How can I find my stolen iPhone?

This document has a list of things to do if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen. --> If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

- The Find My service described in the article is the only recovery feature Apple offers. It must be set up before the device is lost.

Read this document for how to use the Find My app to locate a missing device or item --> Use the Find My app to locate a missing device or item - Apple Support

The chances of locating a device depend upon which features you selected in:

Set up Find My on your iPhone, Mac, and other devices - Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac - Apple Support

To back up a little bit and address what appears to be your actual issue at this stage; try the directions in the article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support for resetting your security questions:

"Reset your security questions

1. Go to https://iforgot.apple.com/ .

2. Enter your Apple ID, then select Continue.

3. Choose the option to reset your security questions, then select Continue.

4. Enter your Apple ID password, then select Continue.

5. Follow the onscreen steps to verify your identity. The information you’re asked to provide may vary based on your account details and other factors. If you don't get any options to verify your identity, you can't reset your security questions at this time.

6. Choose new security questions and answers and select Continue."

If you get a message about not having 'sufficient information', you will not be able to reset your security questions.* Realize that several years ago Apple transitioned to using to two factor authentication instead of security questions and has been encouraging users to switch to the newer security system. Your next recourse will be try to change to two factor authentication as outlined in this article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support Follow the instructions in the section "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID"

If you wish to speak with Apple about this, contact with Apple ID account security using the information in this document --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support

____

*Dec. 2022 post by Apple Community Specialist K_Faith in the thread I’ve tried resetting my security question… - Apple Community

"If you’ve forgotten your security questions, there isn’t a way for Apple to reset them for you, or another way to access your account. You would need to create a new Apple ID, which also means you won’t have access to previous purchases or data stored in iCloud."

If you get a message about not having 'sufficient information', you will not be able to reset your security questions.* Realize that several years ago Apple transitioned to using to two factor authentication instead of security questions and has been encouraging users to switch to the newer security system. Your next recourse will be try to change to two factor authentication as outlined in this article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support Follow the instructions in the section "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID"

If you wish to speak with Apple about this, contact with Apple ID account security using the information in this document --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support

No, they couldn't.

The police will ask for an IMEI number, which the owner probably will not know. The IMEI number will go into a database in case someone finds the phone and turns it into the police.

Stolen phones are not often turned into the police.

If the owner calls the carrier to report the theft, the carrier will blacklist the phone meaning that the cellular portion of the phone will not work. But the carrier will not assist in a search unless they receive a court order.

If it was really, truly stolen, and you can't use Find My, contact your local law enforcement. They have more resources and could probably assist you more then we could.

Not really.

The police will ask for an IMEI number, which the owner probably will not know. The IMEI number will go into a database in case someone finds the phone and turns it into the police.

Stolen phones are not often turned into the police.

If the owner calls the carrier to report the theft, the carrier will blacklist the phone meaning that the cellular portion of the phone will not work. Unfortunately, the cellular service will likely be needed if the owner can get Find My working.

The carrier will not assist in a search unless they receive a court order.

Face it: You are not going to get your stolen phone back. It is probably already on its way to Shenzhen, China, where there are massive factories that process stolen phones for parts or resale. There is a worldwide black market in stolen phones; thieves unload them through fences as soon as they can. And in the unlikely event that the thief still has it looking for it and confronting the thief is not good policy. People have been murdered or injured doing that.

If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support

How long does it take to clear this message ?

Can not reset security questions

You will need to work directly with Apple Support to resolve this issue. Click the link below to get started.

Support

If it was really, truly stolen, and you can't use Find My, contact your local law enforcement. They have more resources and could probably assist you more then we could.

mdp1101

Good luck! As I mentioned, stolen phones are not often turned in the police. The thieves try to sell the phone as quickly as possible.

Fair point. However, I will object as (at least with Verizon) you can easily find your IMEI number in your account.