iPhones are a status symbol for some and a privacy firewall for others, but no matter how you deem them, losing an iPhone is a heartache and a headache all at once.

So what can be done in such an iPhone theft or loss event? Do you make a report and wait or take matters into your own hands? Simply Fixable provides you with all necessary information. Read on to know.

What happens if an iPhone is stolen?

The consequences of a stolen phone could be:

1. The first thing burglars will attempt to do with a stolen iPhone is to wipe it clean. They'll try to erase all the data from stolen iPhones, including pictures, movies, documents, and audio files, and sell them again.
2. The criminals might also try to break the iPhone's screen to attempt to get a replacement through AppleCare. The thieves are often capable of persuading AppleCare that they are the rightful owners of the stolen phone and get it replaced.
3. Also, you have heard of the dubious shops that offer extremely low-cost iPhone repairs. The stolen iPhones end up there. Once they learn they can't use the stolen iPhone, thieves usually disassemble it and sell the individual components to sketchy repair facilities for cash.

How can I locate my iPhone if I lost it?

Follow the below guide to find your iPhone.

Use a map to find your device

Apple gives you the option to find your iPhone in many ways. You can either log in to iCloud.com to locate your device or utilize another Apple device you own using the "Find My" app.

To use "Maps" for finding your iPhone, follow the following:

• Start the "Find My" app
• Select either the "Devices" or the Items tab
• To view the item's position on a map, choose the gadget or object
• You can also view your phone in any family member groups you are a member of
• Open the location in "Maps" by selecting "Directions"

Even if your phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network, you may view its whereabouts if you enable "Find My Network."

Label as lost

Your information is kept secure when you remotely lock your lost device after marking it.

The missing device can show a customized message that includes your contact details.

Follow these to declare your device missing:

• Select the "Devices" or Items" tab in the "Find My" app
• Choose the item or gadget that is missing
• Select "Activate" or "Enable" under "Mark As Lost" or "Lost Mode" by scrolling down

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Then follow the on-screen instructions to:

1. If you want your contact information to appear on your lost gadget or item
2. If you want to input a personalized message asking the finder of your lost item to get in touch with you

Inform your local police of your missing device

Legally, your local police can request the serial number of your gadget, which you can use to retrieve your phone.

In addition, you can also track down the serial number by the following:

• Open a web browser and navigate to appleid.apple.com.
• Use the Apple ID that is associated with your device to log in.
• Select the "Devices'' category. Select the device to view the serial and IMEI/MEID numbers.

Next, if you still require assistance, try these things:

• Have another iOS 10.3 or later-running device signed in to your Apple ID? Navigate Settings > [your name] on that smartphone.
• See all of the devices that are using your Apple ID. Tap the device name to see the serial and IMEI/MEID numbers.
• Do you still have the original packaging for your device? Locate the barcode's IMEI/MEID and serial number.

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Declare a theft and loss

Apple provides additional help to its customers by allowing them to submit a claim for a new iPhone. Remember, this is only possible if "AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss" covers your missing device.

Also, there are other carriers where you can file your claim for theft and loss like:

• AT&T Support
• Verizon Support
• Sprint Support
• T-Mobile Support

These carriers will have the ability to put your account on hold, preventing a thief from using your service and accruing charges.

Delete your gadget remotely

This cannot be undone, so make sure to try the above methods before deciding to do this. To delete your gadget remotely:

• Select the "Devices" tab in the "Find My" app after opening it
• Select the device you want to wipe remotely
• Select "Erase This Device" by scrolling down
• Click "Erase This" [device]

Remember, you shouldn't wipe your device until your claim on "AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss" is active for the missing device.

Speak to your wireless provider

If your iPhone is still connected to the data or Wi-Fi, you can report it to your wireless provider.

This will help you to stop calls, texts, and data use and disable your account.

Delete your accounts from your missing device

Appleid.apple.com gives all the instructions you need to follow to remove a missing device from your list of trusted devices. But follow them only when your claim has already been approved.

Frequently asked questions

Can an iPhone be tracked without iCloud?

Yes, your iPhone can be traced even if you don't have iCloud by using the Apple Watch. One condition is to ensure your Apple Watch is connected to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Can I Find My iPhone if it is off?

You can find your iPhone even when it's not connected to the internet or switched off. You can know the last location of your iPhones by using the "Find My" app.

Can you find a stolen iPhone with an IMEI number?

You can give your IMEI number to a network operator and request them to find your iPhone if you want to trace it using the IMEI number. The IMEI database can also receive reports of IMEI codes.

In all honesty, tracing your iPhone via its IMEI number is less successful than utilizing the "Find My iPhone" feature, but it gives you more options if your iPhone is lost or stolen and "Find My iPhone" isn't activated.

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Can Apple block a stolen iPhone?

When you confirm your identity, your network operator can add your IMEI to a blocklist, preventing your iPhone from connecting to the carrier network. In keeping with this, you can use your IMEI number to disable the stolen iPhone.

Find your lost iPhones efficiently

So that was all you can follow in case of an iPhone theft/loss. But in addition to the above, remove all your debit and credit cards from your device and inform your relatives about your situation as soon as possible.

Even if your iPhone is not in a compromising situation, this will act as a preventive measure.