Find my iPhone only working with Wi-Fi?

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Find my iPhone only working with Wi-Fi?

I was recently trying to use the find my iPhone app. I was using my iPad, which is connected to wifi, to locate my iphone - which is on my ATT data network so it has its own internet connection. However, while using the app no matter what I did, my iphone was showing as "offline." I tried to send the alert sound to see if my iPhone would play the sound, but it didn't. Finally after connecting the iPhone to the same wi-fi as my iPad, it finally showed my iPhone as online and the sound played on my phone.

So I was wondering what would cause my phone to only be online on the find my iPhone app when connected to wi-fi and not just my data network? Is there anyway to fix this?

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 9.1

Posted on Jan 18, 2016 8:23 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jason L

Community Specialist

Jan 19, 2016 12:00 PM in response to nsimmons3

Hi there nsimmons3,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities.

If I understand correctly, you're unable to locate your iPhone 6s Plus with Find My iPhone when the device is only connected to the cellular data network. If you haven't already, try enabling cellular data for Find My iPhone as described in the cellular data settings article below.

About cellular data settings and usage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support

To view the cellular data usage for your apps, tap Settings > Cellular. You can turn cellular data on or off for each app. Contact your carrier if you have questions about your cellular data usage.

Ciao.

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