Tracking an iPhone is extremely easy thanks to the built-in GPS in every phone and thanks to a plethora of tracking applications. This article will tell you how to track your friend's iPhone or yours.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Track Another iPhone
Step 1. Open the "Find My Friends" app on your iPhone
Enter your Apple ID password to log in. If you don't have this app, you can download it from the App Store.
Step 2. In the "Friends" screen there is a list of all your friends who have authorized you to see their location
Tap on their Apple ID to see their GPS location.
Step 3. To add a new friend, press the "+" button located in the upper right corner
Enter their Apple ID and then hit "Done". Talk to them before adding them to your list, to make sure they agree that you see the location of their iPhone at all times.
If you want your friend to be able to temporarily know your location, press "Temporary Sharing". Add a friend by pressing the "+" button in the upper right corner
Step 4. Press "Me" to see your current location and the list of who is allowed to track your iPhone
If you want to delete a friend, tap on their name and then press "Remove". To hide your location from your friends, move the "Hide my location" button to ON.
Step 5. Click on "Requests" to manage your friends' requests
You can accept or decline requests from others to track your iPhone.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Track your iPhone
Step 1. Open the Find My iPhone app on an iOS device or iCloud on a Mac
If you don't have this app, you can download it from the App Store. See this article for more detailed information.
As a security precaution, you will be asked to log in again. Afterwards, you will be redirected to a map showing the location of your phone
Step 2. Press the "My Devices" button in the upper left corner
Choose an enabled device, to search for. You can add any iOS device to your Apple ID, and then use it with "Find My iPhone".
- Your iPhone will appear in the list. Click on its icon and "Find my iPhone" will search for the location of your phone.
- If your phone has been turned off, or if the battery has run out, the last known location of your phone will be displayed, but it will not be possible to know the current location.
Step 3. Send a notification
From your iPhone's info window, you can send a sound signal. If your phone has fallen into the pillows or been left in a jacket, this feature makes it easy to find. For two minutes, a loud beep will go off even if you put your phone on silent mode.
Step 4. Track your phone
If you are using a device with iOS 6 or higher, click on "Lost Mode" in the info window of your phone.
- You will be asked to enter an unlock code for your phone. Use a random number that doesn't match you: Don't use your NHS card number, date of birth, driver's license number, or anything else that is personal.
- You can also enter a message and provide a phone number to contact you.
- If your phone is connected to the internet, it will immediately freeze, and you will be able to see your phone's current location, as well as any changes in its location. If your phone is not connected to the internet, it will freeze as soon as it connects, you will receive an email notification, and you will be able to track the location of your phone.
Step 5. Erase all your data
In case you are unable to locate your phone and you are afraid that someone can access your personal data, click on "Initialize iPhone" in the info window of your phone. This will erase all data, but once this is done you will no longer be able to use "Find My iPhone" to locate your phone.
If you ever need to recover your phone, you can restore your data with iTunes backup
Step 6. Use iHound to be alerted if your iPhone is connected to a computer
You will receive an email informing you that your iPhone you were tracking has been located, and will provide you with details of where it was used. This is especially useful if your phone has been stolen and has been used by someone else for illegal purposes.
- This is a further valid measure in case the iPhone is turned off, but then it is re-activated to change a software or to make an update.
- iHound also allows you to sound an audible alarm to find your iPhone in case it has fallen behind the sofa, etc.
- iHound allows you to use sound alarms of geofencing (ie location by geographic fence). These are audible alarms and controls that operate automatically via Facebook, Foursquare or Twitter when you arrive at certain places.
