adams.mt76
Level 1 (4 points)
iPhone

Q: Stolen iPhone 6S, Find my iPhone

Hi,

 

So I have recently been relieved of my shiny new iPhone whilst on holiday in Bilbao, Spain and have done the following so far in a desperate effort to get it back:

 

  • Find my iPhone app was installed on the device and running the latest version of iOS.
  • Had a screenlock password set.
  • Logged into iCloud and set the phone to lost mode, complete with a message on how it can be returned.
  • Also set a sound to play through iCloud. Not sure that this was really necessary but set anyway.
  • The phone is currently showing as Offline.
  • Have contacted my network service provider here in the UK to report it stolen and put a block on the IMEI number.

 

So my understanding is, the next time that the device is switched on my message will be displayed and the thief won't be able to do anything without my Apple ID password?

 

My question is, in the window between it being taken and me getting access to a computer to put it into lost mode would the thief have been able to "wipe" it without my details. Basically, other than a message being displayed on the screen which additional options would they have had before and after lost mode was set.

 

I realise that I'm probably just torturing myself here but I am just curious.

 

Many thanks in advance for your help.

 

Matt 

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 5, 2016 1:29 AM

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adams.mt76

Q: Stolen iPhone 6S, Find my iPhone

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Akarsh Malikal,

    Akarsh Malikal Akarsh Malikal Apr 5, 2016 2:29 AM in response to adams.mt76
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 5, 2016 2:29 AM in response to adams.mt76

    If lost mode is activated. As soon as the person who found your phone or the thief will switch on your iPhone he will receive an pop up massage " this device is lost and your defined msg will be displayed only if the device is connected to internet. Rather than that the person or the thief can't do anything officially with out you device passcode or the apple ID and pass in the device.

     

    The new iOS won't allow you to perform any task without inserting the screen lock password after the device is turn on.

     

    Good luck

  • by adams.mt76,

    adams.mt76 adams.mt76 Apr 5, 2016 5:53 AM in response to Akarsh Malikal
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 5:53 AM in response to Akarsh Malikal

    Thanks for the response.

     

    I won't hold my breath for it's safe return but at least if it's bricked and there is a contact number then I may be contacted for a ransom.

     

    I think I'll stick to cheap, disposable mobile phones in future and keep in iPad for home use only.   

  • by FelipeV,

    FelipeV FelipeV Apr 5, 2016 6:01 AM in response to adams.mt76
    Level 5 (6,904 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 6:01 AM in response to adams.mt76

    As long as find my phone was on before the phone was stolen (and it is turned on by default when activating a new ipHone), when the thieves try to wipe it and activate it, they will be unable to do so. Please be aware that you might get a phishing email from the thieves telling you that your phone has been "found" and that you need to enter you Apple ID credentials. DO NOT DO THAT, as that is an attempt to get you Apple ID info in order to turn off find my iPhone and activation lock. Plus you might get locked out of your Apple account.

     

    Please read this:

     

    If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

  • by adams.mt76,

    adams.mt76 adams.mt76 Apr 5, 2016 6:41 AM in response to FelipeV
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 6:41 AM in response to FelipeV

    Thanks FelipeV,

     

    Great tip regarding potential phishing. I'd like to think that i wouldn't fall for that but having said that a week ago i wouldn't have thought that i'd be stupid enough to get my phone taken....