When developing new gadgets, Apple focuses on the security of user data and maximum device security. AT apple smartphones integrated several functions to help find the iPhone if it is turned off. Security systems can help you locate your device in case of theft or loss. Below we will analyze the main methods of searching for "iPhone", if it is turned off.
All methods can be roughly divided into two groups: online and offline. The "online group" includes those methods that will help to detect a switched off device using a special software... Offline methods involve contacting Apple or the police.
Using the iCloud service
Let's make a reservation that this is the main help in the search aspect. To track a gadget in real time, three conditions must be met:
- it is on;
- he is connected to the internet;
- find My iPhone is activated.
In this case, you can find out the exact current position of the device. But if mobile phone is stolen, then in 99% of cases the thief will guess to disable the device. In the event of theft, the user must secure personal data. The cloud service allows you to do this even when your smartphone is turned off.
The first thing that a user should do after purchasing and activating the device is to enable the Find iPhone function. Algorithm of actions:
- We go from the desktop to the "Settings".
- Go to the user profile settings.
- Next, follow in the "iCloud" submenu.
- In "iCloud" select the item "Find iPhone".
- We check that both functions in this submenu are active. If not, set the "sliders" to the active position on our own.
If the function is activated, the user still has a chance to find the smartphone or, at least, block the device for intruders for a long time. To keep your device secure, sign in to Find My iPhone from another Apple phone.
We are looking for a smartphone from a PC
To track your lost gadget with personal computer, go to the following link in your browser https://www.icloud.com/ and enter your identification data: login and password.
After authorization, the user has access to the functionality cloud service and therefore the PC version of Find My iPhone. The first time they log into iCloud from a PC, the user will see large icons for the account's features. It is required to click the icon with the signature "Find iPhone".
... and choose your device.
If the phone is connected to the Internet, then the map will show its exact current location. If the smartphone is turned off or disconnected from the network, then its last location and time of access to the Internet will be displayed.
On the right side of the working window there are controls for the Find iPhone program on the PC:
- Play Sound: Click this button and, if the phone is nearby, it will start beeping;
- Lost Mode: the phone will be locked immediately after going online. The screen will display a message for the finder and a number for feedback... The lock is released by entering Touch ID. The mode is activated in the same way from a PC and an iPhone. For instructions on use, see the next section;
- "Erase iPhone": a last resort for those who are sure that the smartphone is irretrievably lost. This option deletes all data from the device and locks it.
The Find iPhone feature has a serious drawback: it displays the location of the device only when the screen is turned on. Even if the phone is connected to the Network, but is in sleep mode, the last location will be displayed in the program window, not the current one. But this program Is the only way to lock iPhone quickly and remotely.
We are looking for another "iPhone"
Find My iPhone is located on your desktop in the Add-ons folder.
Lost mode is required for remote locking. It is located in the "Actions" tab and is activated by pressing the button of the same name.
In Lost Mode, enter contact number for the finder and a text message.
The phone will be transferred to this modeas soon as it connects to the Network.
Also to the specified address email a screenshot of the map will be sent showing the current location of the device.
If the user is sure that the device has “left” irrevocably, then for such cases the “Erase iPhone” function is provided in the same “Actions” tab.
Find iPhone by IMEI
IMEI is a unique identification number cell phone... ID data cannot be erased or modified. The serial number can be found on the sticker on the box or by dialing the key combination * # 06 # on the phone. To search for a phone, you need to know your number and have confirmation that you really are the owner of a gadget with such a number.
IMEI is broadcast all the time that the phone is connected to cellular network... However, the operator does not provide subscribers with information about the location of the gadget, even if the applicant provides a full set of proofs that he is the rightful owner of the iPhone. To initiate a search by numeric identifier, contact the police.
There are many online services that supposedly let you know the last location of your phone. Almost all of these services are fictitious and do not fulfill the stated functions, but are only needed to collect registration data from users who threw all their efforts into searching for the iPhone.
Contacting the police and the telecom operator
It is necessary to work on these channels simultaneously. First, you need to call the call center, block the SIM card and try to find out the location of the phone. In 99% of cases, this information will not be provided. Then find out about the conditions for disclosing information about the location of the phone. The operator will not initiate searches until a corresponding request comes from law enforcement agencies.
- passport;
- original packaging with a readable IMEI;
- check or warranty cardconfirming the purchase of the wanted phone.
The application is required to indicate the date, place, time and circumstances of the loss of the smartphone. It is better to write in the document that the smartphone is lost, not stolen - your case will be transferred to a telecom operator much faster. An appeal to law enforcement officers is an ineffective measure. Usually, the case "hangs" for 30 days, after which it is closed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Contacting the Apple Office
If there is a representative office in your city, you can apply there. The company does not indicate on the official website that it is possible to make an appeal on this matter. The requirements for the package of documents are also not voiced, so all the details must be found out on an individual basis. Representatives of the corporation may refuse assistance if the "Find iPhone" function is disabled on the device, since it is officially stated that this is the only way to track the missing phone.
Find My iPhone app
If, for some reason, the Find iPhone application has been removed from the device, you can restore it through the official AppStore. AT search bar prescribe "Find my iPhone" and load the first program from the list of issues from the Apple developer.
Outcome
Be careful and try not to lose your gadget, as even the most advanced technology does not guarantee its return. After the purchase, the first thing to do is to activate the "Find iPhone" function: in case of unforeseen circumstances, the chances of a successful outcome remain. Take action immediately after discovering the loss.
Be persistent in interacting with law enforcement officers and telecom operators: these structures, as a rule, are not interested in finding your mobile device. Take all the steps outlined above to ensure a thorough and productive search.
Video instruction
Here's what to do if your phone is lost or stolen. If you still have questions about the use of search software or other aspects of tracing a phone, we recommend watching a thematic video.
An accidentally lost or stolen iPhone can be found using built-in features or special apps. Moreover, this can be done from a computer or other smartphone. Below we will tell you how to find an iPhone through another iPhone and analyze other possible methods.
Find iPhone with Find iPhone
Find iPhone - branded apple service to search and protect "apple" devices. Shows the location of the iPhone and allows you to lock it. Can only be used after preliminary configuration:
- Using another phone, log in to the Find iPhone application using your account apple records ID. It is available for free download across App Store.
- If access to another mobile device no, then use a browser on your computer. Open the iCloud website and log in with your account Apple ID. You need to use the account of the lost device (even if it is turned off).
- In the main menu of the cloud service, select the function "Find iPhone" and re-enter the data apple account.
- If you are using multiple devices, select the one you need from the list. After that, the smartphone will be displayed on the map. Click Play Sound to play the melody.
- If the device is turned on, then it will be possible to additionally send a message to it with a request to call back to the specified number. The text will be displayed on the screen.
- If the iPhone was lost outside the apartment, then you can find out the approximate location by geolocation. To do this, you must enable additional option "Last geolocation".
The service can only be used if lost iphone connected to the Internet. If it is turned off, then only its last location can be found.
How to track a friend's iPhone via "Find My Friends"
Find My Friends is a free mobile application that allows you to share geolocation data with your friends. Allows you to remotely search for a device in case of loss. How to see the location of another iPhone:
- Install "Find My Friends". To do this, download the application through the official App Store.
- Log in with your account and in the upper right corner, click on the plus icon.
- Enter information about another device (friend) that you want to allow access to your data and click "Send".
- Install the app on another smartphone or send the link to a friend. After that, you need to allow the user to access the geodata.
- The list of connected devices will be displayed on the main screen of the application, on the map.
After that, you will be able to find your friend's iPhone and vice versa. The application allows you to find out where the person is (user permission is required) and can be used to search for their devices.
An attacker can reflash a found iPhone. Then you can track it by IMEI. To do this, you will have to seek help from a mobile operator through law enforcement agencies.
Find iPhone via Apple Watch
The method is suitable if the service for determining geolocation is turned off on the iPhone. If the device was lost within the apartment and at the same time is paired with a "smart watch":
- Turn on Apple Watch and bring up the dial on the screen (press the Digital Crown).
- Launch Control Center. To do this, swipe up on the touchscreen.
- An interface with available functions will open. Find the smartphone icon here and click on it.
- After that, the iPhone will play a melody (even if the silent mode is on).
When the phone is found, be sure to activate the Find iPhone service on it and allow the transfer of the last location to the server. This will help if next time you leave the device outside the apartment.
How to find iPhone by IMEI
IMEI is a unique 15-digit identifier that is assigned to each mobile device. It can be used to determine the location of the iPhone, but only if it has GPS or data transfer enabled.
If your device has been lost or stolen, follow these steps:
- Add IPhone IMEI to the online databases of stolen smartphones. This will help reduce the likelihood of your device being resold in the secondary market.
- File a report on the loss to law enforcement agencies. To do this, you will have to additionally inform the device IMEI (available in the documentation, on the box) and the Apple ID account details.
- Try to find your iPhone yourself via IMEI-Poisk 2.0, TrackerPlus or SNDeepInfo. Relevant if found and connected to the network.
If the attacker managed to turn off the device and replace the SIM card, then the last location of the iPhone can be found through mobile operator... Information is provided only after official request law enforcement. That is why, in case of loss, it is necessary to write a statement about theft.
Search iPhone via mobile operator
You can track the location of any person by his phone number, for this you need to obtain his permission and connect a special service through a mobile operator. Features:
- The cost of connection and other tariffication conditions differ depending on the company that provides communication services.
- Not all cellular operators allow you to share your location with friends (even after getting permission).
- You can even track a turned off smartphone.
- No need to install additional applications. To search, just send a short USSD command or log in to your personal account on the mobile operator's website.
The service is suitable for those who want to track the location of children and relatives. Information can be accessed through personal Area or from another mobile phone. Check the features with the operator.
According to statistics, law enforcement agencies find the stolen device in the first days after the appeal. The sooner the owner of the iPhone writes a statement, the higher the likelihood of finding it.
How to find an iPhone if it's turned off
If the device has run out of time or has been turned off, then you can find it by Apple ID. To do this, use the official "Find My iPhone" application. It shows the location of the iPhone at the moment or sends information to the server before disconnecting. Instructions:
- Download the Find My iPhone app to another Apple device and find it using your Apple ID (authorization required). Or go to the service via iCloud from your computer.
- Activate Lost Mode through Find My iPhone. This can be done through another phone or computer (after authorization in the iCloud service with with Apple ID). Then, after connecting the device to the network, the screen will display information with a request to contact the owner.
The iPhone sends geolocation data before shutting down. If after moving the device is connected to the Internet, the information on the map will be automatically updated.
You can track down a stolen or accidentally forgotten iPhone somewhere different ways... The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in Find My Phone service, but if it was not configured in advance, you will have to seek help from law enforcement agencies. Police officers will be able to find the iPhone by IMEI.
Almost everyone who is interested in technology and mobile gadgets knows about the availability of Apple service entitled " Find iPhone ".
The chip appeared back in 2010 along with iOS 4. Since that time, the company's specialists have added activation lock, binding to Apple ID and two-factor authentication, which together made it possible to create a good set of protective measures.
Used properly, a lost or stolen iPhone becomes a set of parts, some of which can only be sold at a flea market.
Not everyone knows that similar protection with useful and necessary chips is offered by other manufacturers of mobile equipment.
How Apple works
If you have a second iOS device, you will need the Find My iPhone app; if you don't have a second device, you will have to sign in to your iCloud account via the web interface.
And here the first problem can await us. If you do not specify a second trusted device for your Apple ID in advance, then with two-factor authentication enabled, you will not be able to access your account.
TIP: if you have only one iPhone or iPad and do not have any other Apple devices, right now log in to the iCloud service using your computer and make the browser trusted when you sign in. So in the future it will be possible to log into the account from the computer without confirmation on the iPhone.
After that, in the Find iPhone section, we will see the current location of the smartphone if it is connected to the network or its last position, which the gadget marked before disconnecting.
From the menu you can:
- turn on the voice signal (useful when you lost your iPhone among household junk);
- activate Lost Mode (the device will be locked, and the specified text and phone number will be displayed on the screen);
- erase the device so that no confidential data and personal information is left on it.
In most cases this may be enough, but I would like a couple more useful options.
What chips does Samsung have
The South Korean company has long surpassed Apple in some indicators, and where a clear advantage has not yet been achieved, Cupertinians are already stepping on the heels.
Function remote search smartphone is in many ways superior to Apple's solution.
1. The device search service is not associated with other branded services, you can log in to it without additional two-factor authentication, which is useful if you only have one device.
2. While browsing, you can switch between two map services ( HERE WeGo and OpenStreetMap). It is useful for searching in an unpopular region, where one service may not provide all information about the location.
3. There is a built-in hint. For those who use the smartphone search service for the first time, there is a short manual with answers to frequently asked questions and a small guide to sections. All data are presented in Russian.
Agree, in a situation where you lost your smartphone and are looking for it through the site for the first time, it is better to have such data at hand instead of scouring the network in search of suitable instructions.
4. In addition to the usual set of features (signal, blocking and erasing data), the developers have provided the ability to create an up-to-date backup. If your smartphone has a network connection, you can make the most recent data backup.
5. It is possible to get a log of calls and messages. Sometimes the operator to block a number or restore a SIM card requires you to specify such information.
In just one click, you can get data on calls and messages for the last month.
6. Section Adding Trustees Allows you to share with another user to view the location of the device. The user will be able to track the device and send an audio signal to it if necessary.
7. One of the most useful chips I think remote activation power saving mode. If initially set up, it will turn out to squeeze up to 10 hours of work on 10% charge batteries.
If the battery is even more charged, then the device can remain on for several days in a row. This is very convenient if the smartphone is lost and is waiting for its owner in a snowdrift.
8. In addition to all of the above, you can block the shutdown and restart of the device.
What is still missing
The last item only blocks software shutdown and reboot. It would be nice to disable the so-called Hard resetso that holding down the keys also does not turn off the power.
Once this is done, the final touch on the smartphone security picture will be widespread adoption. eSIM(). Cupertinos presented their creation back in 2014, but since then the trick has not become widespread.
Samsung has been testing eSIM for a year in smart watch.
The essence of the innovation is that the device is equipped with a non-removable SIM card, which at the software level turns into a card of any of the operators. This allows you to quickly change the operator even without removing and replacing the chip.
For iPhone users, it is not just a gadget, but a significant part of life. The loss of a smartphone can, to put it mildly, into a stupor: a person loses not only a phone, but also a diary, photos, contacts, travel guides, favorite music. Avoiding crash is easy! Apple developers have done a great job, and thanks to geolocation services, it is easy to find the loss. But how do you find your iPhone if it's turned off? We will tell you about the magic wands that allow tracking and will come to the rescue in the search for the device in case of its theft or loss.
Ways to find a turned off iPhone
If you have lost your phone, first call it from another number. If this has already been done and, probably, to no avail, the first thing to do is contact the law enforcement agencies - file a statement about the loss of the gadget. To contact the police, you will need the following documents:
- general passport;
- any documents for the iPhone (data of the international mobile equipment identifier);
- a cash register receipt that confirms the purchase of the device.
If you are lucky, the investigator will be eager to find your unit and immediately make a request to the operators cellular communication... If the thief or the one who found the phone knows nothing about the tracking programs for the iPhone (there are also such things), then you are doubly lucky. There is a chance to find out which SIM card was inserted into the phone after it was lost, or in which specific place the call was made with the help of your "apple friend". This information helps you find your device.
Don't you hope that the valiant police will immediately rush in search of your pet? Right. After going to law enforcement officers (or even better - in parallel), start looking for a smartphone yourself. Here's how to find your iPhone if it's turned off. While professional detectives get their hands on your application, perhaps you yourself will cope with the problem and find out where the expensive unit is.
Through the iCloud service
ICloud (icloud) will help to find the switched off phone. This option is the official cloud storage Apple, which allows the user to access files online from any device, backs up the data of its "apple product" and helps the owner find the lost device. At the same time, remember that in order to see where the gadget is at this time, you need to specifically connect the corresponding function.
The phone got lost near the computer with which you are looking for your gadget? Will hear loud noise... The “siren” is audible even when the iPhone is set to silent function. Are there any suspicions that the gadget went missing at home? It will be possible to protect all the information recorded on it even remotely: set a password - and no one will unlock your phone. Better to delete all data altogether. Once the device is found, it is easy to restore them from backup.
Don't forget about the great Lost Mode feature, which is also activated in iCloud. When you turn it on, your message with the specified phone number is displayed on the screen of the locked gadget - the finder of the device will be able to call you back directly from it, despite the fact that it is locked. In addition, an iPhone in Lost Mode is allowed to make and receive calls.
By IMEI number
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique device number assigned to a device by the manufacturer. The information is intended to identify the unit on the network and is stored in its firmware. Code like serial number is always indicated in several places:
- on the smartphone itself (to find it, you need to dial * # 06 # on the keyboard - the data will appear on the screen);
- under rechargeable battery;
- on back side the box in which the gadget was sold;
- in the warranty card.
At the cellular company, at the request of the police or the owner of the smartphone, they can monitor the signal transmission even when the phone is turned off. It is believed that the code cannot be faked, and if the new owner of your iPhone activates it, it is possible to determine the phone number. However, as practice shows, criminals manage to bypass this method of protection.
Using the Find My iPhone app
Another application will help you find your iPhone - the program is called Find My iPhone. The service is included in the free iCloud subscription and everything else is able to determine the location of the gadget, send messages to its screen, protect the device with a password or erase all its contents. There is no need to specially download the application to the phone, since it is already part of the operating system of the device. For this feature to work, you need to enable it in the "Find iPhone" settings in advance. Geolocation determination is allowed only when the gadget is on (with an active GPS function).
How Find My iPhone works
It is impossible to use the application after losing your phone. The program must be installed with you in advance. Do not forget to do this, otherwise you will regret it someday! Please note that when setting up the function, the device will ask you to allow geolocation - one of the operating conditions of this application... It is likely that the battery will discharge somewhat faster after this.
How to enable the function via computer
Apple can be proud of these statistics: with the launch of the Find iPhone service, the number of iPhone thefts has decreased significantly. No wonder: it is much easier to find a stolen device when this function is enabled. The smartphone, after being blocked by the owner in the hands of thieves, becomes just a set of spare parts or a meaningless toy. You can download Find iPhone, but you don't have to!
Steps to enable Find My iPhone using your computer:
- You will need an exit to " world wide web". Without this - nothing.
- It doesn't really matter which operating system on your phone, Windows or Mac. Go to iCloud.com.
- In the authorization window, enter your Apple ID information. Be careful not to agree with the "Stay logged in" item when you work from someone else's computer. You can only check the box when you logged in from your personal PC.
- After launching the application, select your device in the menu item "My devices".
- The application will start scanning, after which an image of a map will appear on the screen, on which the location of your loss will be marked. Depending on where exactly your mobile phone "rests" from you, take steps to return it.
- Lost your phone in your apartment or office? Take advantage of sound signalto find your unit.
- It turned out that the phone was left in a beauty salon or auto center? Send a message to the screen of your gadget with a request to call back to another number. This text will immediately appear on the phone.
- The saddest outcome of the search situation. You realized that you lost your smartphone in a public place or, worse, it was deliberately stolen from you. Protect your personal data urgently! Set a four-digit password so that no one can download your photos or read your messages, erase them remotely.
- Once again, if the Find iPhone function is not configured in advance, then you will only have to rely on the police or chance. Take care of your friend!
How to disable the function
Another situation is possible: you need to turn off the Find iPhone function, for example, when you sell your phone or take it in for repair. There are two main options for deactivation: directly through the device or remotely. Needless to say, in either case, this function can be disabled only after entering the password for the Apple ID account. Without this - nothing.
The first method is the simplest and most convenient, but it requires access to the device:
- Go to the "Settings" menu.
- Find iCloud.
- Scroll down the list to the "Find iPhone" position, switch the toggle switch to "off".
- Confirm your decision with your Apple ID password.
- After carrying out this simple operation, you will be sent a notification by e-mail about the disabling of the function.
Method two - if there is no mobile phone on hand, then the "Find iPhone" function can be disabled remotely:
- First you need to go to the appropriate application.
- Install the program in the App Store or on the website at https://icloud.com/find.
- Open the My Devices menu from the navigation bar.
- Select your mobile phone from the list that appears.
- It is allowed to remove a smartphone from the list only when it is offline.
- When working with mobile application click on the "Delete" button, in the web version - "cross".
- In conclusion, the application will ask you to confirm your actions and at the same time remind you that after that another person will be able to activate the iPad.
Not everything is completely clear? Use our video tutorial https://youtu.be/rLPHQ76HHvw, where the Find iPhone program is taken apart and a guide is given to those who lost their phone how to find its location - you don't know. Check out this tutorial, and you will learn how to find an iPhone by geolocation, by gps, you can easily find all your devices with the same Apple ID.
Video: how to find an iPhone if it was stolen
Finally, one more tip: be careful when looking for your phone! Often, the owners of a stolen smartphone become not only a victim of thieves, but also scammers. Those who come to various forums for advice are often emailed by "well-wishers". Attackers offer to find the phone for a moderate fee, for example, using a satellite. Don't pay a dime to unknown people!
Watch a video tutorial on how to find your iPhone if it's turned off. What to do if you lost your iPhone? How to track an iPhone from another iPhone? I stole my phone, how to find it? We hope that you will never ask yourself all these questions - there will be no reason. But if a trouble happens, then you will quickly figure out the problem after a visual video tutorial on this topic. Happy search!
In this article I will tell you about the reasons why your iPhone incorrectly shows or determines the location (your geolocation), as well as tell you what to do.
This article is suitable for everyone iPhone models Xs / Xr / X / 8/7/6/5 and Plus on iOS 12. Older versions may have different or missing menu items and hardware support specified in the article.
Why is iPhone incorrectly detecting location
The incorrect determination of geolocation is most often associated with the location of the object, and to a lesser extent depends on software errors. Here are the main reasons why the iPhone can lie with the demonstration of the true location.
What needs to be done to fix incorrect geolocation
If you have problems with determining the location, the first thing to do is to do the following steps:
More simple option This action is a banal toggle switch for geolocation services.
Reset
Another effective way the fight against incorrect operation of GPS / Glonass is to roll back the parameters to the factory settings. And it is not necessary to format the entire iPhone entirely. To reset the positioning parameters, go to "Settings" - "General" - "Reset" - "Reset Geotuning".
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Turn on Wi-Fi
The operation of communication satellites is not always sufficient to accurately determine geolocation. To improve the coordinates performance, you should turn on Wi-Fi. By referring to stations wireless Internet improves positioning on the ground. You can turn on Wi-Fi in the settings or in the control center.
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Restore iPhone as new
Most radical fix software error is an iPhone recovery from scratch. You can reset through iOS settings (similar to resetting geo-tuning) or through a computer with iTunes enabled. In the second case, you should connect the smartphone to the PC and, after determining the iPhone, restore it.
