Numerous iPhone owners fail to retrieve or monitor their devices once they go missing. This article offers insights from JUSTICE OKAMGBA on methods to locate a misplaced iPhone or render it unusable.
The Apple iPhone comes with a high price tag, and misplacing one can be quite distressing. The substantial decline in the value of the naira compared to the dollar has further increased its cost. Even an older model from over seven years ago remains priced at around N100,000 when bought second-hand.
Misplacing your phone isn’t merely about losing money; it also means potentially forfeiting valuable personal details like contact lists, images, and critical files saved within the gadget. This can leave you exposed, particularly when safeguarding measures such as backups or passcodes/biometrics aren't in place, especially for an unprotected iPhone.
This inconvenience can disrupt communications and everyday activities until a new one is acquired. Generally, people experience an array of feelings that span from frustration to concern, varying based on the situation and how much they cherish both the gadget itself and what’s stored within it.
If you misplace your iPhone, several steps can be taken to protect your data and account security. Once your device goes missing, it’s crucial to implement various safeguards for both your privacy and the phone itself. Several functionalities are designed to assist with these efforts.
Mark is lost on iCloud.com
Using your iCloud login details (username and password), you can log into iCloud.com/find using any device to flag one of your devices as missing.
In a blog post, Apple revealed that you can use the Find Devices feature without requiring a verification code, even when your trusted device is missing or has been taken.
If you're asked for a verification code after logging in with your Apple ID and password, simply select the Find Devices option.
Your Apple ID, which includes your email address and password, plays a vital role in using various features on your iPhone and is an important element for all users.
When you designate your iPhone or iPad as lost, it enters Lost Mode. This involves locking the device with a passcode, suspending payment cards and passes used with Apple Pay, and allowing you to display a phone number and message for anyone who finds your device.
Here are a few steps, according to Apple:
Sign in to iCloud.com/find
Select your iPhone or iPad. If available, the map zooms in on your device’s location.
Select Mark As Lost, then follow the onscreen instructions to leave a phone number and message.
Select Activate to lock your iPhone or iPad with its existing passcode. If you have not set up a passcode, you will be prompted to create one.
If the "Find My" feature wasn't activated on your device prior to losing or having it stolen, it will not show up on iCloud.com/find or within the Find My app. Additionally, you won't be able to flag it as missing or perform a remote wipe.
Protecting your data
However, you can take a crucial step to safeguard your personal data. Log into appleid.apple.com and immediately update your Apple ID password.
Once you choose your iPhone, the map will magnify to show its exact position.
The company behind the iPhone cautioned, "Should your iPhone be stolen or appear on the map at a location you do not recognize, like an unknown address, avoid attempting to retrieve the device on your own. Instead, reach out to the local police."
Stolen device protection
This is one of the newest additions to the iPhone's current feature set.
Once you activate the Stolen Device Protection feature, sensitive operations require a security waiting period.
This involves a successful Face ID or Touch ID confirmation, followed by a one-hour waiting period, and subsequently another valid biometric authorization.
The aim of the security delay is to stop unauthorized individuals from modifying settings that could lead to your iPhone or Apple ID account getting locked.
Apple stated, "Should your iPhone be missing from its usual spot, you must use Face ID or Touch ID to activate Lost Mode."
"If you or another person attempted to modify your Apple ID password on your iPhone when you were somewhere unusual, your iPhone may not show up on the map via iCloud.com/find. However, you can still flag it as lost to secure your device," according to Apple.
Alternative methods to locate your iPhone
Apple offered alternative solutions that might assist any iPhone owner facing a similar issue.
"If you own another Apple device—such as an iPhone or iPad—that is logged into your account via Apple ID or associated with a user in your Family Sharing group, you can utilize the Find My application to remotely lock your iOS device and assist in locating it," it explained.
You can locate a missing iPhone using the Apple Watch as well. Simply open Control Center on your watch and tap the Ping your iPhone button.
You have the option to tap for playing a sound on your iPhone or press and hold the button to activate the flashlight. Additionally, you can receive navigation instructions directly to your watch, guiding you to the location of your device.
Additionally, you can utilize the Find My app on another device. Should you possess another Apple device logged into your Apple ID account, employ the Find My feature of that device to remotely lock and locate your iPhone or iPad.
Report your missing iPhone
Apple states that you have the choice to inform your local police department and share the serial number of your iPhone or iPad with them. This information can be obtained even when you do not have physical access to the device.
Reach out to your wireless carrier to report the loss of your iPhone, request the deactivation of your account, and inquire about filing a claim if your iPhone is covered under your wireless carrier plan.
Remotely erase your iPhone or iPad
Erasing your iPhone is the last option for any user who has lost his or her smartphone.
Before you decide to wipe your device, ensure that you have exhausted all options for locating it. Once erased, this action cannot be reversed.
The company behind the smartphones stated: "You have the option to remotely delete your device through the Find My application or via icloud.com/find."
If your gadget runs iOS 15 or newer versions, including iPadOS 15 or later iterations, you can continue to utilize Find My or access iCloud.com/find for locating purposes even post-erasure.
If you have AppleCare+ for theft and loss protection, keep the device linked to Find My and your Apple ID, even if you perform a remote wipe.
Do not take your iPhone off of Find My or disconnect it from your Apple ID until your claim has been completely approved.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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