Phone does not appear in Find my iphone

If it's not in the list then find my is not active on the phone. If she got a message supposedly from Apple that it had been located and used a link in the message to 'log in' to track it, she fell for a phishing scam.

Find My is the only way to track, lock or locate it.

DrWolfz wrote:

Hi MariOien,

This a quite frustrating, but me and others are here to help. If AppleCare+ With Stolen and Lost protection has been activated, please file a claim.

If not, consider reaching out to Apple Support as they have me resources to assist you.

(If you get a text saying it is "Apple Support", do not respond. Apple Support will never text you.)

Actually reaching out to Apple Support won't help them. Apple maintains a strict policy of NOT getting involved in lost or stolen devices.

The reality for them is Find My was either turned off before the phone was lost or a message was responded to from a thief and the sign in credentials were given, giving the thief full access to wipe the phone.

The phone will most likely never be found again. All they can really do is:

1. Change their Apple ID Password
2. Cancel any credit cards if any were tied to the account
3. Change any password for sensitive accounts (banking or social media)
4. Contact the carrier and ask them to Blacklist the phone, so it can't be activated on another network

Hi MariOien,

This a quite frustrating, but me and others are here to help. If AppleCare+ With Stolen and Lost protection has been activated, please file a claim.

If not, consider reaching out to Apple Support as they have me resources to assist you.

(If you get a text saying it is "Apple Support", do not respond. Apple Support will never text you.)

DrWolfz wrote:

Hi MariOien,

This a quite frustrating, but me and others are here to help. If AppleCare+ With Stolen and Lost protection has been activated, please file a claim.

Since Find My is not active on the device, they don't have a claim.

KiltedTim wrote:

DrWolfz wrote:

Hi MariOien,

This a quite frustrating, but me and others are here to help. If AppleCare+ With Stolen and Lost protection has been activated, please file a claim.

Since Find My is not active on the device, they don't have a claim.

You're absolutely correct. They cannot file a claim for a lost or stolen iPhone if Find My was not active.