What to do when found a device belonging to someone else

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Level 1

4 points

What to do when found a device belonging to someone else

Attempted contacting support via chat to trace owner via serial number while owner was located the support declined to contact owner about found device telling me to bring the device to the store. The store told me to turn device to the police. The police told me to bring device to my local station of the jurisdiction. The local police told me they have no way of contacting the owner and that the device will be destroyed between 30 to 90 days if not claimed. Is it me or is the system broken or is something missing from Apple which would facilitate returning found device to the rightful owner?

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Dec 28, 2023 12:03 PM

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Answer 1

lkrupp

Level 7

25,465 points

Dec 28, 2023 12:36 PM in response to levon275

Let me ask you a question. If you had lost your phone would you want a complete stranger who found it to be able to unlock it and see all your emails, message, credit cards, photos, etc. just so they could contact you to return it?

Apple does not, and has never, gotten involved in tracing lost or stolen iPhones without a court order by a judge or legal request of the executor of an estate. Other mobile device manufacturers have similar policies. The owner of the lost iPhone can find its location using the Find My app if it was enabled.

Give it to the police or take it to an electronics recycling center.

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Answer 2

Dec 28, 2023 12:37 PM in response to levon275

Apple has, in fact, partnered with insurance companies to have them do this instead. --> Return a lost, locked iPhone - Apple Support

If you found an iPhone that doesn't belong to you and you see a message that says that the iPhone has been reported lost or stolen, here's what to do.

1. Please call

If you're in Japan, please call (012)-093-8240.

If you're in the United States, please call 1-877-406-4554.

2. Ask for a shipping label

When you call the number above, you're connected with the insurance carrier that covers the iPhone. Please ask for a shipping label so that you can mail the iPhone to them.

If you are unable to contact the insurance carrier or return the iPhone, please contact local law enforcement to report that you have found a lost or stolen iPhone.

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What to do when found a device belonging to someone else

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