What can people do with my stolen iPhone?

iPhone burglars have a wide network of dealers who help them sell different parts of the stolen iOS device. All the confidential data, including contacts, photos, emails, documents, and chats, stored in it is treasured by hackers. So, the probability of data exposure to the wrong hands becomes tenfold.

Can someone unlock my stolen iPhone?

Regardless of robust encryption used by Apple, users always fear how a thief can manipulate their data stored on the stolen phone. In most cases, the first question we hear from theft victims is can someone unlock my stolen iPhone? The answer is YES. There are many ways a thief can unlock a stolen phone.

Can stolen iPhones be deactivated?

Contact your wireless carrier

If the missing device is an iPhone or an iPad with cellular, report your missing device to your wireless carrier. Ask the carrier to disable your account to prevent calls, texts, and data use.

Can a stolen iPhone be used with a new SIM card?

If it has a passcode they can't access the data, but with no activation lock they could wipe it clean and put in a new SIM card and start using it. So just leave it as it is in Lost Mode, in your account.

Can stolen iPhones be blacklisted?

An iPhone can become blacklisted for any number of reasons, including if the previous owner has unsettled bills or if someone reported it as stolen or lost. A blacklisted device cannot get connected to any wireless carrier unless it becomes un-blacklisted.

7 Things To Do if Your iPhone is Stolen or Lost

Can I use an iPhone I found?

Make Contact or Hand It In. If you find a lost iPhone, Activation Lock will prevent you from using it if it's protected by Apple's Find My service. It's essentially a paperweight for as long as you have it in your possession. So don't expect to use an iPhone you've found.

Can I sell an iPhone I found?

Lost your phone, reported it, then found it again? That's fine, you can still sell it on. Just call up the same number you used to report it - as well as your network's customer service - and tell them you've found it again and all is well.

Can someone use my stolen phone?

Even if you have a phone passcode and enabled biometric security (like fingerprint ID), hackers can still gain access to your device. With your phone, thieves can: Make unauthorized purchases using your linked credit cards and Apple or Google Pay. Access your passwords and login information for various accounts.

Are locked iPhones worth anything?

Yes, you can sell locked iPhones. Many buyback stores will take them as is, but if you can unlock the phone, you may be able to get paid more. In some cases, a lot more. You can find out who buys locked iPhones online.

What happens to a phone when you report it stolen?

Immediately report the theft or loss to your service provider. You will be responsible for any charges incurred prior to when you report the stolen or lost device. Your service provider may be able to use your IMEI or MEID or ESN number to disable your device and block access to the information it carries.

Can anyone use my lost iPhone?

Lost Mode prevents all of the above listed features from being used. ‌Siri‌ is inaccessible, as is the Control Center, the Notification Center, and Medical ID information. All someone can do with your ‌iPhone‌ when it's in lost mode is call you, turn it off, or make an emergency phone call.

Can I factory reset an iPhone I found?

Here is how to unlock/erase a found iPhone using Finder on Mac: Step 1: Get the iPhone into Recovery Mode, and connect it to the Mac via a lightning cable. Step 2: Then click the Restore > Restore and Update > Next > Agree. Then Finder will download the software for the iPhone and restore it.

Can a locked iPhone be unlocked?

Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. Contact them and request an unlock. After you submit the request, it might take a few days to complete. Contact your carrier to check the status of your request.

How do I reset my stolen iPhone?

In Find Devices on iCloud.com, click All Devices, then select the device you want to erase. If you don't see All Devices, it's because you've already selected a device. Click the name of the current device in the center of the Find Devices toolbar to see the Devices list, then select a new device. Click Erase [device].

Can a stolen iPhone be tracked after factory reset?

Method 3: Use iCloud to Find Your Lost iPhone Even When It's Powered Off/ Factory Reset. You can also use iCloud's website to track your lost iPhone even if it has been powered off or doesn't have enough battery backup.

Can you unlock an iPhone without passcode or Face ID?

You can unlock your iPhone without a Passcode or Face ID without a computer by using the Find My app. But you should know the Apple ID and password to your locked iPhone and have another iPhone or iPad handy. Here's how: Download and open the Find My app on the other iOS device.

What happens if I forgot to turn off Find My iPhone before factory reset?

If you forgot to turn off Find My before you sold or gave away your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple Watch, you can turn off Activation Lock using Find Devices on iCloud.com.

Can Apple do anything about lost iPhone?

If it's covered by AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, you can sign in with your Apple ID and file a claim for an iPhone replacement. Use the Find My app or go to iCloud.com/find to mark your iPhone as lost.

Is it worth reporting a stolen phone?

You should tell your network provider straight away if your phone is lost or stolen, so they can block it and stop anyone else using it. If you don't tell them straight away you might have to pay for any unauthorised phone calls, which can be very expensive.

Can police track a phone that is turned off?

Can a phone be tracked if it's turned off? A phone that is turned off is difficult to track because it stops sending signals to cell towers. However, the service provider or internet provider can show the last location once it's switched back on.

Will police track a stolen phone?

Yes, the police can track a stolen phone using either your phone number or the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Whether or not the police prioritize looking for your stolen phone is another matter.

Why would someone steal my phone?

They seek out material for blackmail purposes. This is thankfully rare, but it does happen. Some thieves will use the information they find on phones (such as photos, texts or emails), then use it to hold the original owner to ransom.

How can I lock my stolen phone?

How long does it take to track a phone using IMEI?

Is it possible to track a lost phone by IMEI number? No. You, as a mobile device owner/user cannot “track,” by which I assume you mean locate the device, and/or watch its “movement” like you would a tracking device used on tv.

How do police track stolen iPhone?

The Police can request your mobile carrier via a warrant or judicial requirement to track a stolen device. The Police themselves do not track lost iPhones. The mobile carrier / company uses the IMEI to identify and track the iPhone. You can give the Police the IMEI if you want.