Erase iPhone in case of theft
To delete your iPhone in the event of loss or theft, you must have activated the corresponding function on the device beforehand. You can then lock your iPhone with a code using a computer or an app, send a message to the device, or delete it completely. We'll show you how it's done.
Prepare iPhone for location in an emergency
In order to be able to locate the device in the event of loss, the "Find iPhone" function must be activated:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select the "iCloud" item.
- Activate the "Find iPhone" option here.
Delete iPhone in the browser via iCloud.com in the event of theft
- Open the iCloud.com website.
- Log in here with your Apple ID, i.e. your email address and your password. You can also use this access data, for example, when you download apps from the iTunes Store to your iPhone.
- Select Find iPhone below.
- You can now see on the map where your iPhone is - but only if the "Find iPhone" function has not already been deactivated in the settings or the device has been reset to the factory settings. For further actions, click on the "Devices" button in the top left.
- If you select your iPhone there, a new window will open on the right. In this you can now choose between three options.
- Click Play Sound to send a full volume sound notification to the device. Select "Lost Mode" to lock the device with a code and leave a message. With the "Delete iPhone" function, you can remove all your personal data and settings from the device.
Delete iPhone via app via "Find my iPhone"
If you've lost your iPhone, you can also use a friend's iPhone to erase your device. With a little luck, the app has already been installed. Otherwise it has to be downloaded first.
- Open the app and log in with your email address and password (Apple ID).
- Select your iPhone from the list, it will be located and shown on the map. Then click on the blue arrow next to the name of the device.
- Here you now have the same options as in the browser.
Your device will only be found if it is connected to the Internet. If this is not the case, you can still request deletion. As soon as the device is connected to the Internet again, it will be reset. This practical tip shows you how your friends can find you on your iPhone.