Wiping Data Stolen iPhone

I have selected 'erase' to wipe my iPhone using the Find My feature.


Can I deactivate my sim card now on my stolen iPhone, or will that prevent me from wiping the phone clean? The phone currently shows as offline and with a message saying 'erase pending'


What I want to know is if the 'erase' is tied to the phone serial number by Apple, or is it tied to the sim card? If it is tied to the phone, then I will deactivate and get a new sim.


Also I want to know if I will still get a message confirming the phone has been erased after deactivating the existing sim.

iPhone SE

Posted on Sep 27, 2021 12:01 AM

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Posted on Sep 27, 2021 12:47 AM

I just got off the phone with Apple support and they confirmed the erase function is tied to the IMEI number on the phone and not the sim. I was advised to therefore proceed with deactivating the sim. They explained that when the phone is eventually switched on using another sim it will immediately proceed to delete all of the data.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 27, 2021 12:47 AM in response to SravanKrA

I just got off the phone with Apple support and they confirmed the erase function is tied to the IMEI number on the phone and not the sim. I was advised to therefore proceed with deactivating the sim. They explained that when the phone is eventually switched on using another sim it will immediately proceed to delete all of the data.

Sep 27, 2021 12:03 AM in response to HRRavi

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.


Sep 27, 2021 12:14 AM in response to SravanKrA

This reply suggests that the erase my iPhone is tied to the sim and not the actual device. Please can your clarify, as based on the sentence below it seems I need to wait before deactivating my sim on the stolen phone.


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].

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Wiping Data Stolen iPhone

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