This wikiHow teaches you how to find a lost iPhone, as well as some steps you can take to make finding your lost iPhone easier.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Find My iPhone Feature
Step 1. Open Find My iPhone via another device
You can open it directly on your mobile device or visit the iCloud website via a web browser.
Step 2. Sign in using your Apple ID
Use the Apple ID and password used on your own (lost) iPhone.
If you're using the Find My iPhone app on someone else's device, you'll need to first tap the “Sign Out” button in the upper-right corner of the screen in order to sign in with your own Apple ID
Step 3. Select your iPhone
Your device will appear in the list of devices at the bottom of the map. The location of your iPhone will be displayed on the map.
If the phone is turned off or the device battery is exhausted, the app will only show the last detected location
Step 4. Select Actions
It's in the bottom center of the screen.
Step 5. Select Play Sound
It's in the lower-left corner of the screen. If your iPhone is still nearby, the feature will make the phone make a sound so you can find it.
Step 6. Select Lost Mode
It's in the bottom center of the screen. Use this option if your iPhone is lost in places other people might find it (or if you think it was stolen by someone).
- Enter the device lock code. Use a random series of numbers that have nothing to do with your identity, such as your ID card number, birthday, driver's license number, and so on.
- Send a message and the contact number is displayed on the screen.
- If your phone is on a network, it will be locked immediately and cannot be reset without the lock code you set. In addition, you can also see the current location of the phone, as well as changes in location (if the phone is taken to a different place).
- If your phone is outside of a network (or turned off), it will lock immediately after turning it on. You will receive a notification message and can track the location of the phone.
- Make regular backups of your phone to iCloud or iTunes in case you ever need to restore deleted files.
Method 2 of 3: Trying Other Methods
Step 1. Call your cell phone
Use your friend's phone or cell phone to try to reach the lost cell phone. If the phone is still nearby, you may be able to hear the sound.
- Move from room to room as you dial the lost cell phone.
- If you can't use a cell phone or another phone, but can use a computer, try visiting ICantFindMyPhone.com. Enter your mobile number on this website and wait for the site to call your cell phone.
- Also check hard-to-reach places.
Step 2. Use social media
Tell people on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and other used social media platforms that your iPhone is missing.
Step 3. Notify the nearest authorities
You can visit the police station or post and lost items center in the vicinity where your phone was lost. Usually, they can help you find your lost phone.
- If you think your phone has been stolen, try making a loss report and submitting a report to the police station.
- If you have a mobile IMEI/MEID number, provide the number to the authorities when you submit a loss report. This way, they can track your phone in case it is ever sold to someone else.
Step 4. Try using the online lost phone directory
This directory is a website that allows you to enter the IMEI number of the device. You can check the database at MissingPhones.org.
Step 5. Contact your mobile service provider if your phone is lost and (possibly) can't be found
If you believe that your phone has been stolen or will never be found, contact your cellular service provider as soon as possible.
- Some cellular service providers allow you to block cellular service for a certain period of time in case your phone is found and can be used again in the future.
- If you think your phone has been stolen, refuse the fee that was charged to you after the phone was lost.
Method 3 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
This Apple ID appears as a separate section at the top of the menu and contains your name and photo (if you've already added one).
- If you are not logged in, tap the “Sign in to (device name)” option, enter your Apple ID and password, then select “Sign In”.
- If your device is running an older version of iOS, the Apple ID section may not appear on the main settings page.
Step 3. Select iCloud
These options appear as the second part of the menu.
Step 4. Scroll down and select Find My iPhone
It's under the " APPS USING ICLOUD " section.
Step 5. Slide the "Find My iPhone" switch to the on position
Once shifted, the switch color will change to green. With this feature, you can locate your own iPhone via other devices.
Step 6. Slide the "Send Last Location" switch to the on position
Now, your iPhone will send its location to Apple when the device battery is very low (before the device turns off).
