How to Find a Lost iPhone that Is Turned Off

Losing an iPhone can be a stressful experience, and the situation becomes even more challenging when the device is turned off. Unlike a powered-on iPhone that can be tracked using various methods like "Find My iPhone" or other location-based services, a turned-off iPhone poses significant obstacles in terms of locating it.

While, luckily, there are a few strategies and considerations that might help in the effort to recover a powered-down iPhone. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to find a lost iPhone that is turned off.

1# How to find a lost iPhone that is turned off with iCloud

No matter what other devices you have at hand, you can head to iCloud website to track your lost iPhone using the Find My function. While the iCloud option has the following limitations:
• Your iPhone can be located for up to 24 hours after the iPhone has been turned off.
• While it allows you to view the last location on a map, you cannot get step-by-step directions to your lost iPhone.

However, you can still use it to locate your lost iPhone and place it in Lost Mode to protect your data. Here’s how to use Find My on iCloud website.

Step 1. Go to icloud.com and sign in using your Apple ID and password > Choose Find iPhone option.

Step 2. Click All Devices at the top of your screen, and choose your missing iPhone. If your lost iPhone is powered off, it will show a black screen with smaller text underneath that indicates when the Find My iPhone's last location was saved.

If not, your lost iPhone will appear with an activated (colorful) Home screen, you can tap Play Sound to help you locate your iPhone when you get close to it.

Step 3. Further and necessary steps to find a lost iPhone:

• Select Lost Mode to remotely lock your device and showcase a custom message with a provided phone number for contact in case someone finds your lost iPhone.

• If you are sure that your iPhone is permanently lost or stolen, tap Erase iPhone option to avoid your privacy leakage.

How to find a lost iPhone that is turned off without iCloud

Unluckily, without Find My iPhone enabled, finding your lost iPhone means retracing your steps or relying on Google Maps' location history. Enabling this feature on Google Maps can reveal your iPhone's last location, even without Find My iPhone.

If you haven't done so already, consider enabling Google Maps location history to prepare for potential future phone losses. Here's a guide on locating a lost iPhone using Google Maps:

Step 1. Go to google.com/maps/timeline and make sure you’re logged into your Google account.

Step 2. Check your Location History status at the bottom of your screen. An enabled Location History is crucial for this method. Sadly, without it, Google Maps won't assist in locating your lost iPhone.

Step 3. Select the date your iPhone went missing by clicking the drop-down menus to enter a previous date. Check your last location and go get the lost iPhone.

3# How to locate a lost iPhone that is turned off with IMEI number

Thankfully, there's another method to trace a stolen/lost iPhone using its distinct International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This 15-digit code plays a crucial role in recovering the lost iPhone and aiding law enforcement in tracking down the thieves responsible for the theft. Here’s how to find a lost iPhone that is powered off with IMEI number.

Step 1: Notify Local Authorities and File a Report: Once you realize your phone is stolen, immediately contact the local authorities and file a detailed police report, including the IMEI number to aid in their investigation.

Step 2: Alert Your Mobile Service Provider: Inform your mobile service provider about the theft and provide them with the IMEI number. They can blacklist the device, rendering it inoperable on their network and affiliated networks.

Step 3: Utilize IMEI Tracking Apps and Software: Consider available third-party applications and software claiming to track stolen phones via IMEI numbers. Exercise caution and discretion in selecting these tools, as some might be fraudulent or ineffective.

Summary

Finding a turned-off iPhone is an intricate task due to the limited options available for tracking a device that's not actively transmitting its location. Hopefully, you have known how to find a lost iPhone that is turned off and been able to successfully recover your lost iPhone!

Always prioritize your safety and privacy when attempting to recover a lost iPhone, and consider seeking professional assistance or guidance when necessary.