Finding an iPhone FAQ

Having your iPhone lost or stolen can be a frightening and frustrating experience. Along with the device itself, most iPhone users have valuable media, personal information, photos and more stored on their phones. Luckily, many users are able to get their lost or stolen iPhones back, with the use of a free app called Find My iPhone.

How do I enable my iPhone and other devices to be found?

• First, you will want to download the Find My iPhone app on each of your iOS devices. The app is supported by iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices.
• When the app is downloaded, sign in using your Apple ID and password.
• Enable it by going to your device's settings, tapping "Mail, Contacts, Calendars," then "Add Account," and then "MobileMe."
• Turn on MobileMe by logging in with your Apple ID and password.
• Click "OK" when asked whether you want to allow MobileMe to be able to locate your device.
• Flip the switch to "On" next to "Find My iPhone" or other device, then tap "Save."
• MobileMe is now activated, and you can find your device remotely.

Can I find my iPhone from another iOS device?

If you have more than one iOS device-for example, an iPad and an iPhone, or an iPhone and an iPod Touch-and they each have Find My iPhone installed and activated, you can use one of the devices to find out where the other one is.

• First, launch the Find My iPhone app on your other iOS device. Log in with your Apple ID and password.
• Tap "Devices," then choose the device you are trying to find from the list.
• If you think your iPhone might be nearby, try choosing to play a sound and display a message. This should allow you to find it. Click "Send" and your lost iPhone should start beeping, with your message displayed on the screen.

Can I find my iPhone without another iOS device?

If you do not have another iOS device, you can still use your computer to find your lost iPhone. This method actually allows you to use more features than using another iOS device.

• Go to http://www.me.com, and log in with your Apple ID and password.
• On the next screen, choose the device your are looking for, and you will see several options for things to do.
• You can see the location of the device using Google Maps, and even zoom all the way in to Street View.
• You can also display a message on the iPhone and play a sound, lock it, or wipe all its data.

Wiping data should be a worst case scenario, if you are absolutely sure you can not get your iPhone back and want to keep the person who has it from accessing sensitive data.

Directly confronting a stranger who has stolen your iPhone is not necessarily a wise idea. Contact your local police department's non-emergency number for advice on what to do next, if you have your phone's location tracked.