HOWTO | Set up and use Find My iPhone

1

Enable the service

To start, you need to enable iCloud and switch on the Find My iPhone service. On iOS, this is in Settings > iCloud, with a switch labelled Find My iPhone/iPad. On the Mac, go to System Preferences > iCloud and sign in. Scroll through the list on the right, and check Find My Mac.

2

Find your lost device

If you do misplace your device and need to locate it, open the Find My iPhone app on an iOS device. Alternatively, go to icloud.com on any computer, sign in, click Find My iPhone and wait a few moments as it tries to locate your Macs, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

3

Device list

If you’ve got more than one device linked to your iCloud account, click All Devices to see them all. In the entry for your missing gadget, look for a green dot next to it, which indicates its current location is available. Tap or click its name to see the location on a map.

4

Total wipeout?

Click the dot on the map or the name in the list and you get options to play a sound or erase the device – but use the latter only as a last resort if it’s been stolen, because once you erase it, you’ll no longer be able to track its location. Using Lost Mode is a better option.

5

Lost Mode

Tap this and enter a phone number so the finder can ring you. Tap Next, enter a message and tap Done. If your device is offline, it’s locked next time it connects, and your message shows on its screen. When you get it back, unlock it with your existing passcode.