IPhone 13 was stolen last week. Used Find My app to erase which happened this morning. But phone is shown as being removed from the device list 23 July 2025. (I don’t believe I requested the removal) I understand the removal will allow the thief to use the phone. How can I prevent the removal?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Stolen phone - how to urgently prevent removal from device list.
iPhone 13
Login and check under “Devices” here:
If you didn’t remove it from your account, that’s good and there’s nothing more for you to do.
If you did so accidentally, there’s still nothing for you to do. (Adding it back onto your account requires possession of the phone)
If the thief was able to do so, it indicates that he/she knows your credentials. Do THIS:
If you think your Apple Account has been compromised - Apple Support
Login and check under “Devices” here:
If you didn’t remove it from your account, that’s good and there’s nothing more for you to do.
If you did so accidentally, there’s still nothing for you to do. (Adding it back onto your account requires possession of the phone)
If the thief was able to do so, it indicates that he/she knows your credentials. Do THIS:
If you think your Apple Account has been compromised - Apple Support
Bax444 wrote:
I’m wondering if the thief managed to access the phone and activate the removal before the erase happened. Do you think this is possible/likely?
Did you give the thief your Apple Account credentials – ID and password – in response to a "phishing" message where the sender claimed to be "Apple Security" or the "Police" or some such?
That would have given them all that they needed to remove the phone from your device list, whether or not they could get past the passcode lock.
Thanks very much for your response. Since I cannot prevent the removal from the device list I have to accept that the thief will be able to use the phone in a month. So disappointing! I have taken action as advised to secure my Apple Account thanks.
I have another question: how is the removal date set? The removal is shown as happening a month from today…. The thief turned the phone on this morning (had been quiet since Friday) and it was erased on my earlier Find My instruction. I’m wondering if the thief managed to access the phone and activate the removal before the erase happened. Do you think this is possible/likely?
How do I stop thieves from removing my iPhone 13 from Find My device list?
