lakshmifromsharjah
Level 1 (4 points)
Notebooks

Q: iPad and MacBook pro

I Would like to know if we can locate missing/stollen Ipad and MacBook Pro using serial number.

As mine got stollen and the thieves were caught by police.  And was informed that the thief sold these items

to somebody else and could not track.  It would be of great help if there is any suggestion. Thanks.

 

Message was edited by: lakshmifromsharjah

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.3.5, null

Posted on Oct 19, 2016 4:21 AM

Close
lakshmifromsharjah

Q: iPad and MacBook pro

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Roger Wilmut1,

    Roger Wilmut1 Roger Wilmut1 Oct 19, 2016 4:26 AM in response to lakshmifromsharjah
    Level 9 (78,503 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 19, 2016 4:26 AM in response to lakshmifromsharjah

    It's not possible to locate devices by their serial numbers. Only if 'Find my iPad/Mac' were enabled would it be possible, and they would have to be on, not wiped, and able to connect to a network. The serial numbers are only useful if a device turns up somewhere and the serial number is registered as stolen.

  • by lakshmifromsharjah,

    lakshmifromsharjah lakshmifromsharjah Oct 19, 2016 4:47 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Oct 19, 2016 4:47 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

    How can I register the serial numbers as stollen for the stollen device?  Is there anyway to help the customer of apple product.  If that is the case I can give serial number here for both iPad and MacBook Pro. Thanks.

  • by Roger Wilmut1,

    Roger Wilmut1 Roger Wilmut1 Oct 19, 2016 5:01 AM in response to lakshmifromsharjah
    Level 9 (78,503 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 19, 2016 5:01 AM in response to lakshmifromsharjah

    Report the theft to the police and, if the iPad is one with a mobile connection, the carrier.

  • by lakshmifromsharjah,

    lakshmifromsharjah lakshmifromsharjah Oct 19, 2016 11:39 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Oct 19, 2016 11:39 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1

    It was reported to police and the culprits were caught.  Since the thieves  sold the items to somebody else which is not able to trace. Please note my house was broken down on 2nd April 2015. Finally they were in jail and now they were produced in the court.   Now in order to prove to court, I have got nothing but the serial no. and  the invoices.  I repeat my question, is there anyway to track the device using the serial number.  This will help a lot In the investigation. Thanks.

  • by Roger Wilmut1,

    Roger Wilmut1 Roger Wilmut1 Oct 19, 2016 11:41 PM in response to lakshmifromsharjah
    Level 9 (78,503 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 19, 2016 11:41 PM in response to lakshmifromsharjah

    I'm sorry, but it is technically impossible to track a device using its serial number. If you had set up 'Find my iPad/Mac' on them it might have been possible, if the circumstances were right, but without that there is no way.

  • by lakshmifromsharjah,

    lakshmifromsharjah lakshmifromsharjah Oct 19, 2016 11:51 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Oct 19, 2016 11:51 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1

    Yes sir find my iPad is in lost mode ever since April 2015.   But that will work only if they sign in using my Apple ID. Do you think thieves are not smart enough?

  • by Roger Wilmut1,

    Roger Wilmut1 Roger Wilmut1 Oct 20, 2016 12:17 AM in response to lakshmifromsharjah
    Level 9 (78,503 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 20, 2016 12:17 AM in response to lakshmifromsharjah

    In order to be tracked, a device has to be on, not wiped, and able to connect to the internet. This works best when you have mislaid a device rather than its being stolen, since a competent thief will erase it, thus preventing tracking. If you've tried to locate the devices by going to the 'Find my iPhone' section of www.icloud.com and have been unable to, then I'm afraid there's nothing more you can do.