Deepak Gupta

iPhone lost or stolen: protect your Apple Account and iCloud

Go to iCloud.com/find and mark your iPhone or iPad as lost. You do not need a verification code, even if the stolen device was your trusted device. Keep it in Find My, because removing it turns off Activation Lock. Report a theft to the police and your carrier.

Do these 3 things now

1Go to iCloud.com/find, select your device under All Devices, and choose Mark as Lost.Read to them:“Go to iCloud.com/find, select your device under All Devices, and choose Mark as Lost.”
2Do not remove the device from Find My. That removes Activation Lock and helps a thief resell it.Read to them:“Do not remove the device from Find My. That removes Activation Lock and helps a thief resell it.”
3Do not reply to anyone who says they found your iPhone or can unlock it. Apple never contacts you to say a device was found.Read to them:“Do not reply to anyone who says they found your iPhone or can unlock it. Apple never contacts you to say a device was found.”

Mark it as lost at iCloud.com/find

Official link: www.icloud.com

I am helping someone else

Helper mode: each step is written for you to read aloud. Let them tap and type on their own device; never ask them to send you a code. Send them this first.

01Is this you?

Your iPhone or iPad is missing, or someone took it.
You have no other Apple device to get verification codes.
You worry someone knows your passcode and could change your Apple Account.

Not quite? Someone changed my Apple Account password · I forgot my password · My SIM stopped working

02Official recovery path

Sign in at iCloud.com/find. If you are asked for a code, select the Find Devices button instead.Read to them:“Sign in at iCloud.com/find. If you are asked for a code, select the Find Devices button instead.”Websource
Under All Devices, select the iPhone or iPad, choose Mark as Lost, and follow the steps. If it was stolen, do not add your contact details.Read to them:“Under All Devices, select the iPhone or iPad, choose Mark as Lost, and follow the steps. If it was stolen, do not add your contact details.”Websource
On another Apple device, open the Find My app, go to Devices, select the missing device, tap the More button, turn on Lost Mode, then tap Activate.Read to them:“On another Apple device, open the Find My app, go to Devices, select the missing device, tap the More button, turn on Lost Mode, then tap Activate.”iPhonesource
If it shows up somewhere you don't know, do not go get it yourself. Contact local police.Read to them:“If it shows up somewhere you don't know, do not go get it yourself. Contact local police.”source
Report a theft to the police, and ask your carrier to suspend your line.Read to them:“Report a theft to the police, and ask your carrier to suspend your line.”source
If you can't get it back, erase it remotely in Find My or at iCloud.com/find. Erasing can't be undone. Keep the device in Find My after you erase it.Read to them:“If you can't get it back, erase it remotely in Find My or at iCloud.com/find. Erasing can't be undone. Keep the device in Find My after you erase it.”source
At account.apple.com, select Devices and remove the stolen device with Remove from Account. This does not remove it from Find My.Read to them:“At account.apple.com, select Devices and remove the stolen device with Remove from Account. This does not remove it from Find My.”Websource
If Find My was off before the theft, change your Apple Account password right away.Read to them:“If Find My was off before the theft, change your Apple Account password right away.”source

Did that get you back in?

Yes

Lock it down now. Change the password, turn on two-step, sign out other devices. It takes about 15 minutes.

No

A.If the lost phone was your only trusted device or number and you will get it back soon, Apple says waiting and then signing in is usually fastest.Read to them:“If the lost phone was your only trusted device or number and you will get it back soon, Apple says waiting and then signing in is usually fastest.”source
B.If it is gone for good, try to sign in, select Didn't Get a Code? or Can't get to your devices?, then Can't use [phone number]. If you can't reach any trusted number, start account recovery.Read to them:“If it is gone for good, try to sign in, select Didn't Get a Code? or Can't get to your devices?, then Can't use [phone number]. If you can't reach any trusted number, start account recovery.”source
C.If you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, file a claim. Do not remove the iPhone from Find My or your Apple Account until the claim is approved.Read to them:“If you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, file a claim. Do not remove the iPhone from Find My or your Apple Account until the claim is approved.”source

Then: how long it takes

03How long it takes

Published by the platform

Apple does not publish a timeline for finding a device. If the device is offline, a remote erase starts the next time it connects. If you need account recovery to get back in without your trusted device, Apple says it can take several days or longer.

While you wait

Ask your carrier for a replacement SIM on your number, so you get codes again.
Watch your email for alerts about password or device changes you didn't make.
Keep your serial number handy for the police report. You can find it without the device.

04Warn your contacts

Send this from another account or by text, so nobody falls for messages sent in your name.

My iPhone was lost or stolen. If you get messages from my number or Apple Account asking for codes, money or links, it is not me. Please call me on another number to check.

More templates: email, followers, customers

05Watch out for recovery scams

People who just lost an account are the main target of fake helpers. Only Apple Account and iCloud's own app or website can restore your account.

Messages saying your lost iPhone "has been found" with a link to sign in, or "unlock services" offering to remove Activation Lock. Apple says it will never contact you to say your iPhone or iPad has been found. How it works
Calls from "Apple Support" about a problem with your account. Apple says to just hang up on unsolicited calls, and that scammers can fake Apple's caller ID. How it works
Emails that look like Apple or iCloud asking you to sign in to fix your account. Apple never asks you to log in to a website for verification. Forward them to reportphishing@apple.com. How it works

All recovery scams and how to spot them

06Once you're back in: lock it down

0 of 9 doneAbout 22 minutes total

Change your password and sign out other devices3 minOn iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password. When asked, choose Remove Other Devices so every other device must sign in again.source
Check two-factor authentication and your trusted phone numbers3 minOpen Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication. Remove any number you do not know at account.apple.com under Sign-In and Security > Account Security. Tap Add Trusted Phone Number to add a second number you control, such as a family member's.source
Add a recovery contact2 minOpen Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Recovery Contacts and Add Recovery Contact. If you ever get locked out, this person can get a six-digit code for you. They cannot see or use your account.source
Optional: a recovery key, only if you can keep it safe3 minA recovery key is a 28-character code under Sign-In & Security > Recovery Key. Setting one up turns off Apple's standard account recovery. If you lose the key and your devices, you can be locked out for good. Write it on paper and do not store it in Notes, Photos or iCloud Drive.source
Turn on Stolen Device Protection1 minOpen Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, then turn on Stolen Device Protection. Away from familiar places, big account changes then need Face ID or Touch ID and a one-hour security delay.source
Remove devices you do not recognize2 minOpen Settings and tap your name, then scroll to the device list. Tap any device you do not know and tap Remove from Account. On the web, sign in at account.apple.com and select Devices.source
Review apps that use Sign in with Apple2 minOpen Settings, tap your name, then tap Sign in with Apple. Select any app you no longer use and tap Delete.source
Consider security keys and passkeys3 minFor the strongest protection against phishing, add two physical security keys under Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Security Keys. Passkeys you save for other sites sync through iCloud Keychain, which needs two-factor authentication, so keep that turned on.source
Run Safety Check3 minOpen Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check, then tap Manage Sharing & Access. It walks you through connected devices, trusted phone numbers, your password and who you share with.source

Then do the 24-hour cleanup.

Free toolExposure CheckSee what of yours is already public.Free toolPassword Breach CheckCheck if a password shows up in known leaks.ReadHow to make sure your phone isn't hacked

07How it probably happened

Most likely
The phone was simply lost, or taken by an opportunistic thief.
Also common
Someone watched you type your passcode, then stole the phone to change your Apple Account.
Less common
After the theft, a fake "we found your iPhone" text tries to get your password.
How this scam works

Account taken, recovery details swapped

08Report it

Recognize and avoid phishing and fake support calls

Lost money, being blackmailed, or someone is using your account to scam others? Report it to your country's cybercrime service too. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.

United States

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)Report online crime, including account takeovers that led to money loss or extortion. The IC3 never contacts you first and never asks for money.
FTC ReportFraudReport the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
IdentityTheft.govUse it if someone used your Social Security number or opened accounts in your name. You get a recovery plan.

United Kingdom

Report Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)Run by the City of London Police. It replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101 instead.
Forward scam texts to 7726Free on most UK networks. Your provider can look into the sender and block it.
Report a scam email to the NCSCForward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk before you delete it.
Report Fraud: 0300 123 2040England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

India

National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalRun by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs. Reports go to state and UT police.
Chakshu on Sanchar SaathiReport suspected fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages to the Department of Telecommunications. It is not for money already lost: call 1930 for that.
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930Toll free, 24 hours. Call fast if money left your account: it can help freeze the transfer.

Canada

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report onlineVictims and witnesses can report fraud or cybercrime online. Also contact your local police as soon as you can.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501Toll free. The CAFC does not contact people to ask for money.

Australia

ReportCyberReport cybercrime to police. Your report may go to your state or territory police or the AFP.
ScamwatchReport a scam, even if you lost no money. The AFP also points people worried about identity theft to IDCARE, a free support service.
ReportCyber phone line: 1300 292 371Report concerns about cybercrime or cyber security incidents. If life is at risk, call 000.

09Questions people ask

Do I need a verification code to use iCloud.com/find?

No. Apple says you don't need a code, even if the stolen device was your trusted device.

Should I remove my stolen iPhone from my account?

Remove it from your device list at account.apple.com, but keep it in Find My. Removing it from Find My turns off Activation Lock.

Someone texted that they found my iPhone. Is it Apple?

No. Apple says it will never contact you to say your iPhone or iPad has been found. Do not click the link or share your password or codes.

Does Stolen Device Protection mean I don't need to mark it as lost?

No. Apple says to mark it as lost even with Stolen Device Protection on, because its extra safeguards are time-limited.

How do I get back into my Apple Account without my phone?

Try another signed-in device first. If you have none, choose Can't use [phone number] when asked for a code, and start account recovery if you can't use any trusted number.

Sources and last check

Last verified: October 16, 2026. Steps checked against the platform's own help pages listed below. Device testing is ongoing; steps marked unconfirmed are still waiting for it.

Apple Support: If your iPhone or iPad was stolen (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: How to find your lost iPhone or iPad (read 2026-10-16)
Apple iCloud: Find Devices (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Review devices signed in to your Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices for Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: What to expect during account recovery (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes (read 2026-10-16)

Wrong step or changed screen? Report it. Never include passwords or codes.