iCloud: Find your own iOS devices or Mac
If you have lost your iOS device or Mac, you can locate the hardware with iCloud. We will show you how to locate and activate the function on your devices.
Find your iOS device or Mac using iCloud
ICloud must be activated before you can locate your devices. You can read more about this in the next two paragraphs. The device must also be connected to the Internet. If this is not the case, you can at least determine what should happen the next time you connect to the Internet (e.g. lock device).
- Open the iCloud website in the browser or download the Find my iPhone app on your iOS device. The further procedure is identical, we use the browser for explanation.
- Log in with your Apple ID and password and select the "My iPhone" function in the menu. You will now be forwarded to the location. The first search can take a few seconds.
- You will then be shown where the device is currently located. If the device is not connected to the Internet, it is currently not possible to locate it.
- However, if you click on the name of your device in the menu bar at the top, you will be shown several options:
- You can now either display a notification, play a sound, set up a lock code using the "lost mode" or have the device completely deleted. If there is an internet connection, the actions are carried out immediately. If there is no connection, the execution takes place the next time you contact the Internet.
Activate the location function under iOS
In order for the devices to be accessible through iCloud at all, you have to activate the location in the iCloud settings:
- Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
- Scroll down to the "iCloud" menu item and tap on it.
- Activate the "Find my iPhone" option in the list.
Activate the location function on the Mac
- Click the Apple logo at the top right of the screen and select "System Preferences."
- Click on "iCloud" and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Select the "Find my Mac" option and confirm the location function by clicking on "Find my Mac".
All other measures you should take if you have lost your device are summarized in this guide.