What do when I search for my lost iPhone and it says no device after receiving the location sms

Hi bongani116,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand you're trying to track a lost device but you don't see it when using Find My iPhone. We can understand reaching out for more information; we'd like to help. Although you may have been signed in to iCloud on the device, Find My iPhone has to be enabled separately after you sign in; there isn't a way to add a device to Find My iPhone if it isn't in your possession.

Take a look below for some steps and advice for if Find My iPhone hasn't been enabled on your device:

"If Find My [device] isn't turned on on your missing device

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. But you can use these steps to help protect your data:

1. 1. Change your Apple ID password. By changing your Apple ID password, you can prevent anyone from accessing your iCloud data or using other services (such as iMessage or iTunes) from your missing device.
   2. Change the passwords for other internet accounts on your device. This can include email accounts, Facebook, or Twitter.
   3. Report your lost or stolen device to local law enforcement. Law enforcement might request the serial number of your device. Find your device serial number.
   4. Report your lost or stolen device to your wireless carrier. Your carrier can disable the account, preventing phone calls, texts, and data use.

Find My [device] is the only way that you can track or locate a lost or missing device. If Find My [device] isn't enabled on your device before it goes missing, there's no other Apple service that can find, track, or flag your device for you."

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen

Take care.