User profile for user: John_Omowale
John_Omowale Author
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Help Needed: Stolen iPhone 17 Pro Max Scheduled for Removal from Find My on 4 November 2026



Hello everyone,

My iPhone 17 Pro Max was stolen in Lagos, Nigeria. I secured my device and reported the incident to the police.

I recently noticed a message in Find My stating that my iPhone “Will be removed on 4 Nov 2026.”

I did not initiate this removal, and I am concerned about the security of my device, particularly Find My and Activation Lock.

Has anyone experienced this situation or knows why this message appears? How can I prevent the device from being removed and ensure it remains protected?


I would appreciate any guidance on how to get Apple Support to investigate this before the stated date.




Thank you for your help.

iPhone XS Max, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 3:55 PM

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User profile for user: lobsterghost1
lobsterghost1
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 10
231,042 points

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 4:10 PM

Sadly, you responded to a message you thought came from Apple, asking you to verify you account credentials. I suspect this is what you thought "secured your device" was. Only you didn't secure your device and Apple didn't send you the message. The thieves sent the message and you provided them with exactly what they needed to start the clock to remove the device from your account. And worse news, since you fell for the scam, Apple cannot do anything to help you stop the removal of your device.


The bottom line is you cannot stop or prevent this from happening.


You need to do the following at a minimum, since the thieves can now access your phone:


  1. Change your Apple Account Password if you can --> Change your Apple Account password - Apple Support
  2. Change the passwords to banking/financial apps
  3. Contact your carrier and ask them to blacklist the phone to prevent it from being used ever again as a cell phone.
  4. Go buy a new iPhone as you will never see your phone again.


See what Apple recommends when your iPhone is stolen, but again, it's now too late to stop the phone from being removed from your account --> If your iPhone or iPad was stolen - Apple Support



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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: lobsterghost1
lobsterghost1
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 10
231,042 points

Oct 22, 2026 4:10 PM in response to John_Omowale

Sadly, you responded to a message you thought came from Apple, asking you to verify you account credentials. I suspect this is what you thought "secured your device" was. Only you didn't secure your device and Apple didn't send you the message. The thieves sent the message and you provided them with exactly what they needed to start the clock to remove the device from your account. And worse news, since you fell for the scam, Apple cannot do anything to help you stop the removal of your device.


The bottom line is you cannot stop or prevent this from happening.


You need to do the following at a minimum, since the thieves can now access your phone:


  1. Change your Apple Account Password if you can --> Change your Apple Account password - Apple Support
  2. Change the passwords to banking/financial apps
  3. Contact your carrier and ask them to blacklist the phone to prevent it from being used ever again as a cell phone.
  4. Go buy a new iPhone as you will never see your phone again.


See what Apple recommends when your iPhone is stolen, but again, it's now too late to stop the phone from being removed from your account --> If your iPhone or iPad was stolen - Apple Support



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Help Needed: Stolen iPhone 17 Pro Max Scheduled for Removal from Find My on 4 November 2026

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