Note: In case you’re actually missing an Android device, head over to my guide on how to track a lost Android phone or tablet.
If you’re reading this, then I assume that you just lost your beloved iPhone or iPad or, even worse, someone stole it. Either way, you must be in despair and want your device and your data back ASAP. Thankfully, there’s a way to track it down, lock it or wipe its data. Using the following steps, you are also able to track a lost or stolen Macbook.
How to find a lost iPhone, iPad or Macbook without an installed tracking app
Important note: If you haven’t activated “Find My iPhone / iPad / Mac” when you set up your device, this method won’t work.
Although you can download the official “Find My iPhone” app on the App Store, you don’t actually need it to track your Apple device. This means the app doesn’t have to be installed on your missing iPhone, iPad or Mac. The good thing here is that Find My iPhone is actually a cloud-based service by Apple. The app is only another way of accessing this service to locate your iPhone or other Apple devices. If you own an iPad or a second iPhone, you can also install the app and try to locate your missing device. Otherwise, all you need is a browser and your Apple ID login details.
Also, don’t be too worried that someone could disconnect your device from iCloud, turn off Find My iPhone or erase your device. If you’re on iOS7 or a later version, a feature called Activation Lock will prevent anyone from doing any of the mentioned things without your Apple ID password.
Alright, let’s get back your Apple device. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Login to iCloud and start “Find My iPhone”
Head over to icloud.com and log in using your Apple ID credentials. Once signed in, you should see your iCloud dashboard with different icons. Click on the “Find My iPhone” icon, which the first one in the second row. Now you should see the Find My iPhone interface, including a map.
2. Choose your lost device and start the tracking process
Click on the “All Devices” drop-down menu on the top bar and select your missing device. The tracking of your device will now start. Depending on several factors, this can take a while. If Find My iPhone is successful and found your device, you should be able to see its location on the map.Now you have the option to trigger an acoustic signal on your device (in case you cannot find it in your house), activate “Lost Mode” and erase all data. Use the erase option as a last resort, since Find My iPhone won’t work anymore on your device afterwards.
Activating Lost Mode will lock your device with a password and display a message of your choice together with a phone number, so that a nice soul hopefully contacts you to give your iPhone, iPad or Mac back into your hands. The Lost Mode has the nifty ability to enable location services on your iPhone or iPad, in case it’s deactivated. So no need to freak out if you realised that you turned it off. It will stay enabled as long as your device is in Lost Mode.
This is basically all you have to do to track your lost Apple device. Please keep in mind that your lost device needs to be turned on and somehow connected to the internet. If mobile data is turned off and it’s not connected to WiFi, you won’t be able to track it using Find My iPhone. Your only hope is to wait and hope that the thief or someone, who found it, connects to the web. Thankfully, you don’t need to stay inside of iCloud and hit refresh all the time. If your device is offline, you can let Apple notify you once it’s back online.
I really hope this article helps you find your lost iPhone, iPad or Mac. If you do, it would be great if you share your story in the comments! Also, if you know of any other way to track down a lost Apple device, please let us know.
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