Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 15 Properly

When it comes to security in smartphones, Apple stands at the forefront. The Activation Lock is a robust barrier to preventing unauthorized access and device theft. Losing your Apple iPhone 15 can be a disturbing event, as accidents are inevitable. Taking prompt action to stop unauthorized data access becomes important. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to how to lock a stolen iPhone.

Part 1. Major Threats To Consider When iPhone Is Stolen

A lost iPhone can become susceptible to a myriad of threats. It could compromise your privacy, security, and personal data. Here are the reasons why learning how to lock your Apple iPhone 15 when lost is essential:

1. Unauthorized Access to Personal Data: Thieves can exploit an unsecured Apple iPhone 15 to gain unauthorized access to personal information. These include contacts, messages, emails, and photos.
2. **Financial Exploitation:**With access to your Apple iPhone 15, thieves may attempt to get stored payment methods.
3. Identity Theft: Stolen iPhones often contain a wealth of sensitive information. This makes them a prime target for identity theft.
4. Compromised Social Media Accounts: Using social media applications on your smartphone carries potential risks in the event of device loss. Unauthorized access to your social media accounts can lead to many problems, including misinformation and compromised privacy.

Part 2. Use Find My To Locate Stolen iPhone

On learning about how do I lock my stolen iPhone, Apple’s robust Find My feature emerges as a beacon of hope. It uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals to locate your Apple iPhone 15 accurately.

Key Scenarios Where Find My Works

Find My can be a source to track stolen iPhones, but certain scenarios are associated with its operations. To know more about these scenarios, this section continues the discussion further below:

1. iPhone Turned On:Find My can provide real-time location tracking when your stolen iPhone is still powered on and connected to the internet.
2. **iPhone Turned Off or In Airplane Mode:**The last known location before the Apple iPhone 15 device was powered down or put in Airplane Mode is accessible, offering a starting point for recovery efforts.
3. **Offline Finding with Bluetooth:**The Find My service leverages Bluetooth technology to create a vast network of Apple devices. With these, it can securely help locate your Apple iPhone 15, even offline.
4. **Activation Lock Integration:**This service is also integrated with Activation Lock, adding an extra layer of security. The Activation Lock remains active if a thief attempts to erase your device.

How To Use Find My To Locate Your Stolen iPhone

• Step 1. Access the Find My app on a trusted device and open it. If you can’t access one, use the iCloud website to access Find My service.

• Step 2. After logging in, select the lost device, and you can see its last recorded location on the map.

Part 3. Using Lost Mode To Lock Stolen iPhone

Lost Mode locks the Apple iPhone 15 device and allows users to showcase a personalized message on the screen. This can help greatly in the safe return of the smartphone. The following are the simple steps you need to follow to learn how to block stolen iPhone with Lost Mode:

Activating Lost Mode Using Your Smartphone

• Step 1. Within the Find My app, tap “Devices” from the bottom toolbar and select your lost device. Now, scroll down to “Mark As Lost” and tap “Activate.”

• Step 2. You will now be given a summary of the Lost Mode; tap “Continue” to proceed. On the following screen, add a phone number, tap “Next,” and add a message that will be displayed on the lost device.

• Step 3. After adding a message, tap “Next” on the following screen and press “Activate” from the top right corner.

Activating Lost Mode Using iCloud Website

• Step 1. Access the iCloud website via your computer’s web browser. Sign in using your Apple ID, continue to click the “Grid” icon in the top right corner, and select “Find My.”

• Step 2. In Find My, add your Apple ID password again to access “All Devices.” Now, choose the lost device from the list of all devices in the top left corner. Then, click “Mark As Lost,” and the following pop-up Lost Mode prompt, tap “Next.”

• Step 3. Now go on to add your phone number and tap “Next.” Follow it by providing the message you want to display and click “Activate” to enable Lost Mode.

Part 4. Can’t Find Stolen Phone? Erase iPhone Completely

When efforts to locate a stolen iPhone fail, the need to protect sensitive data intensifies. As a result, the option to erase the Apple iPhone 15 device becomes a crucial step instead of how to lock the Apple iPhone 15 when lost. Here’s how to protect against the potential misuse of your information by erasing your device via Find My:

• Step 1. After accessing Find My service, choose the lost device from the list and click “Erase This Device.”

• Step 2. Select “Continue” on the erased iPhone screen for the Find My app. Once you’ve added the number, press “Erase” in the top right corner and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the procedure.

• Step 3. If using the iCloud website, tap “Erase This Device” and click “Next” on the upcoming prompt. You will be asked to enter the Apple ID password, after which you can use the on-screen guidelines to finish the process.

Part 5. Other Things To Do iPhone Is Stolen

There are additional measures you can take to enhance your overall security apart from understanding how do I lock my stolen iPhone. The following are some options you should utilize in case of device loss:

To Do List #1. Report to Police

If your Apple iPhone 15 is stolen, it is crucial to immediately inform your local law enforcement agency. It facilitates the recovery process and assists in combatting criminal activities. Provide essential details about your Apple iPhone 15, such as the Model, color, and IMEI number. Share information about your efforts to locate the stolen iPhone using Find My.

To Do List #2. Make an Insurance Claim With AppleCare

You can claim insurance if you have AppleCare+ coverage for your Apple iPhone 15. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for iPhone includes protection against theft and loss incidents. It offers up to two incidents of such coverage every 12 months.

To qualify for theft or loss coverage, it is necessary for Find My to be enabled on your device at the time it goes missing. Moreover, it should remain enabled alongside Lost Mode throughout the claims process.

To Do List #3. Remove iPhone From Trusted Devices (2FA)

After your Apple iPhone 15 is stolen, it becomes essential to bolster the security of your online accounts. It is particularly essential for those safeguarded by Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which needs to be removed:

From iOS Device Settings

• Step 1. Access Settings on an iOS device logged in with the same Apple ID as the lost one. Here, tap on your name on the following screen and scroll down.

• Step 2. Simply select the misplaced device, and in the subsequent interface, press “Remove from Account” to eliminate it from the list of trusted devices.

From the Apple ID Website

• Step 1. If you cannot reach a secure device, visit the http://appleid.apple.com website and sign in with the identical Apple ID.

• Step 2. Once logged in, click “Devices” from the left side and select the lost device. To remove this device as a trusted device, click “Remove from Account.”

Click here

Part 6. Precautions To Take for Avoiding Losing iPhone

Users can proactively adopt specific measures to reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence. The following essential precautions are recommended while learning how to block your Apple iPhone 15 when stolen:

Precaution #1. Enable Find My on Device

Activating Find My increases the likelihood of recovering your device. Take the following steps to enable the Find My feature on your Apple iPhone 15:

• Step 1. On your iOS device, navigate to “Settings” and tap the Apple ID on the top. Now, scroll down and press “Find My” on the following screen.

• Step 2. Next, tap “Find My iPhone,” on the ensuing window, toggle “Find My iPhone.” This will enable the Find My service on your device.

Precaution #2. Enable Separation Alerts on iPhone

Enabling “Separation Alerts” assists in preventing the loss of your Apple iPhone 15 by alerting you when you distance yourself from it. Follow these steps to enable Separation Alerts on your Apple iPhone 15:

• Step 1. Navigate to and launch the Find My app on your Apple iPhone 15. Select the Apple iPhone 15 device from the “Devices” tab for which you want to enable separation alerts.

• Step 2. From the available options, tap “Notify When Left Behind,” and on the following screen, toggle “Notify When Left Behind.” You can also add locations on this screen by tapping “New Location,” for which you don’t want to receive a left-behind notice.

Precaution #3. Enable 2FA on iPhone

Activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enhances the security of your Apple iPhone 15. The mandatory secondary verification step makes 2FA crucial in securing your accounts. Follow these steps to enable 2FA on your Apple iPhone 15:

• Step 1. Access the Settings app on your iOS device and tap your name/Apple ID. Find and tap “Sign-In & Security” to proceed further.

• Step 2. On the following screen, tap “Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.” Follow it by tapping “Continue” afterward, and use the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Bonus Tip. Find Stolen iPhone Back but Locked? Unlock With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Recovering your stolen iPhone successfully can be a joyous event. Yet, the frustration of discovering your device locked due to a forgotten password can be disheartening. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) offers a solution to regain access to your device. This robust tool is crafted to help users unlock various iOS screen lock scenarios.

It provides a hassle-free solution for those locked out of their devices. This powerful tool effortlessly removes various lock screens on iPhones and iPads. It can bypass the iCloud activation lock without the need for a password.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

1. If you are using iTunes for backup but have forgotten the iTunes backup encryption passcode, Dr.Fone can remove it without data loss.
2. This tool can remove Apple ID from your Apple iPhone 15 or iPad if you have forgotten its password.
3. You can free up your device by removing MDM and carrier locks using Dr.Fone.

Steps To Unlock Your Locked iOS Device Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a comprehensive toolkit that addresses many iOS-related issues. It offers a user-friendly solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 15 with the help of the following steps:

• Step 1. Launching Wondershare Dr.Fone and Accessing Toolbox

Once you have installed and launched Wondershare Dr.Fone, access the “Toolbox” tab. Click “Screen Unlock,” and on the following screen, choose “iOS.” Click “Unlock iOS Screen” on the following screen and link your iOS device to the computer.

• Step 2. Entering Recovery Mode and Choosing System Version

The next step requires you to put your device in Recovery Mode, for which you can follow the instructions given on-screen. After your device is in Recovery Mode, Dr.Fone will display its “Model.” Now choose the appropriate “System Version” and click “Start.” Here, Dr.Fone will start downloading the required firmware. Once it is downloaded and verified, tap “Unlock Now.”

• Step 3. Acknowledging Data Loss Warning and Initiating Unlock Process

To show your acknowledgment of the warning, enter the asked code, which is “000000.” Afterward, click “Unlock” to initiate the screen unlocking process. Once the process is complete, tap “Done” to conclude the procedure.

Conclusion

Knowing how to lock stolen iPhones is essential for safeguarding personal and sensitive data. Apple’s Find My empowers users to remotely locate, lock, and erase their lost devices. If you have recovered your stolen device but it is locked, Wondershare Dr.Fone emerges as the top choice to unlock it within minutes.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

Forgot iPhone Passcode Again? Unlock Apple iPhone 15 Without Passcode Now

Ever since the introduction of Touch ID in iPhone 5s, people have started using passcodes, and it is an excellent thing that passcodes in smartphones have become mainstream. The introduction of biometric Touch ID made way for using passcodes without the need to enter them every time, making the smartphone experience more secure while adding convenience. It was a game-changer move.

However, that move also presented an issue. As passcode was only required some of the time, people started forgetting their passcodes. So, if you have an Apple iPhone 15 and want to know how to unlock Apple iPhone 15 without passcode since you have forgotten it, continue reading to find out what to do.

Part I: 4 Easy Ways To Unlock iPhone Without Passcode

We present you with three easy ways to unlock iPhone without passcode.

I.I: Unlock Apple iPhone 15 Without Passcode Through iTunes/ macOS Finder

If you have access to a computer, be it Windows or macOS, you can quickly use iTunes or macOS Finder to unlock Apple iPhone 15 without passcode. You will need a data cable (preferably original Apple) and an active internet connection.

Step 1: Use the data cable to connect the computer and the locked iPhone and launch iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and above).

Step 2: This process requires putting the Apple iPhone 15 in Recovery Mode.

Putting iPhone 8 In Recovery Mode

Press the volume up key and release. Then, press the volume down key and release. Lastly, press the power key until the Apple iPhone 15 enters Recovery Mode. iTunes or Finder will reflect this.

Putting iPhone 7 In Recovery Mode

If you have the older iPhone 7, putting that device in Recovery Mode is slightly different.

Step 1: Turn the phone off by going to Settings > General > Shut Down and dragging the slider.

Step 2: Press the volume down and the power keys together until iTunes or Finder show the Apple iPhone 15 in Recovery Mode.

Step 3: Once in Recovery Mode, click Restore to unlock Apple iPhone 15 without passcode.

The Apple iPhone 15 will be restored to factory settings and restarted. You will have to set it up afresh when all data on the Apple iPhone 15 device is erased in this process.

I.II: Unlock Apple iPhone 15 Without Passcode Through Wondershare Dr.Fone

Now, if that process does not inspire confidence and you would like a more guided walkthrough experience, there is an app by Wondershare to help you through the unlocking process every step of the way - Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a collection of tools designed to help you perform various activities on your smartphones and tablets. You can do much with this app, such as operating system repair, secure device erases, or even location spoof during those Pokémon sessions or prank friends and family.

It is a must-have software that supports iOS and Android and works on both macOS and Windows. Download Wondershare Dr.Fone here to begin.

Step 1: You need to connect your PC with a USB to Your Apple iPhone 15. And open Dr.Fone.

Step 2: Find Unlock iOS Screen and click it:

Step 3: The provided instructions help you to get the Apple iPhone 15 into Recovery Mode:

Step 4: Dr.Fone detects the software version and device model automatically. If the detected information is incorrect, adjust it correctly and click Start.

Step 5: When the downloaded software is verified, and the Apple iPhone 15 is ready to be unlocked, Dr.Fone will prompt with the below screen:

Click Unlock Now and wait until the unlock successful notification pops up.

I.III: Unlock Apple iPhone 15 Without Passcode Through The iCloud Website (Find My iPhone)

If the Apple iPhone 15 had Find My enabled before it got locked, and you have the iCloud credentials that the Apple iPhone 15 is locked to, you can use Find My on the iCloud website to unlock the locked iPhone.

Step 1: Go to https://icloud.com and sign in using the iCloud/ Apple ID used with the locked iPhone. If you use any other ID, you will not see this iPhone since it would not be attached to that ID.

Step 2: Click Find My and select your Apple iPhone 15.

Step 3: Click Erase iPhone and confirm.

iPhone will be unlocked and restored to factory settings. Fresh setup will be required.

I.IV: Unlock Apple iPhone 15 Without A Computer (Find My App)

What to do if there is no computer nearby and all you have is another iPad or iPhone? Please do not panic, as you can use Find My on any Apple device to erase and unlock the Apple iPhone 15 provided the same Apple ID as the locked iPhone is used.

This means that it might be easier for you if you have another Apple device signed in to the same iCloud as the locked iPhone, else you will need to temporarily sign out of the account on that device and sign in with the requisite account. It is cumbersome, but it is better than nothing in a pinch.

Step 1: Launch Find My app on your macOS or iOS device.

Step 2: Select the locked iPhone from the list of devices, click or tap it on the map and click or tap Erase This Device.

The unlocked iPhone will be erased, and factory settings restored on the Apple iPhone 15 device, requiring a new setup after the restart.

If your locked iPhone is not on the list of devices, and you cannot do anything, feel free to pay a visit to an Apple Store, as they will have all resources required to get your Apple iPhone 15 unlocked and working again.

Part II: FAQs

Here are helpful frequently asked questions for you.

FAQ 1: Can I unlock iPhone without data loss?

Unlocking an iPhone requires erasing the Apple iPhone 15 device’s contents as the entire device is wiped and the operating system is installed fresh. Therefore, there is no way to unlock iPhone without data loss.

FAQ 2: Can I use iPhone without passcode?

Yes, you can use the Apple iPhone 15 without a passcode if you fear that you might forget the passcode again. However, this also means exposing your data and device to theft and security risks, not to mention that you will only be able to use Touch ID if you set up a passcode first.

Bonus Tip: Prevent iPhone From Getting Locked In Future

It might be in the best interest of your data and device to use a passcode and benefit from biometric security convenience; you must be wondering what you can do to make sure that you avoid forgetting the passcode again. There are a few things you can do:

Setting a passcode for your birthday can be tempting. It could also be an ATM PIN. However, you should avoid that temptation because if someone knows one of them, they know the other by default.

So how to use a memorable yet indecipherable passcode? The best strategy is to mix and match. For example, use two digits of something, two of another, and two of another to create six digits of the passcode. That will maintain the ease for you to remember the passcode but make it difficult for someone else to figure out that specific combination.

You can also use the alphanumeric passcode feature on the iPhone. However, we recommend changing the passcode frequently for extra security.

Conclusion

The convenience of Touch ID on the Apple iPhone 15 is unparalleled. Yet, with that convenience comes the risk of forgetting the passcode to the Apple iPhone 15 device, the need to enter the passcode is greatly minimized with Touch ID.

So, if you have forgotten your Apple iPhone 15 passcode and are looking for how to unlock Apple iPhone 15 without passcode, use this guide to pick one of the three easy ways to unlock Apple iPhone 15 in case of forgotten passcode.

3 Easy Ways to Factory Reset a Locked Apple iPhone 15 Without iTunes

There are a few causes that you might need to factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes. Perhaps you forgot your passcode and can’t seem to remember it, no matter how many times you try. Maybe you’re selling your Apple iPhone 15 and want to ensure that all your data is wiped from the Apple iPhone 15 device before handing it over to someone else.

Whatever the reason, a few different ways can help you factory reset locked iPhones without iTunes.

Here are some ways to finish the factory reset on a locked iPhone without iTunes.

Let’s get started.

Easy App to Factory Reset Locked iPhone

If you search for a simple and effective way to factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes, you should check out Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock. This professional iOS screen unlocks tool can help you erase all kinds of data from your Apple iPhone 15 and help you unlock your device within a few minutes.

For this, you will need to follow the steps given below.

Step #1: Download and Install Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock on a Computer or Mac:

First, download Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock on your computer or Mac. Once the software is downloaded, install it on your system and launch it.

Step #2: Select Screen Unlock:

On the main interface of Dr.Fone, you need to select “ Screen Unlock. “ You may see many options, but you will have to choose Screen Unlock because it will allow you to remove the passcode from your locked iPhone.

Step #3: Get your Apple iPhone 15 in Recovery Mode and Make it connected to the Computer:

You must put your Apple iPhone 15 in recovery mode and then connect it to the computer using a USB cable. If you don’t know how to put your Apple iPhone 15 into recovery mode, don’t worry, you will all the instructions on the screen.

Once Dr. Fone detects your device, you will see the following screen.

Step #4: Choose the Appropriate Firmware and Download it:

After your Apple iPhone 15 is in recovery mode, you need to select the appropriate firmware for your device. Once you have selected the firmware, click on the “ Download “ button to start downloading it.

Step #5: Reset your Apple iPhone 15:

Once the firmware is downloaded, you can click on the “Unlock Now” button to begin resetting your device.

Your locked iPhone has now been successfully unlocked without iTunes after the reset process has been completed.

The process will take a few minutes if you have a strong internet connection because the Firmware may take some time to download. So be patient and wait for the process to be completed.

3 Simple Methods to Factory Reset Locked iPhone

Besides the above-given method, other methods can also help you factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes.

These methods are as follows:

Method #1: Factory reset via the Find My feature on your device

Resetting your locked iPhone without iTunes is one of the most effective methods. You can use this method if you have set up the “ Find My iPhone “ function on your device.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to icloud.com from any web browser and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2: Select “ Find My iPhone “ and select “ All Devices. “

Step 3: Choose the Apple iPhone 15 device you wish to erase and click “Erase iPhone.”

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, and click the “ Erase “ button to proceed.

Now that your device has been erased, you can reset it as a new one.

Method #2: Use the Find My feature via another device to remotely factory reset your device (your apple id, password, and Internet required)

This is another method you can use if you have the “ Find My iPhone “ feature on your device. You can use this method to remotely factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes by using another iOS device.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: On another iOS device, go to iCloud and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2: Select “ Find My iPhone “ and select “ All Devices. “

Step 3: Click on “Erase iPhone” after selecting the Apple iPhone 15 device you want to erase.

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, and click on the “ Erase “ button to proceed.

Your device will now be erased, and you can set it up as a new device.

Method #3: Enter the Recovery Mode of the Finder

If you want to factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes and any data loss, then this is the method you should use. This method will put your device into recovery mode, and then you can restore it from a previous backup.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Finder on your computer and connect your Apple iPhone 15.

Step 2: Click “ General “ and then “ Reset. “

Step 3: Choose the “ Erase All Content and Settings “ option and confirm by clicking “ Erase Now “.

Your device will now be erased, and it’ll become a new device.

FAQs

1. Can a Factory Reset Bypass the Lock screen Passcode on iPhone?

Yes. A factory reset will bypass the lock screen passcode on your Apple iPhone 15 and allow you to access it without a passcode. However, all your data will disappear, so make sure you have a backup.

2. Can I Factory Reset my iPhone without Losing the Data?

No. If you want a factory reset, all your data will be erased, so make a backup before proceeding.

But if you want your Apple iPhone 15 set to return to the default without losing your data, you can do a “Reset All Settings.” This will not touch your data but will return all the default settings.

3. What is the Difference Between a Soft Reset and a Hard Reset?

A soft reset is when you restart your device, and a hard reset is when you factory reset all the settings on your device and start fresh. A factory reset is a type of hard reset without losing the data.

4. How do I force my iPhone 6 to factory reset with buttons?

To force your Apple iPhone 15 to factory reset with buttons, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Press and hold the “ Sleep/Wake “ button and the “ Home “ button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.

Step 2: After 10 seconds have passed, release the “ Sleep/Wake “ button but keep holding the “ Home “ button.

Step 3: Keep holding the “ Home “ button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

Step 4: Here, you will be in recovery mode, and now you can reset your Apple iPhone 15.

Your device will now be reset, and you will have a phone like a new one.

5. How can I get into a locked iPhone?

If you have lost the passcode of your Apple iPhone 15, then you can use the Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock tool to factory reset your device. To do this, you need to proceed with the steps given above. They are easy to follow and will help you reset your device without risk.

The Bottom Line

These are some of the most effective methods that can help you factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes. You can use any of these methods to reset your device and get rid of the lock screen.

However, if you want to factory reset your Apple iPhone 15 because you have forgotten your passcode, we recommend using Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock app because it is the most effective and safe method.

This app can help you factory reset your locked iPhone without iTunes in just a few minutes, and it is very easy to use. So, if you want to reset your device without any data loss, we recommend using this app.

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