Find My includes Activation Lock, a feature designed to prevent others from using your iPhone or iPad if it is ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock is activated automatically when you enable Find My on your device.
Activation Lock can help keep your device safe, even when it's in the wrong hands, and increase your chances of getting it back. Even if you wipe your device remotely, Activation Lock can still prevent someone from reactivating your device without your permission. All you have to do is keep Find My turned on.
This is possible with watchOS 2 and higheruse Activation Lock to protect your Apple Watch.
This is possible with macOS Catalina or later and Mac computers with the Apple T2 Security chip or Apple Siliconuse Activation Lock to protect your Mac.
With visionOS this is possibleuse Activation Lock to protect your Apple Vision Pro.
That is how it works
Every time an iPhone or iPad is activated or restored, the device contacts Apple to make sure Activation Lock is turned on.
Activation Lock activates automatically when youset Search min.* When enabled, Apple stores your Apple ID securely on its activation servers and associates it with your device. Your Apple ID password or device password is required before anyone can turn off Find My, erase your device, or reactivate and use your device.
*Learn how Activation Lock works for devices enrolled in Mobile Device Management
If your device is lost or stolen
If you've ever misplaced your device (whether it's lost or you think it's been stolen), you should do so immediatelyuse Mark as lostin the Find My app.
Mark as Lost locks your screen with a password and lets you display a custom message with your phone number to help you get it back. If necessary, you can also wipe your device remotely. Your custom message will continue to appear even after the device is wiped.
While Activation Lock works in the background to make it harder for someone to use or sell your lost device, Lost Mode clearly shows anyone who finds your device that it's still yours and can't be reactivated without your password.
Find out what to do if your iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen
If you forgot your Apple ID or password
Your Apple ID is the account you use to log in to all Apple services. Normally your Apple ID is your email address. You can also sign in with different email addresses and phone numbers in your Apple ID account. If you don't remember your Apple ID, try signing in with an email address or phone number that you regularly use with Apple services.
If it does not work,we can help you find your Apple ID.
If you have forgotten your password,Learn how to reset your Apple ID password.
If you can't find your Apple ID (or other email address or phone number) or reset your password, you'll lose access to your account and may not be able to use or reactivate your device. To avoid this, visityour Apple ID account pageperiodically review and update your account information.
Check for activation lock before purchasing a device from someone else
Before purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a non-Apple or Apple Authorized Reseller, make sure the device has been wiped and no longer associated with the previous owner's account.
On a device running iOS or iPadOS 15 or later that is protected with Activation Lock, you'll see an "iPhone Locked to Owner" notification when you turn on or wake the device. Do not take ownership of a used iPhone, iPad or iPod touch if it is protected by an Activation Lock.
If you don't see this screen, follow these steps to make sure your device is ready to use:
Turn on the device and unlock it.
If the passcode lock screen or home screen appears, the device has not been erased. Ask the sellerFollow the steps belowto completely erase the device. Do not take ownership of a used iPhone, iPad or iPod touch until it has been wiped.
Begin the device installation process.
If you're asked for the previous owner's Apple ID and password, the device is still associated with that person's account. Return the device to the seller and ask him to enter his password. If the previous owner is not present, contact him as soon as possible and askuse a browser to remove the device from their account. Do not take ownership of a used iPhone, iPad or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner's account.
A device is ready to use when you see the Hello screen.
Before you give away your device or send it in for service
Find out what to do before you sell, give away or trade in your device
Learn how to prepare your device for service
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