lost iPhone

you can only find it using the find my app if it's on and has an internet connection

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

otherwise one can only look manually, report it to the police and ones insurance company

1. If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple ...
2. Find the serial number or IMEI on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod ...

You may use a web browser to get Serial Number and IMEI Number. You cannot track using iMEI number. but you may need it so keep it handy

Did you enable Find My?

If you didn't turn on Find My [device] before your device was lost or stolen, it can't be used to locate your device. Change your Apple ID password. Change the passwords for other internet accounts on your device. This can include email accounts, Facebook, or Twitter etc...

Don'ts

If you remove the device from your account after you erase it, Activation Lock will be turned off. This allows another person to turn on and use your device.

Do's

• Mark As Lost.
• Erase your device.
• Apple Care+ :- file a claim for your lost or stolen iPhone. (If you had Find My enabled)

I see my device in Find My, but it's offline

If you see "Offline," "No location available," or "Location Services Off," your device might be offline for one of these reasons:

• It's powered off, the battery has run out, or more than 24 hours passed since the last location was sent to Apple (if Send Last Location is turned on). When your device is connected to the Internet, you can see the remaining battery in the upper-right corner of the information pane. 
• Your Find My compatible device isn't connected to a known Wi-Fi or data network. Wait a few minutes and try again.
• You're in a country or region where we don't offer this feature. This feature might not be available in your country or region due to technical limitations or local law.

You can still play a sound, send a message, issue a lock request, or start an erase of your iOS device with Find My [device]. Your device receives the command after you turn on your device and connect to the Internet.

If you contact your wireless service provider to report your device lost or stolen, they might deactivate your SIM card or account. This turns off service for your iPhone and you won't be able to find, play a sound, send a message, issue a lock request, or start an erase of your iOS device with Find My [device]. However, we'll help you learn how to protect your information.

Your device's last known location is available for one day. If your device is offline or can't connect to Find My [device] for more than 24 hours, you won't be able to see the last known location.