Hey everyone, I really need your help. My iPhone 14 was stolen during class today, and to make matters worse, it died shortly after. I have the latest iOS that supports offline tracking, but it keeps saying 'PENDING' or that it will update when I'm online. Is there anything I can do to track it even though it's dead?
3 Answers
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about the 'pending' issue. Just make sure to enable lost mode via iCloud. Once that’s on, even if the thief has a fake receipt, Apple won't unlock it for them. Secure your iCloud account too. Consider making a new email for verification codes, and talk to your carrier about locking your SIM so they can't use it in another phone. And don't remove your phone from your iCloud account; that's crucial for keeping it locked down.
I'm sorry to hear about your phone! Honestly, it might be tough to get it back now. Make sure you mark it as lost or stolen in iCloud. If you have AppleCare+, you can file a claim for a replacement phone.
Yeah, the tracking is mainly for when you've misplaced your phone, not really for catching thieves. When the phone is dead, it behaves like an AirTag and can only report its location when another active device gets close. Did you put it in lost mode yet? That could help you recover it eventually.
I did set it to lost mode, but it still won’t show a location.
I get that, but what's the point of the tracking feature if it can't locate it when it's out of battery? It’s frustrating to think it could be traced!