Find MacBook when it is switched off / offline

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Level 1

108 points

Find MacBook when it is switched off / offline

The "Find my" macbook function is said to find the device even if it is offline.

But only if it's on or in standby, right?

If I turn off the macbook I can't see its location, whereas if I leave it in standby I can see it.

This means that if a thief when stealing it turns it off by holding down the power button, the function is totally useless, do you confirm this?

So what's the point of "finding a device offline" as Apple says? Shouldn't the location chip remain powered (for searching via nearby devices in the find my network) even when the machine is switched off? Especially since it has a non-removable battery.

Thanks

MacBook Pro Apple Silicon

Posted on Jan 9, 2023 11:30 PM

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Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Jan 10, 2023 12:24 AM in response to medialp

Your MacBook Pro can be located again, as soon as it is connected to the internet.

And in case it got stolen, you can lock it remotely, to protect your data.

If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support

...

You can still track your device's location while it's locked as long as it's connected to the internet. If it's offline, the actions take effect the next time your Mac is online.

...

copied from: If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Jan 10, 2023 1:12 AM in response to medialp

That's correct, enabling this option can help you even more. If you have "Find my network" enabled for your Mac, other devices can help to locate your Mac via Bluetooth, even without the Mac being connected to Wi-Fi:

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copied from: Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

medialp Author

Level 1

108 points

Jan 10, 2023 12:43 AM in response to Ingo2711

Ok so it must be always powered on or in stop modus.

So what is the difference with the old "Find my" before "Find my network" function? That it can also use neighbouring mobile phones via bluetooht without a wifi connection?

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Answer 4

medialp Author

Level 1

108 points

Jan 10, 2023 8:21 AM in response to Ingo2711

Pity, I thought this function always remained active even when pc is off, it is almost useless if you just turn mac off.

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Answer 5

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Jan 10, 2023 8:53 AM in response to medialp

Keeping Bluetooth alive, when the rest of the Mac has been switched off completely, would drain the battery, if this would even be a technical possibility.

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Find MacBook when it is switched off / offline

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