Article Summary
Find My iPhone is an app from Apple that allows you to locate your phone on a map in the event it's lost or stolen. You can do this on another Apple device (other phone, tablet, computer) via iCloud or Find My iPhone. It also allows you to remotely lock your phone or wipe it clean to protect your sensitive personal info.
To download the Find My iPhone app, go here. Note that there's no Android version.
Setting Up Find My iPhone
Setting up Find My iPhone on your device is pretty straightforward—just follow these steps:
- Start at your Home screen.
- Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud. If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Find My iPhone.
- Slide to turn on Find My iPhone and Send Last Location.
If you're asked to sign in, enter your Apple ID. If you've forgotten it, use this Apple support page for assistance. Note that when you set up Find My iPhone on your phone, your paired Apple Watch and AirPods are connected to it as well.
Locating Your iPhone Using iCloud
There are two ways to find your lost or stolen iPhone via another device such as a laptop or tablet: either by logging into your iCloud account on one of these machines, or downloading and using the Find My iPhone on them. This section explains the process for the former.
- Go to https://www.icloud.com/
- Log into iCloud with the account info you used for Find My iPhone
- Once you're in, locate the Find My iPhone icon and click on it
- You'll be presented with a list of devices; click on the one you want to find
- A green dot next to a device means it can be located; you'll also see when it was last located; a gray dot indicates the device is turned off or not connected to a network
- Click on the device you want to find, and its approximate location will appear on the map
Find My iPhone Remote Commands
Find My iPhone features the following useful commands:
Play Sound
Clicking on "play sound" will get it to beep, which is useful if you're near the phone.
Lost Mode
Clicking on "Lost Mode" will remotely lock your phone and set a passcode so whoever comes across it can't get into it.
Erase iPhone
If you've given up hope of recovering your device, you'll want to wipe it clean so your personal info can't be used maliciously. To do this, click the "Erase iPhone" button
Update Location
To get an updated location for your phone, click on the green dot, and a circular arrow will appear; click on that to get an updated location, if you think your iPhone is moving.
Locating Your Phone Via Find My iPhone
The process of finding your phone with a second Find My iPhone app is similar to finding it using iCloud. You'll simply open the app, select the device you want to find from the list, and be presented with its approximate location on a map. You can use the same remote commands listed above to find your phone or protect it from thieves.
Choosing a New iPhone
We’ve covered how Find My iPhone works—but maybe you’re device is lost for good and you’re ready for a new one. If this is the case, WhistleOut’s Phone Finder can help you find a brand new one—and a phone plan to go along with it.
Whether you’re in the market for one of Apple’s newest flagships like the iPhone 14 or 14 Pro Max, looking to save a few bucks on a slightly older model like the iPhone 12, or want to pick up the intriguing iPhone SE, our platform is a great place to find exactly what you’re looking for, via a payment plan that suits your situation.
iPhone 14 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 14 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 14 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Frequently Asked Question
How can I find my friend's iPhone?
You can help your friend or family member find their iPhone with Find My by letting them use your device to sign into iCloud. This is better than asking them for their credentials and signing in yourself.
Can I use Find My if my phone is offline?
Yes. However, you may not get the exact location of where your iPhone. Instead, you'll get the location of your phone when it was last online.
Can Find My find AirPods?
Yes. In addition to iPhones, Find My can help you locate your AirPods, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Can Find My be wrong?
Yes. Find My uses a number of different factors to locate your device, such as GPS and cellular tower triangulation. While the system is mostly accurate, there is a chance one of these factors can fail and show you the wrong location.
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
Related Articles
Find Better Phones and Plans
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
