Find a Lost or Stolen Phone
Your phone is missing. Don't panic: you can see where it is, make it ring, and lock it from any computer. Here's exactly what to do, in order.
Use another device right now
On any computer or phone, go to icloud.com/find and sign in with your Apple Account. Or use the Find My app on another Apple device, or a family member's iPhone (via Help a Friend).
On any computer or phone, go to google.com/android/find and sign in with the Google account on the lost phone. Or use the Find Hub app on another Android device.
FINDFind, protect and recover your phone
Work down the list.
The map shows the phone's current or last known location. If it's nearby, like in the sofa or a jacket, use Play Sound. It rings at full volume even if the phone is on silent.
iPhones can often be found for several hours after the battery dies, and even when switched off, through Apple's Find My network of nearby devices.
Many recent Android phones can also be found when offline through Google's Find Hub network, if that feature was turned on.
Choose Mark As Lost. This locks the phone with your passcode, turns off Apple Pay, and shows a message and phone number on the screen so an honest finder can call you.
Choose Secure device (or Mark as lost). This locks the phone, signs out of your Google account, and lets you show a message and number on the lock screen.
- Report the theft to the police and note the report number. Insurers and carriers usually need it.
- Give the police the location from the map. Don't try to recover it in person.
- Call your carrier to suspend your SIM, so nobody can use your number for calls or verification codes.
Even a locked phone can be a risk if the thief knows your passcode. From another device, change the passwords for your email, banking and your Apple AccountGoogle account first, then remove the lost phone from trusted devices.
Choose Erase This Device. Don't remove it from your account afterwards: Activation Lock stays on, so nobody else can set it up and use it.
Choose Factory reset device. Factory Reset Protection means it can't be set up again without your Google account password.
Check your phone insurance or AppleCare+ Theft and Loss cover, and ask your carrier about blocking the phone's IMEI number so it can't be used on their network.
PREPARESet this up today, before you need it
Turn on Find My
Settings › your name › Find My › Find My iPhone. Turn on Find My network and Send Last Location too.
Turn on Find Hub
In Settings › Google › All services › Find Hub (names vary), turn on finding, and offline finding if offered.
Turn on Stolen Device Protection
In Settings › Face ID & Passcode, this stops a thief who knows your passcode changing your Apple Account.
Turn on Theft Protection
Newer Android phones can lock themselves if snatched. Look for Theft protection in Settings › Google or Settings › Security.
Use a strong passcode
Six digits or more, not your birthday. Face or fingerprint unlock makes it painless.
Write down your IMEI
Dial *#06# and save the number somewhere other than the phone. Police and carriers may ask for it.
FAQCommon questions
Can I find my phone if it's turned off or the battery died?
Often, yes. iPhones and many recent Android phones can be located for a while after switching off through networks of nearby devices, if that feature was on. Otherwise you'll see the last known location.
Can I find a phone if Find My or Find Hub was never turned on?
Unfortunately not with these tools. Check your Google Maps Timeline, or ask your carrier, and report it to the police.
Should I erase my phone straight away?
No. Lock it first and try to locate it. Erasing removes your ability to track it.
Someone found my phone. How do they contact me?
If you marked it as lost, your message and number appear on the lock screen. Emergency calls also still work from a locked phone.