This article shows you how to locate an iPhone when it is lost while also listing some tips on how to make the search a lot easier.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Using the Find My iPhone Feature
Step 1. Launch the Find My iPhone app on another device
You can choose to run the mobile app on a second smartphone or you can access the iCloud website via an internet browser.
Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID
Remember to use the same Apple ID, and its security password, which is connected to the iPhone you want to track.
If you have chosen to use the app installed on another person's device, remember to log out by selecting the option Go out located in the upper right corner of the screen and then log in with your Apple ID.
Step 3. Select your iPhone
It should appear in the device list displayed below the map. The location of the device should appear on the map.
If the iPhone has been turned off or the battery is completely discharged, only the last known location of the device will appear on the map
Step 4. Select the Actions item
It is located at the bottom center of the screen.
Step 5. Choose the item Make sound
It is located in the lower left corner of the screen. If your iPhone is nearby it will play a sound that will help you pinpoint its precise location.
Step 6. Select the Lost Mod option
It is located in the lower center of the screen. Use this feature if the iPhone is in a place where it can be found by someone or if you think it has been stolen.
- Enter an unlock code for the device. Set up a random sequence of numbers that is unrelated to your personal information. Do not use for example the date of birth, the number of the driving license, the identity card, the health card or other sensitive information related to your person.
- Send a message and contact the phone number that appears on the screen.
- If the iPhone is turned on and connected to the network, it will be immediately locked and it will not be possible to restore it without being in possession of the code you just set. You will be able to view the current location of the device and any changes in its location.
- If the iPhone is turned off, it will be locked as soon as it is turned on again. In this case you will receive an email notification and you will be able to track its location.
- Back up your iPhone regularly via iCloud or iTunes to make sure you can recover all your data should a scenario like the one described occur.
Method 2 of 6: Use Google Maps History
Step 1. Access the Google Maps website using this URL
The Google Maps history keeps track of all the locations sent by the iPhone so that you can refer to them later.
This method only works if location sharing and location history have been enabled on the iPhone. If not, you will need to use another method from this article to be able to track down your iOS device
Step 2. Click on the "Today" item in the upper left corner of the Google Timeline web page
Your iPhone's most recent location history will be displayed within the left side panel of the page.
Step 3. Scroll to the bottom of the history list so that you can view the last known location of the iPhone
Step 4. Review the history data to see if the iPhone is in a fixed location or if it has been moved
This way you can determine if the device has simply been lost or if it has been taken into custody by someone.
Step 5. Use the map displayed on the screen to locate the exact location of the iPhone
Google Maps uses GPS technology to calculate the approximate location of the iPhone.
Method 3 of 6: Using an Apple Watch
Step 1. Connect the Apple Watch to the same network that the iPhone is connected to
The Apple Watch must be connected directly to the iPhone via Bluetooth or alternatively it must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which the smartphone is connected.
Step 2. Swipe your finger up on the Apple Watch screen starting from the bottom side
The main menu of the device will be displayed.
Step 3. Select the "Play Sound" option
It is displayed below the buttons for activating the "Airplane Use", "Do Not Disturb" and "Silent" mode. After pressing the button corresponding to the indicated option, the iPhone will emit a sound that will help you locate the device. The sound will be played even if the iPhone is in "Silent" mode.
Step 4. Keep activating the "Play Sound" option until you are able to accurately locate the iPhone's location
Press and hold the "Play Sound" button to make the iPhone LED light flash. This feature can help when you need to locate iPhone in dark places or at night
Method 4 of 6: Use a GPS Tracking App
Step 1. Launch your internet browser and access the official website of the GPS tracking app you previously installed on your iPhone
Step 2. Log in to the service's web interface using the account credentials you created when you installed the application on your iPhone
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to track and locate your iPhone's current location using GPS technology
Most GPS tracking apps provide detailed information regarding the activities performed by the device, including location history, list of sent messages, voice calls made, and much more.
Step 4. Contact the developer of the program for more information and assistance on how to use the app to trace the location of the iPhone
Service and support for third-party GPS applications is provided only by the respective developers and not directly by Apple.
Method 5 of 6: Using Other Methods
Step 1. Call the mobile number linked to the iPhone
Use a landline phone or a friend's smartphone to try calling your mobile number. If the iPhone has simply been lost and is nearby, you will hear it ring.
- Move around the house or place where you are while calling your mobile number.
- If you don't have a phone to call but have access to a computer, try this website: IcantFindMyPhone.com. Enter your mobile number and the site administrators will make the call for you.
- Check hard-to-reach places.
Step 2. Use social networks
Let your friends on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp and any other social media platform know that you have lost your iPhone.
Step 3. Contact local law enforcement
Go to the police, brigade or carabinieri station in the area where you suspect you have lost your smartphone to check if anyone has found it and delivered it to them.
- If you think your iPhone has been stolen, report it immediately.
- If you've made a note of your iPhone's IMEI number, please provide it to law enforcement when you file a theft report. That way they will be able to track it down if it was sold after the theft.
Step 4. Contact your town's "Found Objects" office
Search the web for the address and go to the counter to check if your iPhone was found and left in custody in this office. The websites of the municipalities of some cities (for example Milan) allow you to perform a search directly online.
Step 5. Contact your carrier if you cannot find the iPhone
If you are sure that the device has been stolen or if you think you will not be able to get it back, contact your service provider as soon as possible.
- Some carriers allow you to block your SIM card and all related services for a certain period of time, so you can try this temporary solution if you think you can get your smartphone back.
- If you think your iPhone has been stolen, please follow the steps to dispute any extraordinary expenses that occurred after the theft.
Method 6 of 6: Turn on Find My iPhone Feature
Step 1. Launch the iPhone Settings app by tapping the icon
It is characterized by a gray colored gear. Normally it is placed directly on the Home of the device.
Step 2. Tap your Apple ID
It's displayed at the top of the "Settings" menu, along with your name and your chosen profile picture (if you've set one).
- If you haven't signed in with your Apple ID yet, tap the entry Log in on [device], then enter the email address associated with the account, its security password and press the button Log in.
- If you are using an older version of the iOS operating system, you may not need to perform this step and the Apple ID section may not be present in the "Settings" menu.
Step 3. Tap the iCloud entry
It is displayed in the second section of the menu.
Step 4. Scroll down the list appeared to be able to select the item Find my iPhone
It's located at the bottom of the "Apps using iCloud" section.
Step 5. Activate the "Find My iPhone" slider by moving it to the right
It will turn green indicating that the feature in question has been successfully activated. This way you can locate your iPhone using another device.
Step 6. Activate the "Send last position" slider by moving it to the right
This way the iPhone will be able to send its latest location to Apple's servers just before the battery runs out.
Advice
- If the iPhone is in "Airplane Use" mode, the "Find My iPhone" feature will not be able to locate the device.
- A lost Apple Watch can also be located. If you want more information on how to do it, read this article.
