Although losing your iPhone to thieves can be upsetting, there are ways to find it.
In this article, we will examine numerous methods and resources that can be used to track down a stolen iPhone. We’ll provide helpful tips on recovering your priceless iPhone and important actions to take.
Can You Track a Stolen iPhone?
Yes, you can find a stolen iPhone. Users can find their lost or stolen iPhones using a built-in tool from Apple called “Find My iPhone”. The GPS and internet of the stolen device are both used by this function to determine where it is.
The tracking features provided by numerous third-party apps and services increase the likelihood of recovering a stolen iPhone.
However, effective tracking frequently depends on elements like device settings, network accessibility, and the thief’s actions, so it’s important to move quickly and stick to the correct methods while locating a stolen iPhone.
What Are the Requirements to Track a Stolen iPhone?
It is necessary to enable several options and conditions to track a stolen iPhone successfully. You’ll increase your chances of finding a stolen iPhone using the Find My iPhone feature by enabling these settings.
1. Find My iPhone
Make sure the “Find My iPhone” feature is activated in the settings on your iPhone. To do that, go to the “Settings” app and select “Apple ID” (for iOS 12 and prior) or “Find My” (for iOS 13 and later) to access this feature.
2. Location Services
Verify that your device has Location Services turned on. Location services can be found in the “Settings” menu under “Privacy and Security “->“Location Services.”
3. Internet Access
For location tracking to function, the stolen iPhone must be connected to the internet.
4. Apple ID and Password
Knowing your Apple ID and password is necessary to access iCloud and use the Find My iPhone feature.
5. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA should be set for your Apple ID to improve security and safeguard your device.
6. Notification Permission
Allow notifications from the Find My app or service so that you can get notifications about the whereabouts of your device.
7. Device Location Sharing
If you want to track a family member’s iPhone, they should have shared their location via the Find My app’s “Share My Location” function.
How to Track a Stolen iPhone?
Tracking a stolen iPhone is essential for recovering and protecting your personal data. Here are some ways to locate a stolen iPhone:
1. Using Find My iPhone (or Find My)
This is the most reliable and official method of tracking a stolen iPhone. This is how it works:
Preparation
Before your device goes lost, check to see if “Find My iPhone” (iOS 12 and earlier) or “Find My” (iOS 13 and later) is activated on your device. You can do this in your device’s settings by selecting “iCloud” or “Find My.”
Log In
Use an Apple device or a web browser to log in to iCloud.com. Enter your Apple ID and password, matching those on the stolen iPhone.
Locate Your Device
Choose your stolen iPhone from the list of devices under “All Devices” in the Find My app (iOS 13 and later) or on iCloud.com. Now you can see where it is right now on a map.
Actions
Depending on your iPhone’s condition, you can either remotely erase your data if recovery is doubtful or set Lost Mode to lock the device and display a customized message with contact information.
2. Contacting Apple Support
You can contact Apple Support if your iPhone is stolen. They can assist you in locating your device or, at the absolute least, help you secure your sensitive information.
It is less appealing to criminals since Apple can remotely disable the device and stop it from being activated with a different Apple ID. They can also advise you on further actions to take regarding your circumstances.
3. Ask Your Carrier to Block IMEI
When your iPhone is stolen, you should also contact your carrier and ask them to block the device’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Here is how this technique operates:
The stolen iPhone loses all functionality on your carrier’s network when they block the IMEI. It will be less valuable to thieves because it won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or use data.
This adds additional security by prohibiting the thief from using your iPhone with a different SIM card or on the network of a different carrier.
What if your iPhone is Turned Off? Can You Still Track It?
Tracking the location of your iPhone is much more difficult if it is off. When an iPhone is turned off, it typically ceases transmitting its location information, making it challenging to locate using “Find My iPhone” or third-party applications.
However, for iOS 15 and newer iPhones, Apple’s U1 chip provides a feature that enables tracking even while the device is off.
As long as the battery hasn’t run out completely, the U1 chip’s low-power characteristics allow it to keep broadcasting its position data even when powered down. This function can add an extra layer of security by helping you find a lost or stolen iPhone.
Although this feature represents a big breakthrough, it’s important to remember that it’s only compatible with iPhones running iOS 15 and later.
Traditional tracking techniques might not be as successful for outdated models or smartphones with low batteries. To increase your chances of finding your iPhone, it’s essential to enable tracking services, keep it charged, and take quick action when lost.
Conclusion
To recover the stolen iPhone and preserve your data, you must track it down. Effective tactics include enabling Find My iPhone, contacting the carrier, and blocking EMEI.
Having your carrier block the IMEI adds an additional security layer. However, tracking a turned-off iPhone poses difficulties, highlighting the significance of swift action and thorough precautions.