This wikiHow teaches you how to use Apple's built-in cloud-based device tracking feature to find your iPhone.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Enabling the Find My iPhone Feature
Step 1. Open the settings menu (“Settings”)
This menu is indicated by a gray gear icon (⚙️) and is usually displayed on the home screen.
Step 2. Touch your Apple ID
The ID will be displayed at the top of the menu and contain the name and photo (if already uploaded).
- If you're not signed in to your Apple ID, tap the option “ Sign in to (your device) ”, enter the Apple ID and password, then touch “ Sign In ”.
- If your device is running an earlier version of iOS, you don't need to follow this step.
Step 3. Tap on iCloud option
This option is in the second segment of the menu.
Step 4. Swipe the screen and touch Find My iPhone
This option is under the "APPS USING ICLOUD" menu segment.
Step 5. Slide the "Find My iPhone" switch to the on position ("On")
The switch color will change to green. This feature allows you to find the location of your iPhone via other devices.
Step 6. Slide the "Send Last Location" switch to the on position ("On")
Now, iPhone will send location to Apple when the device power is very low, before the device turns off.
Part 2 of 3: Using Another iPhone or iPad
Step 1. Open Find My iPhone on another device
Step 2. Sign in using your Apple ID
Use the Apple ID and password used on your own phone.
If you are using the app on someone else's device, you may need to tap on the “ Sign Out ” in the upper right corner of the app page first so you can sign in with your own Apple ID.
Step 3. Touch your iPhone
Your iPhone will appear in the list of devices at the bottom of the map. The location of the iPhone will be displayed on the map.
If the phone is turned off or the power has run out, the app will show the last location of the device
Step 4. Touch the Actions button
It's in the bottom center of the screen.
Step 5. Touch Play Sound
It's in the lower-left corner of the screen. If the phone is still nearby, it will play a sound to make it easier for you to find it.
Step 6. Touch Lost Mode
It's in the bottom center of the screen. Use this option if your iPhone is lost somewhere and may be found by someone else. You can also use this option if you think that someone has stolen your device.
- Enter the phone lock code. Use a series of random numbers that are not related to you. This means don't use your social security card number, date of birth, driver's license number, or any other number that is personal.
- Send a message and the contact number will be displayed on your phone screen.
- If iPhone is on a network, it will be locked immediately and cannot be reset without a lock code. You can see your phone's current location, as well as changes in its location.
- If iPhone is outside of a network, it will lock once it's turned on. You will get a notification email and can track the position of the phone.
Step 7. Touch Erase iPhone
It's in the lower-right corner of the screen. Use this option if you are concerned that you will not be able to restore your device. You can also use this option if you feel that the personal information on your device could be misused.
- This option will erase all data on the iPhone. This means that you will no longer be able to use the Find My iPhone feature to locate the device.
- Make backup files from iPhone to iCloud or iTunes periodically in case you ever need to restore deleted data.
Part 3 of 3: Using iCloud.com
Step 1. Visit iCloud.com
Use the link or type www.icloud.com into your browser.
Step 2. Enter the Apple ID and password
Step 3. Click the “➲” button
It's to the right of the password field.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on, click or tap “ Allow ” on another device and enter the 6-digit verification code you received in the field in the browser window.
Step 4. Click Find iPhone
This app is marked by a green radar icon.
Step 5. Click All Devices
It's in the top center of the screen.
Step 6. Click your iPhone
If the device is powered on, its icon (including the label "[Your Name]'s iPhone") will appear in the drop-down menu.
- The location of the phone will be shown on the map.
- If the phone is turned off or the power has run out, the site will show you the last known location of the phone.
Step 7. Click the Play Sound button
It's in the lower-left corner of the dialog box on the right side of the window. If the phone is still nearby, it will play a sound to help you find it.
Step 8. Click the Lost Mode button
It's in the lower center of the dialog box on the right side of the window. Use this option if your iPhone is lost somewhere and may be found by someone else. You can also use this option if you think that someone has stolen your device.
- Enter the phone lock code. Use a series of random numbers that are not related to you. This means don't use your social security card number, date of birth, driver's license number, or any other number that is personal.
- Send a message and the contact number will be displayed on your phone screen.
- If iPhone is on a network, it will be locked immediately and cannot be reset without a lock code. You can see your phone's current location, as well as changes in its location.
- If iPhone is outside of a network, it will lock once it's turned on. You will get a notification email and can track the position of the phone.
Step 9. Click the Erase iPhone button
It's in the lower-right corner of the dialog box on the right side of the window. Use this option if you are concerned that you will not be able to restore your device. You can also use this option if you feel that the personal information on your device could be misused.
- This option will erase all data on the iPhone. This means that you will no longer be able to use the Find My iPhone feature to locate the device.
- Make backup files from iPhone to iCloud or iTunes periodically in case you ever need to restore deleted data.
Warning
- Don't forget your iPhone passcode!
- The Find My iPhone feature cannot be used if your iPhone is turned off.
