Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 Properly

Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 Properly

Sophia Lv12

Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 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 12 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.

understanding ways to lock 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 12 when lost is essential:

  1. Unauthorized Access to Personal Data: Thieves can exploit an unsecured Apple iPhone 12 to gain unauthorized access to personal information. These include contacts, messages, emails, and photos.
  2. **Financial Exploitation:**With access to your Apple iPhone 12, 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 12 accurately.

using find my to locate iphone

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 trackingwhen 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 12 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 12, 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.

open find my app

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

consider last device location

Part 3. Using Lost Mode To Lock Stolen iPhone

Lost Mode locks the Apple iPhone 12 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.”

proceed to activate lost mode

  • 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.

add message for lost device

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

proceed to turn on lost mode

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.”

sign into icloud account

  • 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.”

access lost mode option

  • 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.

activate lost mode from browser

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 12 device becomes a crucial step instead of how to lock the Apple iPhone 12 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.”

erase device from find my

  • 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.

follow prompts to erase

  • 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.

erase device from browser

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 12 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 12, such as the Model, color, and IMEI number. Share information about your efforts to locate the stolen iPhone using Find My.

reporting iphone stolen to police

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

You can claim insurance if you have AppleCare+ coverage for your Apple iPhone 12. 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.

insurance in applecare

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

After your Apple iPhone 12 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.

open settings and apple id details

  • 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.

remove stolen device from account

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.

log into apple id account

  • 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.”

remove device from browser

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 12 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 12:

  • 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.

open find my settings

  • 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.

turn on find my service

Precaution #2. Enable Separation Alerts on iPhone

Enabling “Separation Alerts” assists in preventing the loss of your Apple iPhone 12 by alerting you when you distance yourself from it. Follow these steps to enable Separation Alerts on your Apple iPhone 12:

  • Step 1. Navigate to and launch the Find My app on your Apple iPhone 12. Select the Apple iPhone 12 device from the “Devices” tab for which you want to enable separation alerts.

look for device in find my

  • 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.

notify on separation enabled

Precaution #3. Enable 2FA on iPhone

Activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enhances the security of your Apple iPhone 12. The mandatory secondary verification step makes 2FA crucial in securing your accounts. Follow these steps to enable 2FA on your Apple iPhone 12:

  • 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.

open security settings iphone

  • 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.

turn on two factor authentication

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 IDfrom your Apple iPhone 12 or iPad if you have forgotten its password.
  3. You can free up your device by removing MDMand 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 12 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.

start ios screen unlock

  • 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.”

proceed to unlock ios

  • 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.

acknowledge and unlock device

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 Locked Apple iPhone 12 Password? Learn the Best Methods To Unlock

The note-taking apps are pivotal in organizing thoughts, reminders, and sensitive data. Notably, Apple’s Notes app stands out for smooth blending into the Apple ecosystem while boasting a user-friendly interface. It is recognized for its effortless integration and robust security.

This app offers a reliable and secure platform for storing personal and confidential information. Users can safeguard their notes by setting up separate passwords. Yet, it’s not uncommon to encounter a situation where one forgets a note password on an iPhone. This can be frustrating, but don’t worry, as this article will discuss how to unlock a note on iPhone.

unlock forgotten notes password easily

Part 1. Best Method To Unlock Forgotten Notes Password iPhone: Wondershare Dr.Fone

Apple allows users to create a separate password for notes or use their iPhone passcode. Many users choose the second option to avoid remembering a new password. Forgetting the Apple iPhone 12 device passcode poses a drawback, making your notes inaccessible. Wondershare Dr.Fone stands out as one of the most straightforward solutions for addressing this scenario.

It offers an absolute way to regain access to your notes and device if you forgot locked Notes password. However, it’s essential to note that this method will remove all data from your Apple iPhone 12. That allows you to set your device as new and restore the old data using backups. Dr.Fone offers a comprehensive solution with the ability to bypass or remove most of the locks on iOS devices.

Focusing Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

  1. For users who have forgotten their Screen Time passcode , Dr.Fone allows them to remove it without causing data loss.
  2. Fone has the ability to remove Apple ID from your iOS device if you have forgotten its credentials.
  3. Buying a second-hand might involve iCloud Activation Lock, which Dr.Fone can bypass in minutes.

Steps To Unlock Forgotten Notes Password iPhone via Wondershare Dr.Fone

Dr.Fone is a robust tool tailored to aid users in unlocking their iOS devices. It incorporates multiple pivotal features necessary for facilitating the unlocking procedure. Here are the steps imperative for unlocking your iOS device:

Note: This method is suitable when Notes password is same as iPhone passcode.

  • Step 1. Initiate iOS Screen Unlock With Dr.Fone

Once Wondershare Dr.Fone is downloaded and installed on your computer, launch it. Then navigate to “Toolbox,” access “Screen Unlock,” and finally choose “iOS” as the Apple iPhone 12 device type. Now, select the “Unlock iOS Screen” button to begin the process.

unlock ios screen with dr fone

  • Step 2. Enter Recovery Mode and Download Firmware

The next step is to put your device into Recovery Mode after selecting “Start,” for which the instructions are given on the screen. Once your device is in Recovery Mode, Dr.Fone will detect it and show its model. Now select the “System Version” and tap “Start” to proceed. Dr.Fone will now start downloading the firmware, which it will later verify.

define model and version

  • Step 3. Unlock the iOS Device and Complete the Process

When the firmware is displayed after verification, press “Unlock Now.” Upon triggering, an immediate prompt will appear. It will need the insertion of the “000000” code for compliance with the data loss warning. Following the code entry, tap “Unlock” to start the unlocking process. Upon unlocking the Apple iPhone 12 device successfully, complete the procedure by tapping “Done.”

enter confirmation code for unlock

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

Part 2. How To Unlock Notes on iPhone Through Settings

If you’ve locked a note on your Apple iPhone 12 but forgot the password, there is no need to worry. You can unlock the notes through “Settings” on your device as long as you have your Apple ID credentials. The following are the steps for what to do if you forgot your notes password:

Note: This method is suitable when you remember your Apple iPhone 12 passcode.

  • Step 1. Begin the process by accessing Settings and then navigating to “Notes.” Within the “Notes” tab, press “Password” followed by tapping “Reset Password.”

reset notes password via settings

  • Step 2. You will be prompted to enter the Apple ID password for confirmation. After entering the Apple ID password, tap “Reset Password” again to reset the password. Finalize the process by setting up a new “Password,” “Verify” it, set a “Hint,” and press “Done.”

enter new password for notes

Part 3. How To Unlock Notes on iPhone Using Touch ID/Face ID

Even if you’ve forgotten the password to your Notes on iPhone, there’s an alternative method available. You can unlock them by enabling Face ID or Touch ID for Notes. This feature allows users to access locked notes through biometric authentication. Here’s how to unlock a note on iPhone using Touch ID/Face ID:

Note: This method is suitable when Touch ID or Face ID is enabled.

  • Step 1. Before starting, ensure you have Touch ID/Face ID already enabled. Now, open the Notes app and navigate to the locked note. Tap the note followed by pressing “View Note.” Then, you will be required to use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock the note.

unlock notes using face id

  • Step 2. If you want to save the content of the locked note without re-locking it, select all the content. Now, “Copy” the note’s content and paste it on a new note to recover the data from a locked note.

copy locked note content

Bonus Tip. Learn How To Lock Notes on iPhone Easily

Locking notes on your Apple iPhone 12 provides extra security for your sensitive information. Regularly reviewing and updating your password settings can enhance the security of your locked notes. Here’s a simple and effective method to lock notes on your Apple iPhone 12:

  • Step 1. Open the “Note” you want to lock and tap the “three dots” near the top right corner. From the appearing menu, press the “Lock” icon.

select note to lock

  • Step 2. If it is the first time, you will be asked to set a new password or use the same one as the Apple iPhone 12 device. After your note is locked, hide its content by tapping the “open lock” icon at the top of the screen.

enter password to lock note

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article addressed methods for how to recover locked notes on iPhones. It explored options such as using Settings to remove note locks, leveraging Touch ID/Face ID for access, and introducing Wondershare Dr.Fone as a comprehensive solution. Dr.Fone offers a direct approach to unlocking devices when passwords are inaccessible.

Reset iTunes Backup Password Of Apple iPhone 12: Prevention & Solution

When you back up the data from your Apple iPhone 12, iPad, or iPod touch, you will have a copy of the information stored on those devices. It’s free to use iTunes, iCloud, or both to back up your device.

If you have forgotten the password to your backup, you may reset your Apple iPhone 12 backup password by following these instructions. The process to reset the iTunes backup password is simple within only a few minutes.

To get started, please follow the instructions that are listed below.

itunes

Part 1: iPhone Backup Encryption Specifications

A safety precaution that may be taken to prevent unwanted access to your Apple iPhone 12 backups is using a password for the backups themselves.

If you forget your password, you will be required to reset it before being able to access your backups again.

iCloud and iTunes Backup Password

Resetting your password may be done in different methods, depending on whether or not you have an iCloud account. You may reset your iCloud password by visiting the iCloud website and following the steps. This requires that you already have an iCloud account.

Connecting your device to a computer and using the iTunes program will allow you to reset your password even if you do not have an iCloud account. After successfully changing your password, you can access your backups the same way as before.

password security

To improve the safety of your Apple iPhone 12 backup, you should first change the password for your iTunes backup. This will guarantee that no one else can see your backup file and that only you can access it. No one else will have chance to get it.

Basic Ways for Password Security

To reset your password, go to the Preferences menu in iTunes, and click on the Reset Password button. You will be prompted to enter your old password and a new one. Please choose a strong password that cannot be easily guessed.

Another way to enhance the security of your Apple iPhone 12 backup is to use iCloud instead of iTunes. iCloud offers an extra layer of security, as your backup file will be encrypted when transmitted to iCloud.

In addition, iCloud requires you to enter your Apple ID and password to access your backup file. This means that only you can access your backup and that it will be more difficult for someone else to gain access to it.

Forgot your Apple iPhone 12 backup password? Don’t worry, and we can help!

Our step-by-step guide will show you how to reset iPhone backup password in minutes. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to access your backed-up data in no time. We guarantee it!

Follow on to learn how to reset your Apple iPhone 12 backup password now!

1. “Reset All Settings” in “Settings.”

Get into Settings on your iOS device, then choose General, and Reset.

reset

Now, go to Reset All Settings and confirm by entering the security passcode. Your phone will reset to the default setting. Get rid of the password for the last backup without deleting any other apps or data.

reset all settings

2. “Back Up Now” in “iCloud.”

If you already have a backup stored in iCloud, you may use iCloud to reset the encryption password iPhone.

Turn on the mobile and look for the “Hello” screen. If you have previously set up your Apple iPhone 12, you must delete or remove all of the material before continuing.

Navigate to the Apps & Data menu, and choose the Restore from iCloud Backup option.

After successfully signing in with your Apple ID, choose Backup.

restore from icloud

3. Find it back in the macOS keychain

Launch Keychain Access by going to Application, then Utilities, and choose Keychain Access once your Mac has booted up.

Check for a backup by entering it into the search box and looking for it there.

Double-click Show Password, and choose it from the drop-down menu. The password for your Apple iPhone 12 backup will be shown, and you can reset iTunes backup password now!

macos keychain

Bonus Tips: Best App to Remove iTunes Backup Password

Do you have a loved one’s locked iPhone and don’t know the passcode?

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the world’s first and only tool to remove any lock screen on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod without knowing the password. It also unlocks iCloud locks, removes MDM profiles, and bypasses MDM locks without data loss.

So, whether your loved one has forgotten their screen lock code, had their phone stolen, or is stuck on the activation lock screen, Dr.Fone Screen Unlock can help.

The process is simple -download the software, connect your Apple iPhone 12 to your computer, click a few buttons, and voila! Your device is unlocked with no data loss. And there’s no need to jailbreak your device or enter any passwords - it’s all done with just a few clicks.

With Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock, you can easily follow the steps to remove iTunes backup password.

Step 1: Install Dr.Fone, launch it and select the red button “Screen Unlock.”

drfone

Step 2: Go to the Screen Unlock interface, tap on “Remove iTunes BackUp Encryption” on the bottom right to reset the encryption password iPhone.

screen unlock

Step 3: Connect your iOS device to the PC via a USB cable. You will see the image if Dr.Fone can detect this connection.

Click “Remove Now”

  • Make sure “Find My iPhone” is off.
  • Do not open “iTunes” in the process.
  • Your device will reboot in the process of removing

connected

Step 4: Dr.Fone will verify and remove your iTunes backup password when the progress bar reaches 100%

checking

Step 5: iTunes backup encryption is removed successfully! You can now reset iTunes backup password without any trouble.

removed

Part 4: Tips to Keep Your Apple iPhone 12 Backup Password

1. Use birthday as password

It is essential to use a password that is both robust and one of a kind if you want to have the safety of the backup password for your Apple iPhone 12.

Using your birthdate as the password is one approach that has shown to be useful. This strategy helps guarantee that your password is not readily guessed or cracked while at the same time ensuring that it is simple for you to remember.

2. Use a third-party app to keep it

There is a wide selection of third-party software on the market that may assist you in maintaining the privacy and integrity of the data stored on your Apple iPhone 12.

These applications cannot only safeguard your data but also add additional levels of protection, making it impossible for anybody else, even if they know the password, to access the data.

KeepSafe and Norton Zone are just examples of the many different programs available. Not only will your Apple iPhone 12 backup password be safe and secure with these programs, but other crucial information stored on your phone will also be protected.

3. Write it down on a note

If you need to change your Apple iPhone 12’s backup password but have forgotten it, you’ll know how aggravating it is. Passwords can be difficult to keep straight in your head even after you’ve exhausted the most obvious possibilities.

Fortunately, you can save your password as a note on your Apple iPhone 12 and access it whenever necessary. If you store the note somewhere secure (like a password-protected notes app or a master password manager), you shouldn’t have any problems.

Launch Notes and make a new note to do this. After that, you may protect the message with a password and save it.

You may now easily access your backup password by referring to the note. Though it’s not ideal, it’s better than losing track of your password and starting over from scratch.

The Bottom Line

The process to reset iPhone’s backup password is not as complicated as you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes. You may quickly and reset your password and go back to using your phone by following the steps outlined above.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the easiest method to delete the password from your iTunes backup. This program makes regaining access to your phone and its contents as simple as tapping a screen. If you want to avoid going through this procedure again, be sure to implement the suggestions provided in Section 3.


Also read:

  • Title: Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 Properly
  • Author: Sophia
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 07:10:16
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 07:10:16
  • Link: https://ios-unlock.techidaily.com/learn-how-to-lock-stolen-your-apple-iphone-12-properly-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 Properly