What To Do If Your iPhone
Is Stolen
What To Do if Your iPhone Is Stolen: Apple's OS Stolen Device Is Good, But Not Good Enough
Has your Apple iPhone® been lost or stolen? Apple's new OS Stolen Device feature is an important tool in protecting your personal data, but you should take additional steps to ensure the device is marked as lost/stolen and cannot be resold.
First, you must register your device as stolen with your wireless carrier, which is the only way to register the device as stolen in the Global System for Mobile Communications Association, also known as the GSM or GSMA.
If you have been a victim of any crime related to your stolen phone, contact your local police department, and file a report.
Apple's Stolen Device Protection
Apple’s Stolen Device Protection provides defense against unauthorized access. It's not just a simple passcode barrier. It’s a sophisticated combination of features that work in harmony to secure your data with several layers of defense, including Lost Mode, Face ID and Security Delay.
If your iPhone is stolen or being utilized in an unfamiliar area, having the Stolen Device Protection enabled will also prompt your iPhone to ask for Face ID for access to personal data on your iPhone.
Activating Stolen Device Protection on Your iPhone
- Ensure that ‘Find My iPhone’ is activated in your device settings.
- Navigate to ‘Face ID & Passcode’ or ‘Touch ID & Passcode’ settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll to the Stolen Device Protection section.
- Enable it.
Though these steps are important, remember that for comprehensive Stolen Device Protection, you should have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss or file a claim with either local law enforcement or your carrier.
The Necessary Next Step: Registering Your iPhone as Stolen
While the Apple Stolen Device feature helps to protect your personal data, Apple does not report your device as stolen. This is an important step in blacklisting your device from being resold once stolen. To register your device as stolen, you will need to either file a with your carrier to blacklist the device from being sold and file a claim with your local law enforcement.
Filing a Stolen iPhone Claim with Law Enforcement
To file a claim for your stolen device with your local law enforcement, most counties have the option to file a claim online. Have both your IMEI and device serial number handy when filing the report. The steps that follow your claim vary depending on your local law enforcement, but this allows law enforcement registered your iPhone as a stolen device within the GSMA.
Filing a Claim with Your Carrier
If your iPhone is stolen, contact your wireless carrier as it may be the better option if you have an existing insurance plan and wish to replace your stolen iPhone faster. Follow these steps along with any additional steps your specific carrier may require for submitting an insurance claim for a stolen device:
- Contact your carrier to inform them of your stolen iPhone.
- Ask if you have any stolen device protection. If your iPhone is covered, you'll be prompted to file a claim with their preferred platform. This process will include blacklisting your stolen iPhone's IMEI to prevent it from being sold.
REcycle Safely today
We provide a secure way to sell and recycle your used devices by partnering with local law enforcement.
Safe Selling Practices
To minimize phone theft, ecoATM works in collaboration with local law enforcement. We have also implemented several layers of security when selling at our kiosks:
- Security cameras: Each of our ecoATM kiosks are equipped with three high resolution cameras monitored by a remote verification specialist in real time.
- Device security check: ecoATM utilizes CheckMEND to verify the serial numbers of valuable devices that are sold through our kiosks. This service confirms that the device has not been reported lost or stolen in their database and is the largest source of mobile device history in the United States.
- ID verification: Every transaction requires a valid government issued identification card. This card is scanned and added to every transaction report.
Our investment in advanced security technology and partnership with law enforcement has allowed us to identify cell phone thieves and help reunite the victims of cell phone theft with their stolen phones. For more information on ecoATM and our security practices, check out our law enforcement section or contact us with any questions you may have.