1. Make sure you’ve signed up and enabled iCloud on your device. From Settings > iCloud you can sign up for, or if you’ve already got an account connected, scroll down and ensure Find My iPhone is enabled (by default it isn’t enabled).
2. Location service must also be enabled – from Settings > Location Services > On
3. Scroll down on the same screen to Find my iPhone at the bottom of the list and click through to enable it specifically there.
To set it up on your Mac, you need to have the latest OSX, iTunes and iCloud specific updates installed. There should then be a new iCloud control panel icon in your preferences screen.
When your phone gets stolen:
- Open up the Find my iPhone app from either any other iOS device (you need to download it from the app store first), or log on to icloud.com from a computer.
- You should see a list of devices registered to your account, and location discovery will begin. Click on the device once it’s been located correctly.
- You should now see it on a map, but clicking on the device, then the small blue “i” will open up the menu of actions you can take. There are 3 choices:
Play Sound or Send Message: This allows you to send a quick “this message is lost/stolen” type message as well as sound an alarm which works even if the phone is in silent mode. Note, this is also a great way to find your phone at home!
Remote Lock: This places the device into a locked mode exactly as if you had setup a regular lock screen before it was stolen. You choose the 4 digit code now, so make sure you don’t forget it.
Remote Wipe: This is final and more drastic option – it will initiate a low level format of all your data, leaving it like a fresh iPhone straight from the factory. Be very careful when using this, as you will no longer be able to track, lock, or message this device if you use this option.
Firstly lock the device and prevent any calls from being made.
Secondly, follow the device via the GPS signal.
Use remote wipe as a last option only if you’re confident you won’t get the device back.
Make sure your mobile provider knows you want to lock out the SIM.
