Can't track stolen iPhone

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can't track stolen iPhone

Hello everyone

This is my first post on these boards, so I'm not sure I'm in the right place, but I'll give it a shot.
Tonight my iPhone 5 iOs 9 was stolen while I was out shopping with some friends. It was only when I got home, I noticed it was gone from my purse. I'm fairly new to the iPhone, but I tried to find the iPhone through my iCloud account. I'm 100 percent sure this option was also active on the phone itself.

However, when I logged into my account on my computer, it could not find the phone.
Is it possible that the one who has my phone has somehow gotten into it, although it has a passcode, erased it and leaving me unable to find it?
I have also tried calling it, but it automatically turns to voicemail. Tomorrow, I will contact my provider to block the IMEI number and report it to the police.
But I'm very worried the person who has the phone will now have a chance to completely wipe the phone so it can no longer be found.
Is there anything else I can do in the meantime?

Thank you very much in advance for any help!

Posted on Sep 1, 2016 5:29 PM

Reply

Answer 1

ckuan

Level 10

120,932 points

Sep 1, 2016 9:12 PM in response to WollyPolly

Here's how FindMyiPhone works:

1. FMiP must be on and active before lost

2. iPhone must have Internet connection (cellular of Wi-Fi)

3. iPhone is not switched off

4. Battery is not dead

The thief can do No. 3.

If iPhone has passcode enable and FMiP on, there is no way the thief can get your data.

Activation Lock is in place automatically: Read here: Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support

Lost or Stolen

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201472

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Answer 2

WollyPolly Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 1, 2016 6:34 PM in response to ckuan

Thank you very much for the quick response.
From what I've read at the link you've posted, this is only to wipe the content on the phone.

It's not so much the data on the device that get me worried, it's being able to find it back.
There's only a few songs and a couple of pictures on it, so if they are lost, it's no biggy.
No sensitive things are on there (banking, I don't use Facebook, etc.)
I know the phone can be wiped from a distance, but will I be able to track it when it has been reset by that person?

I have worked hard on my student job to buy this phone, so I really, really want it back as I can't afford a new one.

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Answer 3

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,407 points

Sep 1, 2016 6:39 PM in response to WollyPolly

It is unlikely that you will find it or get it back.

You can keep looking on iCloud to see if it shows up, but I would think it unlikely.

Sorry

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Answer 4

WollyPolly Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 1, 2016 6:46 PM in response to roaminggnome

That is not the good news I was hoping for.
I was kinda hoping that when the "new owner" turned it on and logged onto the device with another Apple id, I would still be able to track it down.
Thank you anyways for the help. I won't give up, but I realize I probably won't see the phone again 😟

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Answer 5

ckuan

Level 10

120,932 points

Sep 1, 2016 9:12 PM in response to WollyPolly

WollyPolly wrote:

...

I know the phone can be wiped from a distance, but will I be able to track it when it has been reset by that person?

...

To reset, your Apple ID and password are needed so no person other than yourself can do a reset.

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Answer 6

WollyPolly Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 1, 2016 7:40 PM in response to ckuan

Ok, that's already kind of a relief that person won't be able to use the phone itself 🙂

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Answer 7

ckuan

Level 10

120,932 points

Sep 1, 2016 8:55 PM in response to WollyPolly

WollyPolly wrote:

Ok, that's already kind of a relief that person won't be able to use the phone itself 🙂

That's correct.

Just don't fell for phishing messages claiming your iPhone is found and needs your password/passcode for identification.

All the best.

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