Why can’t apple use the IMEI number to locate a device? My kids had 3 iPhones stolen by their dad and dad’s girlfriend already. Kids will trust their dad giving him their passwords to him to access the phone next thing you know they disappear.

Plshelpamotherout wrote:

Passcode and Apple ID can be easily changed but IMEI number stays the same? Why can’t apple use that to locate a phone instead?

Because that ability to track by IMEI or serial number would be staggeringly, massively, utterly, entirely, totally, and completely misused.

People would be stalked, thieved, attacked, and worse. Much worse.

What tracking Apple provides with Find My is opt in.

The carrier can block the device based on IMEI.

Plshelpamotherout Said:

"Passcode and Apple ID can be easily changed but IMEI number stays the same? Why can’t apple use that to locate a phone instead? "

-------

For reference...

Troubleshooting Compromised Accounts:

You can only have one iCloud eMail account. So, create an alias, as an alternative. Go Here: Add and Manage eMail Aliases for iCloud Mail on iCloud.com - Apple Support

Troubleshooting a Hacked Account:

I. Getting In to your Apple Account:

You need to get into your Apple Account. So, contact Apple Support. If you have a hacked iCloud account, then ask the Apple Rep if they can help you add Two-Factor Authentication. Ask them to assist you with changing your password to what it should be. Important: Perform a trial-&-error login session, prior to ending the call.

Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary
• Why the Wait: Phone calls are taking a bit to go through at the moment, due to lots of calls. With the Coronavirus Pandemic, many are at home at the moment, with much time on their hands to contact Apple. So, just stay on the line, and you will get through :)

II. Secure your Info:

If concerned for device access, then (A.)verify your devices, and (B.)secure your account. Open a new eMail addressee d use that for your Apple ID.

A. Verify your Devices:

Verify that all devices are logged in to your account, by using this link: Check your Apple ID Device List to See where you're Signed in - Apple Support

then...

B. Modify your Credentials:

Having been stollen, someone lily has your credentials. So, by all means, modifying them.

• Modify: your login credentials (Using Both a New eMail and a New Password for each and all sites)
• Associate: a different method of payment to your account
• Enable: Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID and for all other accounts that have such an applicable option

III. Report Items to Apple:

So, report phone call's and messages info to Apple and modify. Use my User: Using the Photos App to Report Scams - User Tip

If the phones are being stolen, contact the police.

Plshelpamotherout wrote:

Why can’t apple use that to locate a phone instead?

Very similarly, ar manufacturers do not locate cars using their Vehicle Identification Numbers.