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Smart Ways to recover a stolen or lost iPhone
If you discover that your iPhone has been stolen or lost, there are steps you can take to help you reduce the risk of losing the phone permanently. Apple’s find my phone service is the key to securing and recovering your device.
You need to set a passcode
Many people think that using face ID or touch when using an iPhone is unnecessary. If you think about all the information in your phone like your bank apps, your private conversations, the location of your home and office, contacts, emails, photos, etc., then it comes as no surprise why you should set a passcode and use your face or fingerprint to protect your personal information. No one wants a total stranger accessing their devices. Keeping your device secure by:
- Opening the device’s settings
- Follow set-up procedures for face ID or touch ID with passcode.
Make sure your iPhone is enabled for find my iPhone
Check to see if find my phone is enabled after setting up a passcode. It is enabled by default.
- Go to your device’s settings
- Go to the top of the screen and tap the name of your profile
- To turn on find my phone, tap on the feature
- Make sure that the switches for finding my network and sending my last connection are also on.
Are you having trouble finding your phone? Activate Lost Mode
Turn on Lost Mode if you still can’t locate a sound you played on your iPhone. To unlock your device and turn off Lost Mode, you will need your passcode (you already have one, right?). Creating a set is the only option if none is available. Your device will be placed on the lock screen along with a message asking whoever has it to return it to you.
In Lost Mode, the phone is locked, notifications and messages are blocked on the lock screen, and the phone’s location is tracked for as long as Lost Mode is enabled. When incoming calls and FaceTime messages are received, the phone will still ring. If the phone is nearby, this should help you find it. The person who has it may be able to call you back to help you retrieve it if you are lucky.
If you lose access to the phone and log in to your iCloud account, Apple Pay will disable any credit and debit cards added to the app, along with student IDs and transit cards.
As long as Lost Mode is enabled and the phone is turned off, you’ll receive an alert when it’s turned back on telling you where it currently is.
Your passcode used to enable Lost Mode, or the passcode you created, must be entered when you recover your phone. Log into both Apple’s iCloud and Apple Pay accounts to reclaim your access to all Apple services.
The phone stealer shouldn’t be confronted
Don’t attempt to confront the thief on your own if you’re able to track the device to a house or apartment building, since this can be dangerous. Instead, call for assistance.
Please contact your carrier
You should get in touch with your carrier from the device of your neighbor or relative if you cannot get your device back, and they will block the international mobile Equipment identity number from working on the network, meaning your device cannot be used by anyone in possession of it.
Making a claim with your insurance
You should file a claim as soon as possible if you have AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss coverage, or if you pay your carrier monthly for device insurance. Getting a replacement device will involve filling out some paperwork and paying a deductible.
You can use this website to begin the process of purchasing AppleCare Plus coverage for theft and loss for a phone. In the event of a claim, your iPhone will be erased, preventing anyone else from using it. The phone can be cancelled if found after filing a claim. Nonetheless, you’ll need to re-setup your iPhone.
You can begin the claims process by contacting your carrier directly.
When you’ve recovered your lost iPhone, take a moment to customize it.