Find My iPhone was an Apple Inc. program and service that allowed remote tracking of iOS devices, Mac computers, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
In 2019, Find My iPhone was improved and incorporated into the app Find My in iOS 13 and iPadOS 13.
What is Find My iPhone?
If your device goes missing, you can use the Find My function to locate it.
It makes no difference if you lost it while out and about or if you still believe it is somewhere at home.
When you enable Find My iPhone, you will be able to log into your Apple ID on a PC or tablet and locate your smartphone on a map.
You may also use Find My to remotely lock your iPhone, wipe all material (if you believe it is irretrievably lost), or play a sound to guide you to it.
To enable this function, enter Settings and then touch on your name at the top. Next, go to Find My and ensure that Find My iPhone is turned on.
This setting cannot be enabled remotely, although it should be enabled by default. Nonetheless, it’s best to be safe than sorry (especially if this is a used device) and turn it on as soon as you have your iPhone. It’s a good idea to plan for the worst but hope you never have to use it.
What Does “Offline” Mean for Find My iPhone?
The most important piece of advise for someone who has misplaced their phone is to not panic.
To use Find My to find your iPhone, login in to your iCloud account from a different device.
The Find My function has many variations, including Find My iPad and Find My Apple Watch.
All of them make use of iCloud.
If you have another Apple device that is signed in to your account, you can open the Find My app on it.
If everything is in order, you should see an icon on a map indicating the location of your missing gadget.
However, in some circumstances, it says “Offline.”
It could possibly say “Location Services Off” or “No location available.”
There are a few possible explanations for this, but they all indicate the same thing: your iPhone cannot check in to Find My.
How Did iOS 15 Improve Find My iPhone?
The Find My app had significant issues.
It could read offline for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that your battery has died. It’s possible that your smartphone was switched off. It could also have been reset.
These issues have been resolved in iOS 15. Find My can now locate your device even if it is powerless or if a thief has either switched it off manually or reset it. However, how Apple accomplishes this remains a mystery. It’s most likely using Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology on the iPhone.
My Location has been upgraded as well.
It will now continuously feed the location of the iPhone so that it can be found no matter what.
Why Is My iPhone Offline?
Why is your iPhone not responding? It is unusual for this to be the case if you have downloaded iOS 15. If you haven’t, the most likely cause is a dead battery. You may have also left it turned off. In any case, if your iPhone has no power and is running an iOS version earlier than iOS 15, Find My will not tell you where it is.
The app will only function if your smartphone is connected to iCloud and is signed into your Apple ID.
You will have already signed into them in order to enable the feature. However, both can be turned off, cutting the connection to Find My.
Airplane Mode may potentially be enabled on your smartphone.
This disables all wireless signals, including Wi-Fi and cellular data.
The burglar may have removed the SIM card from your stolen smartphone.
This disconnects it from mobile internet, making tracking more difficult if not impossible.
There’s also the remote possibility that your iPhone has been misplaced in a country that doesn’t support Find My iPhone.
This is because the feature requires access to Maps, which Apple does not have in some regions.
Even if you have iOS 15, the battery may still be an issue.
Because Apple is refusing to divulge how it works (presumably for security reasons), Bluetooth and NFC may still be affected after some time.
If your iPhone battery dies, Apple’s Car Key protocol uses NFC to unlock cars; however, this only lasts approximately five hours; if your smartphone says it’s offline and you’ve left it some time before checking iCloud, this could be the cause.
Similarly, Find My reportedly only works in iOS 15 when the iPhone is turned down or reset and in close proximity to other Apple devices.
This could be an issue if you reside in or have just visited a distant location.
How to Find an iPhone That Is Offline
Whether you have iOS 15 or not, when you launch Find My, you’ll see a few options.
To begin, it will inform you of its battery levels, which aren’t cause for alarm.
If Find My works, it should provide you with directions.
However, if it isn’t working, you have other options.
While it may appear pointless at first, click on Play Sound first.
This is unlikely to work, especially because your iPhone is currently offline.
If you do locate your smartphone this way, you’ll be pleasantly delighted.
Again, the best way to find your device is to plan ahead of time.
When configuring your device, click to Settings, choose your name, then Find My > Find My iPhone > Share My Location.
This sends your device’s location data to Apple either continuously if you have iOS 15, or when the battery is critically low if you are running an older version.
This is your best chance of retrieving your device, however it will not help if it has been transferred or if the function has been disabled.
You may be able to monitor its location using your Google Maps Timeline if you use Google Maps on your phone.
It is also worthwhile to contact your mobile service provider.
Your carrier may be able to track your device’s location if you have its serial number or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
You can go back to where you were recently and expect to find your smartphone without the use of additional equipment.
Otherwise, you must wait and cross your fingers that someone discovers it.
If Notify When Found is enabled, it’s a good idea to keep signing in to Find My in case this happens.
How to sign in to Find My iPhone on iCloud.com
Even if you have misplaced your trusted device, you can use Find My iPhone on iCloud.com to locate a missing Apple gadget.
Sign in to iCloud.com to access Find My iPhone.
1. Navigate to icloud.com/find.
2. Sign in with the Apple ID and password you used to set up Find My Device (or Find My iPhone).
If you are prompted to enter a code from a trusted device, do so.
- When you login in to icloud.com with your Apple ID and password, you may be prompted to enter a code received to a trusted device. Click the Find iPhone option under “Or obtain quick access to” to proceed without entering a code.
Note: If one of your devices is lost or stolen, you should set up several methods of authenticating your identification.
See the Apple Support article Two-factor authentication for Apple ID for more information.
How to Access Find My iPhone from a Computer
Are you attempting to locate your misplaced iPhone using Find My iPhone?
How to use a computer to access Find My iPhone.
Stage 1: Accessing Find My iPhone
In a web browser, navigate to https://www.icloud.com/find. You can use any computer to access Find My iPhone.
Enter your Apple ID and password to log in.
You won’t have to enter a verification code from your trusted device because Find My iPhone doesn’t require two-step authentication to sign in.
- If you’re prompted to enter a code delivered to another trusted device but don’t have that device, choose Find iPhone under the “Or obtain quick access to” header.
Choose the iPhone that you want to track.
Wait a few moments for the device’s position to appear on the map if you only have one.
If you have multiple devices, click All Devices at the top of your screen, then pick the device you want to find.
Stage 2: Using Find My iPhone
Set your iPhone to ring.
When you’ve set your iPhone somewhere nearby but can’t remember where, press “Play Sound.”
When you click “Play Sound,” your smartphone will ring loudly so that you may find it by following the sound.
Allow your smartphone to enter Lost Mode.
“Lost Mode” is useful if you believe you have misplaced your iPhone.
When you enable this, your smartphone will be locked.
When prompted to enter a new passcode for your iPhone, enter a four-digit PIN in the given space.
To confirm the PIN, enter it again.
- After you set the passcode, you will be prompted to input the contact number with which the person who has or finds your phone can contact you.
Fill in the “Number” field with this.
When you’re finished, press the “Next” button.
You will then see the message that will appear on your lost iPhone.
- You can make changes to the message before clicking “Done.”
Your iPhone will then be locked, with your message and contact number displayed on the screen.
- Without the new passcode, your device will be inaccessible, although it can be used to call the contact number you specify.
Erase the data on your device. As a last resort, select “Erase iPhone.”
When you believe you have lost your iPhone and will not be able to recover it, you can utilize this function as a precaution.
“Remove iPhone” will erase all data stored on your iPhone, including applications, messages, multimedia, contacts, settings, and so on, so that no one can access or misuse your personal information.
- You can only track your iPhone if it is turned on and fully charged.
If it is turned off or has lost its charge, you will notice that it is offline.
You can then choose to receive notifications when it comes on or charges, and you can track it.
How to Protect Your Data If Your iPhone Is Offline
Assume you are still unable to locate your gadget.
You are concerned that it has been stolen or that whoever finds it will gain access to your personal information. What can you do to prevent this from occurring?
Even if Find My claims your iPhone is “Offline,” you can still use its other features. Most importantly, while utilizing Find My, Activation Lock is included. This means that without your Apple ID, no one can disable Find My or remove your iPhone’s data.
What Is “Mark as Lost” in Find My iPhone?
“Mark as Lost” allows you to remotely lock your smartphone and display a personalized message on the screen.
You should give a way for people to contact you in order to return the smartphone.
This disables Apple Pay as an added layer of security.
Furthermore, no alerts will be displayed, so no one will be able to spy on your activity.
You can still make and receive phone calls and FaceTime calls, so you can get someone to call your smartphone to try to retrieve it.
Fortunately, whoever has it won’t be able to access anything else other than answering.
Someone will hopefully find your device and reconnect it to the internet.
Make sure you know what to do if you come upon a misplaced iPhone.
When you get your device back, simply enter your passcode to unlock it.
In Find My iPhone, what does “Erase This Device” mean?
Only utilize the Erase This Device option in emergency situations.
It deletes all data from your phone and disables tracking.
Note that if you’re using Face ID and have a strong passcode, no one should be able to access your personal information anyhow before you panic and take this action.
Erasing your misplaced iPhone is a last resort that should not be acted upon hastily.
Try every method you can think of to locate it once more.
If you want to go down this route, you will have to restore your iPhone from a backup when you get it else you will lose all of your data.
This is why it’s crucial that you regularly backup your devices; otherwise, data will be lost between your backup and smartphone restoration.
By selecting this route, you declare complete hopelessness.
Generally, it is preferable to utilize Mark As Lost.
It makes no difference if you lost your phone 24 hours ago or six months ago.
If someone discovers it and activates it, they will be able to see your message and hopefully return it to you.
You could also consider presenting an incentive.
Should You Delete Your iPhone?
These steps should have helped you find your iPhone, even if it indicates it’s offline.
If you really can’t find your gadget, you might want to consider deleting it.
Mark As Lost is the safer option, so always leave it in this position for a while before wiping all of your data.
Locate a device in Find My iPhone on iCloud.com
If Find My iPhone is enabled and the device is online, you can utilize iCloud.com to determine the approximate location of your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, or Beats product.
To sign in to Find My iPhone, go to icloud.com/find.
Locate your device
1. Go to Find My iPhone on iCloud.com and select All Devices.
Choose the device you want to find.
The device’s name shows in the center of the toolbar.
- If the device is found:
It displays on the map so you can locate it.
Please keep in mind that if your AirPods or Beats products are separated, you will only see one location on the map at a time.
First, locate the one depicted on the map and place it in the case.
Then reload the map and look for the other one.
- If the device cannot be found: Offline appears under the device’s name.
For up to 24 hours, the last known location is presented.
Choose “Notify me when discovered” to receive an email when it is found again.
2. To find another device, click the name of the current device in the toolbar’s center to open the Devices list, and then select a new device.
Note: If you’re not using a smartphone anymore, delete it from your account so it doesn’t appear in Find My iPhone.
Locate a family member’s or friend’s device
You can utilize Find My iPhone on iCloud.com to help find any family member’s smartphone if you’re a member of a Family Sharing group.
In the Gadgets list, their devices are listed underneath yours.
Each family member must configure their devices to share their locations with other members of the family.
See the Apple Support article for more information.
Inform your family about your location.
You can use the procedures above to locate their devices once they have enabled location sharing.
It is not possible to add a friend’s handset to Find My iPhone.
Friends who have misplaced a device can visit icloud.com/find and login in using their Apple ID.
How to Set Your “Find My” Location Device on iPhone and iPad
If you give them permission, friends and family members can use Apple’s “Find My” service to follow your location in addition to tracking your gadgets. It’s crucial to designate a single device as your personal location if you’ve recently switched iPhones or have many devices. Here’s how to complete it on an iPad or iPhone.
Choose which Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) you wish to use as a representation of your specific location first. It must be a piece of equipment you constantly have with you, wherever you go. Open the Settings app on that smartphone.
Choose your Apple ID name from the drop-down menu in Settings.
Tap “Find My” in the Apple ID Settings menu.
Scroll down to the “My Location” line under “Find My” options.
Tap the “Use This iPhone as My Location” or “Use This iPad as My Location” option listed below it if it doesn’t state “This Device” beneath it.
The choice to set the device as your location will be removed after tapping.
The phrase “My Location” will also be changed to “This Device.”
Repeat these steps in the Settings app on another Apple device in the future if you want to establish that device as your “Find My” location.
FAQs
How can I find my iPhone?
View a map of it.
1. Open the Find My app
2. Select the Items or Devices tab.
3. Choose the item or gadget to view its position on a map.
You can see the devices in your group if you are a member of a Family Sharing group.
4. Click Directions to bring up a map of its location.
How do I track an iPhone with another iPhone?
Locate your device
- Click All Devices in Find My iPhone on iCloud.com.
Choose the gadget you want to find.
In the middle of the toolbar is the name of the gadget.
- To find a different device, open the Devices list by clicking the name of the current device in the toolbar’s center, then choose a different device.
Is it possible to locate my iPhone?
Location Services can be found under Settings -> Privacy.
Go to “System Services” by scrolling all the way down.
Select “Significant Locations” from the list at the bottom.
If prompted, enter your passcode; alternatively, use Touch ID or Face ID to confirm.
Can I do Find My iPhone for a friend?
You can use Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to share your location with contacts when Share My Location is enabled.
In the Find People app on watchOS 6 or later, you can now share your location with Apple Watch models that have GPS and cellular and are connected to your iPhone.
How can I track my iPhone for free?
Install it for free, launch it, and log in with the iCloud account you typically use.
You can use Find My iPhone to remotely lock your lost smartphone, play a sound, show a message, or erase all the data on it in addition to finding it on a map and locking it. Find My iPhone also features Lost Mode for lost iOS devices.
How can I Find My lost phone for free?
Make sure Find My Device is activated on Google. Find My Device is always activated whenever you login in to an Android device using a Google account. Should your phone ever go missing, you may remotely track, lock, and wipe it using Google’s free Find My Device service.
Can you track a phone with just the phone number?
A person’s location cannot be determined only from their cell phone number.
Software for monitoring is also required for this.
Using mobile phone tracking software or an app is the most effective approach to discover someone’s position.
Is there a Find My iPhone app from Apple?
Tracking your Apple devices is simple with the Find My app.
Find items to which you have linked AirTag.
and stay in touch with your loved ones.
Even when your missing devices are not online, it still functions on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Where can I download Find My app?
Apple iPad – Download and Install Find My app
- Tap the App Store on the Home screen.
- Click the Search button (located at the bottom).
- Type “Find my” into the search box in the top-right corner and tap. search
- Tap. Find my
- Tap GET if prompted.
- Tap after entering your Apple ID and password from the app. Join now.
