Hi. My bag with iPhone and Macbook was stolen. But the only problem is that the thief knows the code to the phone, it is in airplane mode.
How can I protect personal data on the phone without having access to it?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: iPhone was stolen. The thief knows the code to the phone.
iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18
It can only be erased with FindMy remotely with a network connection that will not be possible if the device remains in Airplane mode. All you can do is put in the request to erase with Find My and it will be erased if it can connect to the internet.
With the person knowing the Passcode, they likely have complete access to all information. It is now up to you to secure any account that you use by changing the passwords and cancel any cards that may be in your Wallet app. Notify your cell provider as they may blacklist the phone, but this may also limit the ability for a cellular connection to the network for a remote erase. Assume that all data has been compromised.
And most importantly, contact the Police. The police report may be required for unauthorized access to financial accounts. Not sure how the thief knows your Passcode, but if you know the person then the police may have a better chance in finding your devices.
It can only be erased with FindMy remotely with a network connection that will not be possible if the device remains in Airplane mode. All you can do is put in the request to erase with Find My and it will be erased if it can connect to the internet.
With the person knowing the Passcode, they likely have complete access to all information. It is now up to you to secure any account that you use by changing the passwords and cancel any cards that may be in your Wallet app. Notify your cell provider as they may blacklist the phone, but this may also limit the ability for a cellular connection to the network for a remote erase. Assume that all data has been compromised.
And most importantly, contact the Police. The police report may be required for unauthorized access to financial accounts. Not sure how the thief knows your Passcode, but if you know the person then the police may have a better chance in finding your devices.
Sign in to Find My. You can mange your device there. You either put device to Lost Mode or erase. The changes will apply when iPhone connects to the internet. If Find My Network is enabled, you will still be able to locate this iPhone.
If the thief knows the passcode for the phone, you don’t know how much of your data they might already have accessed. All you can do is to use Find My to mark the phone as Lost and to request a remote Erase.
These articles might seem pertinent to your situation:
If your iPhone or iPad was stolen - Apple Support
If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support
If you think your Apple Account has been compromised - Apple Support
Personal Safety User Guide - Apple Support
And if you’re a U.S. resident:
https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft
Thanks to everyone who wrote.
> How did the thief get your Passcode?
> How did you determine your device is in Airplane mode?
It was entirely my own stupidity and carelessness.
This actually made me think that a phone shouldn’t be critically important for one’s life.
Re: “… This actually made me think that a phone shouldn’t be critically important for one’s life …”
Wise words. 👍
Just because something CAN be on your mobile device, doesn’t mean it HAS to be, or even SHOULD be.
Best of luck 👋
If the thief knows your passcode … ??? 😮
Hopefully you had Stolen Device Protection enabled.
But the only problem is that the thief knows the code to the phone
How would the thief know the passcode to the phone unless it was provided to them?
Something doesn’t add up.
Concur.
How can I protect personal data on my stolen iPhone without having access to it?
