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Use the website to find lost devices and lock them remotely
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Are you trying to recover your lost phone via Find My iPhone? This feature was introduced to help iPhone owners keep track of their lost phones, and it's easier than ever with iCloud on a computer. This wikiHow article teaches you how to access Find My iPhone from a computer.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Accessing Find My iPhone

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  1. Go to https://www.icloud.com/find in a web browser. You can sign in to Find My iPhone from any computer.
  2. Because Find My iPhone doesn't require two-step authentication to sign in, you won't have to worry about entering a verification code from your trusted device.[1]
    • If you're asked to enter the code that was sent to another trusted device but don't have that device, select Find iPhone under the "Or get quick access to" header.[2]
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  3. If you only have one device, wait a few moments for its location to appear on the map. If you have several devices, click All Devices centered at the top of your screen, and then click the device you want to locate.[3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Using Find My iPhone

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  1. “Play Sound” can be used when you have placed your iPhone somewhere nearby, but you don’t remember where. Clicking on “Play Sound” will make your device ring at its highest volume so that you can find it by following the sound.[4]
  2. “Lost Mode” is helpful when you think you have lost your iPhone. When this is enabled, it will lock your device. You will be asked to input a new passcode for your iPhone, so enter a 4-digit PIN in the provided field. Re-enter the PIN to confirm it.[5]
    • After setting the passcode, you will be asked to enter the contact number that the person who has or finds your phone can call you with. Enter this into the “Number” field. When you’re done, click “Next.”
    • You will then be shown the message that will be displayed on your lost iPhone. You can edit the message if you want, and click “Done” to save. Your iPhone will then be locked and will display your message, along with your contact number, on the screen.
    • Your device will be inaccessible without the new passcode, but it can be used to call the contact number you provide.
  3. “Erase iPhone” can be used as the last option. When you think you have lost your iPhone and won’t get it back, you can use this function as a safety measure. “Erase iPhone” will erase all the data, including your applications, messages, multimedia, contacts, settings, etc., stored in your iPhone so that no one can access or misuse your personal data.[6]
    • You can only track your iPhone if it's on and charged. If it's off or lost the charge, you'll see that it's offline. You can then opt to receive a notification when it turns on or gets a charge and then you can track it.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    The "find my iPhone" app isn't there. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try searching for it in your search bar, but if its not there, then you should be able to go into the app store and search there. You might just have to reinstall it.
  • Question
    Logging into iCloud requires that I input the 6 digit code that is sent to my lost iPhone. Fail. Now what?
    Darlene Antonelli
    Darlene Antonelli
    Community Answer
    If you're asked to enter the code that was sent to another trusted device, but don't have that device, you can select '''Find iPhone''' under the "Or get quick access to" header. Failing that, you need to contact customer support for more help and set up multiple devices for your 2FA.
  • Question
    If I "Erase the device" and log into my iCloud from another device, will everything I previously had show up on my new device?
    Darlene Antonelli
    Darlene Antonelli
    Community Answer
    If you select to "Erase the device," the phone will be erased and connecting it to an iCloud account will not restore that data. However, data from your iCloud account will show up on your iPhone when you connect it (like your Apple ID)
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About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication. With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need. This article has been viewed 199,155 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: December 31, 2024
Views: 199,155
Article SummaryX

1. Go to https://www.icloud.com/find and log in.
2. Select the iPhone you want to track.
3. Make your iPhone ring.
4. Have your device go into Lost Mode.
5. Erase your device data.
6. Adjust the quality, size, and animation of your GIF.
7. Click Save.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 199,155 times.

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