Use the Find My app. That is the only reliable way to locate a lost iPhone. If you set it up before the phone went missing, you can see its location on a map, play a sound, put it in Lost Mode, or erase it remotely. If you did not enable Find My before it was lost, your options shrink dramatically, but you still have a few things to try.
This guide walks through the steps for each scenario, from the quick fix of a phone left in the couch to the harder case of a device that may be stolen or permanently gone.
What You Need Before You Start
Three things matter before you can find a lost iPhone. First, Find My must have been turned on in the phone's Settings under your Apple ID. Second, the phone must have been connected to the internet at some point after it went missing (or have been within Bluetooth range of another Apple device to use the Find My network). Third, you need access to another Apple device or a web browser signed into the same Apple ID.
If you never set up Find My, go to iCloud.com/find and sign in with your Apple ID. You may see the phone's last known location from before it went offline, but you cannot track it live.
How to Find Your iPhone Using Find My
On Another Apple Device
Open the Find My app on an iPad, Mac, or another iPhone that is signed into the same Apple ID. Tap the Devices tab. You will see a list of all devices linked to your account. Select your lost iPhone. The map will show its current or last known location.
From here you have four options:
- Play Sound: The iPhone will play a loud chirp even if it is on silent. This is the best option if you think it is nearby but cannot see it.
- Directions: Opens the map app to give you turn by turn directions to the phone's location.
- Notify When Found: Useful if the phone is offline. You will get a notification when it comes back online and reports its location.
- Lost Mode: Locks the phone with a passcode and displays a custom message with your contact number. It also keeps tracking the phone's location and sends you alerts.
- Erase iPhone: A last resort. Permanently deletes all data on the phone. If you choose this, you will still be able to see the phone's location if it comes online, but you cannot track it after erasing. Only do this if you are certain the phone is gone and you want to protect your data.
From a Web Browser
Go to iCloud.com/find on any computer or tablet. Sign in with the same Apple ID. The interface is similar to the Find My app. You can see the location, play a sound, enable Lost Mode, or erase the device.
Using the Find My Network (Offline)
If the lost iPhone is not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, it can still send its location via Bluetooth to any nearby Apple device that is part of the Find My network. This works for iPhone 11 and later models (and some earlier ones with the U1 chip). The phone does not need to be on the internet. It sends a low-energy Bluetooth signal that other Apple devices relay to Apple's servers. You will see the location update intermittently as the phone passes by other Apple users.
This is a significant advantage. Even if someone turns off the phone or puts it in airplane mode, the Find My network can still locate it for up to 24 hours after the last charge, as long as the phone has battery power left.
What If the iPhone Is Turned Off or Dead?
If the phone is powered off, the Find My network cannot help. However, you can still see its last known location before it shut down. Enable "Notify When Found" so you get an alert if it comes back online.
If the battery is dead, the same applies. The last location before shutdown is shown.
What to Do If You Cannot Find It
If you have exhausted Find My and the phone is not showing up, you have a few options:
- Check your home and car thoroughly. The phone may be under a seat, inside a jacket pocket, or between cushions. Use the Play Sound feature from another device even if you are not sure the phone is nearby; it might still be within Bluetooth range.
- Retrace your steps. Think about where you last used it. Look at photos or messages sent around that time for clues.
- Contact your carrier. They can blacklist the IMEI so the phone cannot be used on any network. This does not help you find it, but it prevents someone else from using it.
- File a police report. If you suspect theft, provide the serial number or IMEI. Some police departments can track phones, but this is rare.
- Consider a replacement. If the phone is gone and you need a new one, it is worth understanding what it means to buy an unlocked iPhone before you purchase, especially if you are buying used or from a third party. For a full decision, our guide on which iPhone model suits your needs can help you choose the right one.
How to Prevent This in the Future
Two things will make finding a lost iPhone much easier next time. First, always keep Find My enabled. It is under Settings > Your Name > Find My > Find My iPhone. Second, consider adding an AirTag or a Bluetooth tracker to your keychain or bag. AirTags tap into the same Find My network and can be tracked separately. They are not a replacement for Find My on the phone, but they help you locate the items you carry your phone with.
Also, write down your Apple ID and password somewhere secure. You will need it to sign in to iCloud from another device.
FAQ
Can I track my iPhone after it has been erased?
No. Once you erase the iPhone remotely, Activation Lock is removed and the device is no longer linked to your Apple ID. You will not be able to see its location after that.
Does Find My work if the iPhone has no SIM card?
Yes, as long as the phone can connect to Wi-Fi or the Find My network via Bluetooth. Without a SIM, it cannot use cellular data, but Wi-Fi is enough.
What if I forgot my Apple ID password?
Go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with the account. Without the password, you cannot use Find My or iCloud.com.
Can someone else use my lost iPhone after I put it in Lost Mode?
They cannot unlock it without your passcode, and Lost Mode displays your contact message. However, they can still turn off the phone or remove the SIM card. Lost Mode does not prevent the phone from being disassembled for parts.
Is there a way to find an iPhone that was never connected to Find My?
No. Without Find My enabled, the only chance is to contact your carrier to see if they can track the phone's last known cell tower location, but carriers rarely provide this to individuals. You would need a police request.