If you want to find a device, you need to go to the iCloud section from the nearest PC - there is no need to download a special software product, all you need to do is use the icloud.com service.
- There you can also set the approximate coordinates of the lost one.
- If you have several mobile devices at once, then all of them will be displayed on the map (the main thing is that the above-mentioned function is activated in each of them).
If you need to select only one gadget, click on the “Devices” button. The tracking procedure will be successful if it is connected to the Internet. A small dot located to the left of the devices button is an indicator that the iPhone you are looking for is connected to the Internet. By its color you can easily determine whether you have access to the World Wide Web.
If this function was unable to determine the location of the mobile device, the latest location coordinates will be displayed on the monitor. Along with this, via your PC you can activate the sending of notifications when the device is connected to the Internet.
Supporting Features
The above function has a lot of useful helper functions:
- If the device is near the computer that is being tracked, the program plays a special sound. And even silent mode will not stand in her way.
- If there is a possibility that the iPhone was lost in a public place and you need to protect all your important data, then simply set a four-digit password. After this, no one will be able to unlock it. In particular, this procedure is relevant when it is necessary to find a stolen gadget.
- If your lost device cannot be found, you can delete all information down to the last file contained on it. However, if the iPhone is found after this, the files can be easily restored from the backup, which is generated by the iTunes application every time it is updated.
- All the operations described can be performed in case of loss of the iPad.
It should be noted that this issue, as well as many others, has other solutions, all of them are demonstrated in this video:
That's it, I'll finish. I hope you already know how to use iPhone icloud from your computer. Don’t forget to write your questions in the comments and we’ll discuss everything there. Finally, you can read where you can or, and also. I wish everyone great health and peace in their families.
If you suddenly lost your iPhone, then you should not rush to become despondent and upset about a possible leak of confidential data. Apple has tried to do everything possible at the software level to ensure that users lose their i-devices as rarely as possible, and their personal information does not accidentally fall into the hands of attackers.
The set of pre-installed applications on any modern iPhone includes a utility called “Find My iPhone,” the purpose of which is to allow the user to partially control a lost smartphone from a distance. It’s worth saying right away that to use the application, your iPhone must be registered in the search system in advance, even before the loss occurred - otherwise you simply will not be able to use this function.
To enable the function on iOS 11, you will need to go to “Settings”, open your own profile (it is located at the very top of the menu) and go to iCloud, where you will need to find the line “Find iPhone” and set the slider next to it to active mode. This completes the entire setup - now this function will work on your device permanently. To disable the utility, you will need to go back to the same “Settings” submenu and move the green slider in the opposite direction.
The Find My iPhone feature offers three usage scenarios: remotely locking a lost device, deleting all data from a smartphone, and activating a sound signal from a distance. Let's look at each point in a little more detail:
- "Lost Mode" In this section, you can remotely block your smartphone using any other device that has Internet access. After you enter your iCloud password, access to any iPhone functions will be prohibited, and the corresponding message will appear on the phone’s display.
- "Erase iPhone." Using this option, the user can permanently erase absolutely all data from a lost gadget, thereby protecting themselves from leakage of confidential information stored on the iPhone.
- “Play sound” allows the owner of the missing smartphone to activate a loud, distinctive sound on the device. The function will be useful if you have lost your iPhone somewhere at home or at a party and simply cannot find your device nearby.
An important condition for the operation of all three functions is the active connection of the missing smartphone to the Internet: otherwise, the commands sent simply will not reach the device.
How to find if the device is turned off
If the battery is dead or the device's power is intentionally turned off by an attacker, the situation with finding the iPhone becomes more difficult. You won't be able to get up-to-date information about the geoposition of the missing smartphone - you will only have the opportunity to find out where the gadget was before it was turned off. In most cases, such information is unlikely to provide any assistance in the search, but sometimes it is enough: for example, if the phone was lost at home, you can calmly search for it and not worry that it was stolen or left in some another place.
In order for the smartphone to send information about its last location before disconnecting the geolocation, the user will need to activate this option in the same iCloud section. Move the Last Location slider to the right and your device will always send its location data to the Apple server when the battery charge is critically low.
If your iPhone has been stolen and then deliberately disabled, you can send a message to the device that will appear on the display after activating the gadget. Perhaps the attacker will decide to return the smartphone for a reward or on other terms. If the missing device is found by someone decent, then there is a high probability that after receiving the contact information from this message the person will return the device free of charge. You can enter a text message with contacts in the “Lost Mode” section, which was already discussed earlier.
How to find via iPhone
You can also access the geolocation data of a missing iPhone from another iPhone (or from an iPad or iPod Touch). To do this, you will need to download the Find My iPhone utility from the AppStore or simply open it if it is already installed. When you first log into the application, you will be asked to enter the iCloud account name and password that were used to authorize on the missing smartphone.
If everything goes well, you will see a geographic map with a mark on the location of the lost device, as well as three remote control buttons. In general, the application interface is an adaptation of the web version of the Find iPhone service, from which the entire search process is carried out. An additional function of the application is the ability to plot a route to the place where the missing gadget was found, which will help you save some time and instantly hit the road for the found iPhone.
If you own several i-devices, all of them will be displayed on one map. To view information specifically about a lost device, click on its name in the block with a list of all gadgets.
Also, if the missing iPhone loses its cellular signal or if its battery is completely discharged, there will be a gray circle next to the smartphone’s avatar, indicating that the data provided in “Find iPhone” is not the most recent. A green circle is displayed when the lost device has access to the Internet and the information is the most current.
Also in the “Find iPhone” application you can see the remaining battery charge of the missing device; this data is updated along with the geographic coordinates of the smartphone.
How to find an iPhone from an iCloud computer
If you don’t want or have the opportunity to download the Find My iPhone application to another Apple device, you can always use the web version of the service.
To search for a missing smartphone from a computer via iCloud, you must complete the following steps:
- Go to the iCloud website.
- Click on “Open Find iPhone”.
- Enter your AppleID and account password.
- In the drop-down menu above the map, select the device that is missing.
- Get all the information you need.
It is important that iCloud will display devices associated with the account with which you are currently logged in. If the missing smartphone is dead or does not have an Internet connection, you can still use any of the three functions presented: when the iPhone is activated and connected to the network, the commands will be executed.
Apple mobile devices are good at determining their location, but problems with finding an iPhone or iPad may still arise. Knowing the geographic coordinates of your gadget, you can easily find them in the real world, but here’s what to do if your smartphone was stolen or found and taken to a high-rise building.
At the moment, no geolocation service can provide the user with information regarding the physical altitude at which the device is located.
There are rumors that Apple is looking into this problem, but so far no practical solution to this issue has been presented.
On the iCloud website you can also change your account password if you suddenly lost all hope of returning your smartphone. This should be done to protect yourself from unauthorized distribution of data related to personal correspondence, website passwords, bank accounts and other content.
Conclusion
You definitely shouldn’t get upset or panic when your iPhone goes missing. You can always block attackers' access to personal information. But the scenario in which the lost device will still be returned to its owner looks more optimistic.
Returning a smartphone from Apple will not be difficult if the “Find iPhone” function has been activated on the gadget in advance, allowing the user to obtain up-to-date information about the location of the missing device, as well as block or “clean” the iPhone.
One of the notable features of Apple devices is the ability to search them. If it so happens that you have lost your iPhone or other Apple gadget, or it was stolen from you, then, if necessary, you can try to determine its location using the search function.
The Find My iPhone function is one of the most useful functions of an Apple gadget, which allows you to determine its location. It’s probably no secret to you that if a password is set on your device, then without entering it it is impossible to access the Apple device, erase information and perform any manipulations other than completely turning off the gadget. Therefore, if the gadget remains turned on and has Internet access, for example, your SIM card is still in it, then the location of the gadget can be easily determined through any browser.
How to determine the location of an iPhone?
2. Once you have successfully logged in, the screen will display the usual application icons, among which you will need to open "Find iPhone" .
3. To continue, you will need to enter your Apple ID password again.
4. A map will appear on the screen. In the upper area of the window, click on the “All devices” tab and select the name of the iPhone you are looking for. If the iPhone is currently online, the next moment you will see its location on the map.
5. An additional menu will appear in the right area of the window, in which you can take the necessary action in relation to your gadget: play a sound that cannot be drowned out in any way, activate the lost mode, thanks to which you can place information on the smartphone screen, for example, about your contacts, as well as the amount of reward for the return, as well as the complete removal of information from the device if the hope of returning the gadget is lost.
For some time now, Apple devices have built-in a wonderful “Find iPhone” function (“Find iPad”, “Find Mac”, “Find iPod”). This function allows the user to protect their device to some extent from theft or loss. I recommend setting up this functionality for all users of iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Mac computers
How to setup?
Requirements: Your device must already have iCloud enabled and configured.
Let's go to Settings->iCloud->Find iPad and turn on the Find iPad checkbox.
Let's go to System Preferences->iCloud. Check the box next to Find Mac.
To disable the function in iOS and OS X, you need to know your iCloud password.
Find My iPhone
The Find iPhone program (free, universal version) is necessary for finding your devices: it conveniently shows a list of your gadgets that have the Find... function enabled. The program also displays all devices on the map.
The user for each device can remotely perform the following actions:
- Play sound. Convenient if the device is lost somewhere nearby.
- Lost mode. In this mode, the device is blocked and the finder is shown the specified phone number and message. The finder can only call the specified number. To remove the lost mode, simply enter the password on the device. Therefore I recommend Always set a password on your mobile gadgets.
- Erase iPhone. When you connect your device to the network for the first time, all data on it will be deleted. It will be possible to restore data only using a backup copy. You can also display your phone number and message to the person who finds the device. The function is relevant if very valuable data is stored on the device.
The disadvantage of the program is that it exclusively requires iOS 8. With the release of iOS 9 it will probably be updated and will require it to work.
iCloud.com
The Find function can also be used through iCloud.com. To do this, you need to know your Apple ID and password. It is noteworthy that this particular function works without two-factor authentication: which is logical, given that a single iPhone may be lost.
Result:
Find My iPhone is the most reliable way to protect your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch from theft or loss. The enabled feature makes it almost useless to steal your device. Firstly, you will be able to track the thief, and secondly, the thief will not be able to properly resell or use your mobile device. It will be easier for him to return it to you for a small reward.
The “Find iPhone” function is currently not hackable. You cannot even reflash the device without temporarily disabling this function.
It's not that simple with Macs. You can only protect your data from prying eyes. Unfortunately, nothing will prevent an attacker from changing or formatting the hard drive.
Good luck to everyone and take care of the safety of your gadgets yourself. :)
All fans of Apple products are looking forward to the appearance of new device models. It’s an extremely unpleasant situation when the iPhone or iPad you just bought was stolen or you accidentally forgot it in a cafe, restaurant, or gym. Thanks to the powerful protection of the manufacturer, they will no longer be able to use it, but the very fact of loss is upsetting. You can avoid this situation if you use the geolocation search functions. To do this, you need to enable special options on your mobile phone.
How to track an iPhone from a computer
You need to worry about connecting geolocation immediately after purchase. A person always loses his phone suddenly and cannot predict this moment. Apple offers to use both built-in and third-party programs to search for an iPhone by geolocation through a computer. There are the following options for tracking the device:
- Built-in functions. The iCloud service allows you to determine the location of your device directly from your computer.
- Through applications. This is specialized software that provides access to determining the coordinates of an iPhone from various sources (Wi-Fi, GPS coordinates, SIM card, IMEI)
- Mobile operator services. Large companies, for an additional fee, offer to remotely find an iPhone if a SIM card is inserted into it.
Find iPhone via icloud from computer
Apple has a proprietary service for finding a phone using geolocation. The service is called “Find iPhone”, you can use it only if you carry out preliminary setup. The function will work only when the Internet is turned on on the gadget; if it is not present, the last point where the iPhone was detected will be shown. You can find your icloud iPhone from your computer using the following instructions:
- Using another phone, log in to Find My iPhone using your Apple ID. The program is available in the App store.
- If you don’t have a phone, you can log in from your computer through a browser from the ICloud website. You need to use your account again.
- You can link several devices to your account at once. Select the one for which you want to search through your computer.
- After this, the location of the phone or the last coordinate where it was recorded will appear on the map. You can transfer a call signal to the device even when the sound is turned off, and display a notification on the screen.
- You can view the device’s last location only if the “Last geolocation” function is activated on it.
How to install and enable Find My iPhone app
The function must be activated in advance to be able to find the iPhone through a computer. When you turn on the device for the first time, the operating system immediately prompts you to activate the ability to track the device. The benefit of the function will be noticeable in different situations - not only if the device is lost, or if a tablet or mobile phone is stolen by attackers. This option will be useful for parents who will be able to search for a device from a computer and understand where their children are.
The iPhone search option will help you find a device that fell out of your pocket somewhere and you simply cannot find it, forgot it in a public institution, or it fell behind the sofa. If you missed activating the functionality when you first started it, you can configure it using the following instructions:
- Open the device settings on your iPhone.
- Click on the “iCloud” item, find the line called “Find iPhone” and activate the function.
- Next, go to the “Privacy” settings section, click on “Location Services” and make sure that they are also activated.
- Scroll through the page with the geolocation function, find the “System Services” option, select it.
- Here you need to enable the “Find iPhone” option.
Search iPhone from computer by IMEI
Each phone has a unique identifier, which consists of 15 characters. This code is called IMEI, it is unique (data cannot be repeated), and with its help you can search for a phone through a computer. To do this, the GPS tracker must be activated on the equipment. To find an iPhone from a computer, you only need to get the coordinates through a special application. If your device is stolen, using IMEI you can perform the following search options:
- Install special programs on your computer, for example, TrackerPlus, Find My iPhone, IMEI-Poisk 2.0. When the Internet is turned on, they will determine the location of the phone.
- If your phone is stolen, enter your IMEI into the database of stolen mobile phones. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of your gadget being resold.
- Contact law enforcement. When filling out the application, you must indicate the IMEI of your iPhone and your Apple ID account information. They can also make a request to the mobile operator to provide geolocation data on the SIM card. The owner cannot carry out such a request on his own.
Independent navigation programs
To use the geolocation function from a computer to search for an iPhone, you can use third-party programs. Most of them work only when the Internet and GPS tracker are turned on, so they will not save you from the actions of an attacker. They are well suited for tracking the movement of a user, for example, a child. There are several popular options that iPhone owners can use for geolocation.
Owners of Apple products can install IMEI-Poisk 2.0. A unique 15-digit identifier is used for tracking, access to mobile operator data is available, and an online search is carried out. This will help you find a person's location or find a stolen mobile. To work with these programs, you must provide the following information:
- phone's last known location;
- when was the last time you used a gadget;
- Device IMEI and number.
IMEI-Poisk 2.0 will send a request to all mobile operator databases that are provided for public use. This will help you establish information about the latest iPhone activity and search for a location using geolocation. The subscriber will receive the following data:
- location of the mobile phone (if it was not turned off);
- is the device turned on now?
- where was the last time you called from your mobile phone;
- read the last text message sent from the gadget.
TrackerPlus - the program helps you find your iPhone by geolocation through your computer. Used to determine the location of the GLONASS and GPS satellite navigation systems. An installed and activated utility on a mobile device helps:
- track the movement of the device;
- determine the location of the device.
If you are going to buy an iPhone, then the SNDeepInfo program will help you check it according to many parameters. One of the most important is IMEI, which is assigned to each device. Database checking will prevent the purchase of a stolen smartphone. SNDeepInfo can give you the following phone parameters:
- actual amount of built-in memory;
- the color specified by the manufacturer;
- date of manufacture;
- unlocking methods;
- firmware version.
Determining location via mobile operator
Large companies providing cellular communication services offer to activate a paid service that helps track the location of your iPhone. This option will be useful for parents who want to know where their child or relative is. As a rule, you can access the results of an iPhone search by geolocation from a computer from your personal account. The service features are as follows:
- Searching for an iPhone by geolocation via a computer has different costs among operators; as a rule, the fee is charged per day of using the service. These features are not provided for free.
- Some operators do not allow you to share search result data with friends, even if they have confirmed permission.
- The mobile operator provides geolocation data even when the device is turned off.
- No additional phone apps are needed. You can log into your personal account by entering your login and password on the website from your computer and see all the results, or send a USSD command from another mobile phone.
Tracking another person's iPhone from a computer
A popular solution for tracking location by geolocation has become the Find My Friends utility. This is an officially approved program for searching for an iPhone from a computer. The phone owner can allow geolocation data to be shared with friends or family. If you lose your smartphone, you can find it. Searching for an iPhone by geolocation via a computer is carried out according to the following instructions:
- Download and install the program on your smartphone. You can download Find My Friends from the official App Store.
- Log in through your account, click on the plus icon at the top right.
- Enter the details of your friend or relative to whom you want to give access to iPhone search data by geolocation via a computer. Click on the word “Send”.
- Send the link to a friend and allow access to the information.
- A list of connected devices will be displayed on the main screen of the application.
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