How Can I Safeguard My Apple Devices While Traveling?

To prevent issues like this in the future, make sure your devices have a passcode on them. If your iPhone is updated with iOS, you can activate stolen device protection, which makes it harder for anyone to change settings without your Face ID and adds a delay for certain changes. Unfortunately, this protection doesn't apply to the iPad or Mac. Also, consider enabling Face ID on sensitive apps like Gmail for extra security. If you're worried about theft, you could travel using a separate Apple ID with limited access to your important accounts.

You can't turn off a stolen iPhone from your MacBook, but you can put it into Lost Mode by logging into iCloud.com and selecting your device. This way, you can at least lock it down, and potentially erase it if you regain access to your Apple ID. If you were able to set up your Apple ID recovery, there’s a chance to locate the device or put it in Lost Mode again if they haven't logged out of your account. Remember, having a passcode on your phone is crucial; without it, it’s easier for thieves to access your device.

Traveling alone in unsafe areas is risky. Your situation raises an important point: how to manage risks while traveling? While I'm not dismissing the theft, it's crucial to be cautious in such environments. And regarding the serial number, you don't actually need it to lock your iPhone—just log into Find My and lock the device.

Unfortunately, controlling the power of a stolen device isn't possible. But you can activate Stolen Device Protection, which creates delays for password changes to give you a better chance at marking your device as lost. It's also a good idea to ensure tight security on your accounts, like enabling two-factor authentication.