Apple introduced the Find My app two years ago, but it's only now that it's evolved into an advanced search tool. Thanks to it, you can find not only a lost iPhone , but even a MacBook, MagSafe wallet, AirPods or third-party headphones. The main thing is hardware and software compatibility, and what exactly they will be looking for is not so important, even a bicycle. But few people know that through Locator you can find not only your device, but also your friend’s device , be it an iPhone, iPad, Mac or something else.
Through Locator you can find not only your iPhone, but also your friend’s iPhone
I assume that you have already seen the “Help a Friend” button that appeared in the “Locator” application. Another thing is that few people have any idea what role it plays. Meanwhile, it removes one very serious limitation, which allows you to find a device linked to someone else’s Apple ID account.
Spotlight on iPad: What it is and how it works
We are talking about a login confirmation mechanism that arrives at a trusted device and verifies the user. You won't be able to log into iCloud without it to determine the location of the loss. But, if you use Latitude on your friend’s device, no verification will be required.
How to track an iPhone from another iPhone
Tracking can be done in several ways.
Via iMessage on iPhone
To enable functions from the main menu, go to the “Privacy” subsection, then to “Geolocation Services”. You can share a position from the same menu through “System Services”. Next, you will have to open a correspondence with the object in iMessage, select the subscriber’s name and in the “Information” item, click on the “Specify geolocation” subsection.
How to track the location of a second phone
You can program the device for an hour, until the end of the day, for a day, or indefinitely - until the functionality is disabled. A link to a map showing the location of the object will be automatically created in the correspondence. To remove an option, disable it manually or erase the message from the correspondence.
Via mobile operators
How can you track an iPhone by phone number? This service is legal and is provided for a fee. If you have constant access to the Internet, the Internet is not necessary - the search mechanism works by phone number in cells. The subscriber who has activated the service sees the location of the person he needs through messages or on a map of the area.
Important! If your device has tracking enabled, it will be easier to detect a stolen gadget. If the user is worried about the safety of his things, then he should think about turning on the mode and constant use.
To activate tracking using a mobile operator, just send a request and indicate the number of the subscriber who needs to be constantly monitored. An SMS will be sent to the second number with a proposal to accept or reject the program through which the entire process will go. If the user agrees, his location will be determined with an accuracy of 100 m.
The city gives high indicators of determining the place where the right person is located. In rural areas or in bad weather conditions, the quality of location detection will be reduced.
Location via telecom operators
What to do to keep your iPhone safe
In addition to the need to find a person's location, there is a need to protect yourself from unintentional surveillance. After all, in this case, you can find yourself in danger at the most inopportune moment.
- First, you need to take into account the main recommendation - do not register on dubious sites that offer to search for a phone number. The specified data may well be used against you, and the victim will be your iPhone, and not someone else’s device.
- Also, you should not register with any dubious resources where you need to provide a phone number or email address. Before you create an account on a particular site, you need to read reviews about it. If the resource is reliable, you can register without a doubt, but only using a long password consisting of characters of different registers. Otherwise, the site should be avoided.
- Never confirm tracking requests that appear on the screen. If an attacker tries to perform a search, he will always have access to the geolocation.
If your iPhone ends up lost and you can’t track its location, the surest option is to block the device. Of course, you can contact law enforcement agencies, but with a high degree of probability, the officers will not take on such a small matter on a global scale. So after the loss, you should go to the iCloud website, log in using your Apple ID and change your password. So, the person who finds the smartphone will not be able to access the files.
In addition, do not forget to use a fingerprint or face scan as an unlocking method. A pattern and digital password are not the most reliable option for protecting your device. If you comply with all the proposed requirements, you will be able to secure your iPhone.
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How to check where a person has been on an iPhone
How to track an iPhone from Android - a detailed description of methods
How can you check where a person has been on an iPhone? To obtain information, simply follow these steps:
- Enter the main menu and move to the “Confidentiality” block.
- Select the “Location Services” subsection, then “System Services”.
- Go to the sub-item “Frequently visited places”.
To determine the localization zone of an object, the system uses geolocation services: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. Occasionally, detection can be made through cell towers. Having the “Significant Places” option constantly activated significantly reduces the battery life of your mobile device.
If desired, information about movement around the area can be deleted. To do this, you need to go through the above path and click on the “Clear history” subsection. After confirming the operation, all information will be erased.
Tracking via Significant Places
How else can you find another iPhone from your iPhone? Apple's application store contains a variety of alternative options for searching for a subscriber's location. The most popular navigation programs include:
- "FindMyKids-Footprints."
- "X-GPS Tracker".
- "Where I am";
- “Mom knows”;
- “Where are the children”, etc.
The tracking program for iPhone helps you find out the address of the point where a person is sitting or walking/driving through GPS coordinates or a cell phone number. The calculation accuracy increases several times compared to other services. The functionality works great even in areas of poor mobile operator coverage.
The programs allow you to monitor both one person and an entire group. But when using them, consent must be obtained from the intended subject.
Note! Group observation is more often used for tourist groups, when hiking in the mountains, deep in the forests or kayaking.
Find My Freinds app
You can find another lost iPhone using a specially designed Find My Friends mobile application. The program is adapted to work on all Apple gadgets.
Map and other smartphone location information is based solely on data provided by a third party. At the same time, the content and form may be different - adjusted. In some Russian regions, the service may not be available to users who have expressed a desire to find another smartphone.
The disadvantage is that if the signal level of another smartphone is poor, the location data may be unreliable or not as complete as we would like.
How to view a person's geoposition from an iPhone
How to view a person's geolocation on an iPhone? The check is carried out using two methods.
Find iPhone program
How to track a phone using Android geolocation
You need to download the utility of the same name, install it and open it. When prompted by the system, enter the login and password for the Apple ID of the gadget you are looking for. The program will automatically detect its location and display it on the map. Using the utility, you can create a message and display it on the display, after turning on the lost mode, block the smartphone, erase all information from the device.
Important! The main feature of the Find iPhone program is the ability to sound a sound signal on the device; it will sound until it turns off.
iCloud.com website
The user must log in to the page and enter the Apple ID details of the wanted device. After authorization, you need to select the “Find Cell Phone” utility and obtain information about its localization. It allows you to do all the additional actions, like the Find iPhone program.
Locator utility
Used on 13 operating systems and replaces older services. Its first subsection is specifically designed for searching people. It shows the location of all family members, provided they have previously agreed to the option of being monitored.
To interact with people from the specified list, you must choose one of three options:
- “Contact” allows you to contact a person via email, messages or voice.
- “Route” automatically opens “Maps” and builds a path to the desired person (using a car, public transport, taxi or walking).
- “Notification” - the system displays a message when a person moves.
Important! From the same subsection you can stop sending the exact location or remove a person from the list of favorites.
Geolocation on iPhone
iCloud.com website
On Apple's official website, iCloud.com, any iPhone owner can track the location of their own device or another person. What is required for this procedure:
- the presence of the “Find iPhone” option enabled on the desired gadget;
- ID information and password used on the desired iPhone.
If the listed data is activated and known, begin searching for the person’s location on the iPhone:
- First, go to the official Apple com website.
- Next, the user enters the Apple ID and, accordingly, the password.
- Then click on the icon that says “Find iPhone.”
The official Apple website works fully only in computer mode. However, searching for the location of an iPhone can also be done on another phone running the iOS operating system. When you go to the site, three positions will open. The user selects the “Find iPhone” item and enters the necessary information from the desired gadget.
Setting up Find My Friends on iPhone
How can you find out where someone is using your iPhone? There is a special utility written by the developers of the Apple company. It also helps you search for people through your smartphone.
How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone - Quick Start feature
To put it into action you need to go through the following path:
- On the iPhone that is supposed to be spied on, you need to open the “Find Friends” utility.
- Select the “Add” sub-item and enable the AirDrop option on your own smartphone.
- A picture of the second phone will appear on someone else’s gadget.
- You need to click on it and select the “Share indefinitely” block.
Important! The message “You have started sharing your location with the subscriber” will appear on someone else’s smartphone. The person being watched will be able to see a secondary account signed as "watcher".
Utility my friends
Family Sharing
, in addition to the “Find Friends” service, has developed a family version of the program called “Family Access”. The software is used only within the family circle.
The app allows users to share purchases, storage space, and subscriptions. In addition to the listed advantages, there is a special function for searching the location of a family member via a smartphone. Let's look at the instructions for setting up the program:
- The user on his own iPhone goes to “Settings”, then to the account. The “Family Sharing” option will appear there.
- At this point, click on the “Get Started” button and activate the transfer of geoposition.
- Next, they ask you to join the smartphone that needs surveillance. The procedure is carried out through “Messages”.
- On another iPhone they accept an invitation to join a family group.
Disable iPhone tracking in Find My Friends on iPhone
To stop disseminating information about your exact location among friends in the program (via a smartphone or the official iCloud.com page), just follow a few simple steps. The user will continue to see the location of friends from the list, but when they try to locate him, they will receive a “not available” response from the system.
To carry out the cancellation procedure on the smartphone, carry out the following setup algorithm:
- Go to the main menu and select a shortcut with your own name.
- When using operating system 12, you need to click on “Specify geolocation”, and with an earlier version, enter the “ICloud” subsection and go to the above block.
- Disable the functionality there.
To delete on the iCloud.com page, you need to log in to the resource and run the “Find Friends” utility. After opening the “Me” tab, you need to disable the “Specify location” functionality.
Important! The procedure takes a few minutes, but if a smartphone is stolen, friends will not be able to track the point where it is located.
Login to iCloud
Find iPhone via iCloud
When you first activate any Apple device, the system prompts you to enable the “find iPhone” function via iCloud. This allows you to track not only the stolen gadget, but also its movement throughout the day. This is useful for the control that parents wish to exercise. Also, often the phone may fall out of your pocket and remain in the same place.
The Find My iPhone feature can be activated at any time. To enable it, launch the Settings application, go to iCloud and select Find My iPhone from the settings.
The devices have a “Last Location” function. It involves sending a message to the Apple server with detailed information about the location of the device when the battery is low. In order for the program to work, it must be activated.
Then you should go to “Privacy” and select “Location Services”. It is necessary to check their activation.
View geolocation features, and select the "System Services" option. It should enable the “Find iPhone” setting.
Once all the steps are completed, the search function will become active and the device can be tracked.
If several Apple gadgets are linked to one account, then the settings are made separately for each.
How to track an iPhone from another iPhone without the other person’s knowledge - is it possible?
In addition to the common methods mentioned above, there are other ways to track the right person. But all of them are software that violates human rights and are illegal. Their use may give rise to legal proceedings and payment of financial compensation to the injured person.
This content has additional features. In addition to surveillance, it provides access to personal correspondence on the gadget (incoming and outgoing messages). Loss of information threatens not only the tracked object, but also the person tracking it.
The programs are offered by various sites, but most users are disappointed in them. They received nothing but the theft of money from the account (the malicious code embedded in the utility easily reads information about passwords for bank cards and electronic wallets) and correspondence.
Unnoticed tracking of another person is permissible in a “parents and children” relationship. For everyone else, this is an unpleasant surprise, but the company tried to make sure the subscriber knew exactly what they wanted to watch.
Find iPhone by IMEI
IMEI is an individual device number that is assigned to a gadget at the factory during manufacturing. This data is stored in the firmware and is intended to identify the device on the network. This code, as well as the serial number, is indicated simultaneously in several places. It can be found in the device itself; to do this, just type *#06# on the keyboard and the number will be displayed on the screen. The code is also written on the battery mod, on the box from the gadget and on the warranty card.
If there is a statement from the police or the owner, then the cellular company can find the iPhone by IMEI, even if the device is turned off. It is officially believed that the password cannot be forged, and when the new “owner” turns on the iPhone, a new number can be determined. This will help you find your lost device. But sometimes criminals manage to get around this point.
Spying apps
If none of the above options help, you should pay attention to third-party programs created specifically to determine the location of a mobile gadget. Today, developers have created many utility utilities, but it is impossible to review them all in one article. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at the most convenient and functional ones.
Lockout Security & Antivirus
The program perfectly performs its main function - tracking and remote control of a mobile device. It works on the principle of the iCloud service and the “Find iPhone” mode.
To get started, you need to register by providing identification data: email address, password, phone number, etc. From now on, you can track the movement and determine the geolocation of the iPhone, as well as manage it remotely from your personal account. For example, the function of turning on the ringer becomes available even if the smartphone is set to silent mode.
Real Time GPS Tracker
Another simple and useful utility that allows you to monitor your iPhone from your Android device. However, its use is relevant when the Android owner has access to the gadget.
It is on it that you need to install the program, register, and specify the smartphone where confidential information should be sent, in particular, notifications about the location of the object of interest. The advantage of the program is the ability to send emergency messages such as “Free”, “On line”, “SOS”, which can be useful in certain situations.
X-GPS Monitor
A similar program, available for download from Google Play, works in satellite and street navigator mode.
With its help, you can determine the exact location and track the movement of specific users on the map. In the regular version, it is possible to create a chronology of your own movements. The exclusive option is complemented by a built-in chat that allows you to communicate with tracked persons without resorting to third-party instant messengers.
iPhone disappeared: what to do first?
There are several steps you should take immediately after discovering your iPhone has been lost. If the smartphone was found by a respectable person, there is a high probability that these simple measures will yield results:
Call your number. Use the phone of a friend or work colleague for this. If you left the device on the street, the call will attract the attention of a passerby, who will be able to give you the find for a modest reward. If you don’t have a phone at hand from which you can make a call, use the “almighty” Internet - for example, from the website www.iCantFindMyPhone.com you can call any number. If the call does not yield results, proceed to further actions.
Temporarily block your SIM card. You need to block the number. If your device falls into the hands of fraudsters, they may have access to your personal data, applications, e-wallet or online banking. In this case, there is a possibility that your personal data will be stolen.
To do this, you don’t even have to personally come to the mobile operator’s service office - just call the hotline number and give your passport details. This measure will help protect against a significant minus on your account.
Change passwords via computer. The iPhone stores in its memory all the passwords you specified. If, say, you regularly transfer money via iPhone in your Sberbank-Online Personal Account, then the loss of your device may well put your well-being at risk. If an attacker gains access to your social network page, your reputation will be threatened.
Take preventive measures to avoid being in a situation where all your passwords end up in the hands of an attacker. Use a password manager with one master code, which a person who accidentally finds the gadget will definitely not be able to recognize. Password managers for iPhone (and more) are discussed here.
Think about where you have been recently and where you might have lost your device. Let's say, if you used a taxi service, you can dial an operator who will connect you personally with your driver. You can ask the driver if he found the iPhone.
Post an ad on social networks. Perhaps one of your friends or colleagues knows the location of the device.
