Lost your iPhone? A step-by-step guide on what to do next

Apple iPhone

Whether your iPhone slipped out of your pocket in a cab or got snatched while you weren’t looking, losing a phone is stressful. But if you act fast, you might be able to recover it—or at least protect your data. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide from Apple on what to do when your iPhone goes missing.

Mark it as lost

The first thing you should do is put your iPhone in Lost Mode using Find My. This does three things:

•Locks your iPhone remotely with a passcode.
• Displays a custom message with your phone number on the Lock Screen (if you want).

How:

•Go to iCloud.com/find or open the Find My app on another Apple device.

•Select your lost iPhone from the list.

•Tap Mark As Lost (or Activate).

•Enter a phone number or message, and hit Activate.

File a police report

If you suspect your iPhone was stolen, report it to the police. You’ll need the phone’s serial number or IMEI, which you can find on:

•The original packaging.

•The purchase receipt.

•Your Apple ID device list.

File a claim (If you have AppleCare+)

If you subscribed to AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, you can file a claim and possibly get a replacement.

How:

•Visit Apple’s claims site.

•Sign in with your Apple ID.

•Follow the instructions to file your claim.

Note: The claim must be approved, and there’s a deductible cost involved.

Erase your iPhone remotely (if necessary)

If recovery seems unlikely, you can remotely erase the device to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands.

How:

•Go to iCloud.com/find.

•Choose your lost iPhone.

•Select Erase iPhone.

Important: This action wipes all data but keeps Activation Lock on. That means no one else can use or resell your device without your Apple ID and password.

Remove it from your Apple ID (only if have given up on finding it)

Only do this after you’ve:

•Erased the iPhone.

•Accepted that it’s not coming back.

•Filed any insurance claims.

Removing the device from your Apple ID will:

•Turn off Activation Lock.

•Allow someone else to set up and use the device.

How:

•Go to appleid.apple.com.

•Sign in and find your device under Devices.

•Click it and select Remove from account.

What NOT to do

•Don’t remove the iPhone from your Apple ID too early. If you do, Activation Lock is disabled, and the thief could use or sell it.

•Don’t share your Apple ID or password with anyone who claims they found your iPhone unless you’re absolutely sure they’re trustworthy.

Bonus tip: Turn on lost mode ASAP

Even if you’re unsure where your iPhone went, act quickly. Lost Mode is your best bet at recovering the phone or at least protecting your personal info. And if you’re using iOS 15 or later, Find My can track your iPhone even when it’s turned off.