Recovering a stolen device help!

Question

Level 1

8 points

Recovering a stolen device help!

I have reported a stolen IPod through local authorities. If they aren't able to physically recover it then what is Apples formal procedure for locating my stolen device via serial number if the thief uses it online? If my device has been flashed it's not possible to locate it through the Find My IPhone App or if it isn't automatically connected to a wifi source before the flash. The IPod is registered to my name, email and so on by serial number. The device was password locked so the only way for someone to use it would be to flash it (restore to factory state).

iPod touch (4th generation), iOS 6.1.6

Posted on Sep 2, 2015 7:21 PM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,513 points

Sep 3, 2015 7:50 AM in response to WhoRunIt187

That is correct for iOS 6 and earlier. In iOS 7 Apple implemented this to prevent use of stolen/lost devices

Find My iPhone Activation Lock

WhoRunIt187 wrote:

Also i have setup find my iPhone and it is passcode locked. Any somewhat tech savvy user, kids, adults, average PC operator can bypass that by flashing the device.(Rewrite the said devices operating system to it's original factory state)

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Answer 2

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,401 points

Sep 2, 2015 7:30 PM in response to WhoRunIt187

Like any manufacturer, Apple can do nothing at all.

The serial number does nothing to help recover the device. It only helps you to identify a device that the police may come across as yours.

If you cannot find it via iCloud/find my iPod, then it cannot be tracked.

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Answer 3

WhoRunIt187 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 2, 2015 7:48 PM in response to roaminggnome

Hmm...so if the perpetrator flashes my device, registers it, under their name (new account) through Apple under my already reported stolen serial number they will allow and condone this? and not disable the device or flag, alert deputies that persons ip address to find the residential address in order for it to be recovered and returned to me the original owner?

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Answer 4

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,401 points

Sep 2, 2015 7:52 PM in response to WhoRunIt187

As with any manufacturer, Apple can do nothing at all about this. It is not the manufacturers job to police the use of their devices.

If you set up find my iPhone and passcode locked it, then the thief should not be able to use it.

Virtually no manufacturer of any product does what you want Apple to so.

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Answer 5

WhoRunIt187 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 3, 2015 1:34 AM in response to roaminggnome

Oh okay, thanks the for the help anyway...just needed to know that Apple does condone stolen device activity when it comes to using their online services. cause for example if someone stole my Xbox One and i reported it as stolen via serial number. Microsoft will not allow that device (console) use its online services and will notify the right law enforcement authorities to take criminal action if an attempt is made.

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Answer 6

WhoRunIt187 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 3, 2015 1:56 AM in response to roaminggnome

Also i have setup find my iPhone and it is passcode locked. Any somewhat tech savvy user, kids, adults, average PC operator can bypass that by flashing the device.(Rewrite the said devices operating system to it's original factory state)

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Answer 7

Sep 3, 2015 5:22 AM in response to WhoRunIt187

Hold on. You said you had Find my iPhone on? Yes, probably the crook turned it off. But its worth checking. Find another Apple device, install Find my iPhone on it, sign in to your iPod's Apple ID, and then you can track the person that stole the device(unless he turned Find my iPhone off). Do this ASAP because if he hasn't turned it off yet, he probably will soon.

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Answer 8

WhoRunIt187 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 3, 2015 1:37 AM in response to WhoRunIt187

thanks for* the* help

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