Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 7 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 7 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 7 when lost is essential:

Unauthorized Access to Personal Data: Thieves can exploit an unsecured Apple iPhone 7 to gain unauthorized access to personal information. These include contacts, messages, emails, and photos.
**Financial Exploitation:**With access to your Apple iPhone 7, thieves may attempt to get stored payment methods.
Identity Theft: Stolen iPhones often contain a wealth of sensitive information. This makes them a prime target for identity theft.
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 7 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:

iPhone Turned On:Find My can provide real-time location trackingwhen your stolen iPhone is still powered on and connected to the internet.
**iPhone Turned Off or In Airplane Mode:**The last known location before the Apple iPhone 7 device was powered down or put in Airplane Mode is accessible, offering a starting point for recovery efforts.
**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 7, even offline.
**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 7 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 7 device becomes a crucial step instead of how to lock the Apple iPhone 7 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 7 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 7, 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 7. 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 7 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.”

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 7 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 7:

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 7 by alerting you when you distance yourself from it. Follow these steps to enable Separation Alerts on your Apple iPhone 7:

Step 1. Navigate to and launch the Find My app on your Apple iPhone 7. Select the Apple iPhone 7 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 7. The mandatory secondary verification step makes 2FA crucial in securing your accounts. Follow these steps to enable 2FA on your Apple iPhone 7:

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

If you are using iTunes for backup but have forgotten the iTunes backup encryption passcode, Dr.Fone can remove it without data loss.
This tool can remove Apple IDfrom your Apple iPhone 7 or iPad if you have forgotten its password.
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 7 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!

Did Your Apple iPhone 7 Passcode Change Itself? Unlock It Now

The Apple iPhone 7 changing passcodes itself is not a commonly reported issue, but it surely can happen to anyone. While the reasons are uncertain, the issue can be resolved without putting much strain on your device. If you face this iPhone passcode changed itself issue by any chance, it makes it hard for you to get into your Apple iPhone 7.

However, you don’t need to worry, as this well-organized guide provides authentic methods to solve this issue. You will also find a bonus tool to fix your iPhone/iPad passcode changed itself issue without any need of knowledge.

Part 1. What Are the Reasons for iPhone Passcode Changing by Itself

Before solving the Apple iPhone 7 or iPad passcode changed itself issue, you should know the actual reason behind it. Here are some points that precisely explain why the Apple iPhone 7 changed its passcode by itself:

Frequent iOS Updates: One major issue that can cause the problem of iPhone passcodes changing by itself is the ongoing iOS updates. An update can sometimes cause major glitches in the Apple iPhone 7 device, which might automatically change the credentials.
iOS System Error: Many users are reportedly known for installing and using the Beta version of iOS on their iPhones/iPads. These versions are known to hold major glitches and bugs in the software. Usually, the Apple iPhone 7 changing passcode issue is normally reported by users under such scenarios.
Malware: Malicious apps can damage your system security and make your iOS device change the passcode automatically. This can either happen due to device hacking or system security breaches.

Part 2. [The Simplest Solution] Remove iPhone Passcodes With Wondershare Dr.Fone

There are multiple ways to resolve the “iPhone changed passcode itself” issue, but they can be consistently difficult. Here, Wondershare Dr.Fone provides the simplest solution to fix your Apple iPhone 7 without putting any effort. When fixing your Apple iPhone 7’s screen locks, Wondershare Dr.Fone caters to different scenarios. From Touch ID to Face ID and other basic screen locks, this tool unlocks it within minutes.

It clearly shows that you can easily get yourselves out of the miserable iPhone changed passcode itself issue. This is not only what Wondershare Dr.Fone offers its users. You can also find a high success rate for unlocking carrier and MDM locks.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone is compatible with all iOS devices up to iOS 17, which allows everyone to get help using its advanced functionality.
If you lose access to your Apple ID, it can bypass the iCloud Activation Lock and help you set up your iOS device like a new one.
Without damaging the data, Wondershare Dr.Fone allows you to remove the iTunes backup encryption . This allows you to back up, restore, transfer, or easily wipe out your device’s data.

Comprehensive Guide To Unlock Screen Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone provides the simplest solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 7 and remove the passcode change issue. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete the screen unlocking process without wasting any time:

Step 1. Start Tool and Choose Screen Unlock Function

Initially, launch Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and connect it to your concerned iPhone. Go into the “Toolbox” and choose the “Screen Unlock” function from the given options. Next, select “iOS” to run the process for the iOS device. Choose the “Unlock iOS Screen” option and hit the “Start” button to initiate the unlocking process.

Step 2. Put Your Apple iPhone 7 in Recovery Mode and Confirm Status

After that, follow the on-screen instructions to put your Apple iPhone 7 in the Recovery Mode. In the next window, you can see your device model recognized. Then, enter your “System Version” and hit the “Start” button again to continue.

Step 3. Download iOS Firmware and Confirm

Then, the system starts downloading the required iOS firmware according to your Apple iPhone 7 model. Once the download is complete, click “Unlock Now” to implement the screen unlocking process. Enter the code in the confirmation box in the next window and choose the “Unlock” option.

Step 4. Install iOS Firmware To Unlock Completely

After that, you can see a progress bar of the unlocking screen process. Then, it takes you to the next window after completion, where you click the “Done” button to accomplish the process.

Part 3. Set Up the Apple iPhone 7 device Again Using the Security Lockout Procedure

Security Lockout or “iPhone Unavailable” happens when you attempt a wrong passcode 10 times. From there, you need to erase all your Apple iPhone 7 data to regain access to the iOS device again.

While there is no direct way to regain access to your device when its passcode changes, you will have to perform a factory reset on your Apple iPhone 7 to make it reusable. For that, look through the comprehensive guide on how to take your device out of this state:

Step 1. After getting your iOS 17 device into the “iPhone Unavailable” stage, tap the “Forgot Passcode?” option in the bottom right corner.
Step 2. To start the Apple iPhone 7 reset, you need to tap on the “Start iPhone Reset.” Then, enter your Apple ID password in the given box and sign out your Apple ID. If you have an eSIM, you will be prompted with an option. Select the “Keep eSIM and Erase Data” or the “Delete eSIM and Erase Data” option according to your choice.

In another case, Apple allows you to temporarily sign in to your Apple iPhone 7 using a recently changed passcode within 72 hours. But once you get into your device, set a new passcode immediately to retain your full access.

Part 4. Using iTunes To Set Up iOS Device Again

iTunes service allows you to reset your Apple iPhone 7 to factory settings and unlock the screen lock if the Apple iPhone 7 passcode changes on its own. Using iTunes to set up your Apple iPhone 7 again is a good and safe method, but it removes your device data. If you can compromise losing data, you can follow these instructions to remove the Apple iPhone 7 Passcode Changed Itself issue using iTunes:

Instructions. Firstly, launch iTunes on your desktop and connect your Apple iPhone 7. Then, you need to progress into putting your Apple iPhone 7 in the Recovery Mode . Continuing this, iTunes detects your device in Recovery Mode and shows two options: “Update” or “Restore.” Click on the “Restore” option and hit the “OK” button to restore your Apple iPhone 7 and regain access.

Part 5. Using iCloud To Set Up iOS Device Again

Using iCloud to unlock iOS devices is a safe and recommended method, but it also leads to complete data loss. If you wish to consider using the iCloud method, it is important for the Find My service to be active on the Apple iPhone 7 device. Also, you need to be aware of your Apple ID and password before proceeding. Follow this comprehensive guide step-by-step to set up your iOS device again using iCloud.

Step 1. First of all, open iCloud on your desktop web browser. Afterward, enter your “Apple ID” and “Password” to proceed. After trusting the Apple iPhone 7 device, look for the “Grid” icon on the top right to find the “Find My” option in the list.

Step 2. After that, choose the Apple iPhone 7 device that you want to recover. Then, click the “Erase This Device” option to remove data and regain your device access.

Part 6. Using Find My App To Set Up iOS Device Again

This method needs you to have another iOS device signed into the same Apple ID with the Find My option enabled. After fulfilling these preconditions, you can follow these steps to set up your device whose iPhone passcode changed from 4 to 6 digits by itself:

Step 1. Launch the Find My App on any other device, select the “Devices” tab from the bottom menu, find your locked iPhone in the list, and tap on that.
Step 2. You must select the “Erase This Device” button to remove it from the iCloud account. This will instantly factory reset the Apple iPhone 7 device as if it is a new iOS device.

Bonus Tip. How To Change Passcode on iPhone: A Simple Guide

We’ve discussed various reasons why the iPhone passcode changed itself above. However, there are several instances where you want to change the passcode yourself. What to do if you are looking for an effective way to change your Apple iPhone 7’s passcode? Follow the simple step-by-step guide to change the passcode from the iDevice’s “Settings:”

Step 1. First, open iPhone “Settings” and go to the “Face ID & Passcode” option to access the Apple iPhone 7 device’s security settings.

Step 2. After that, tap “Change Passcode” and enter your six-digit passcode to see passcode options. Open “Passcode Options” and set a four-digit passcode easily or vice versa.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve gone through the scenario of iPhone/iPad passcode changing itself due to system glitches. To fix this problem, we have introduced some effective and reliable methods with simple steps. However, Wondershare Dr.Fone is the recommended tool to bypass this issue because it provides a high success rate with an easy-to-follow system.

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!

How to Make the Most of Your Apple iPhone 7 Lock Screen with Notifications?

The Apple iPhone 7 lock screen has certainly changed a lot over the last few updates of iOS. Not only it provides an added security to the Apple iPhone 7 device, but with iPhone lock screen notifications, we can also save our time and efforts. With the introduction of iOS 18, we can also see a change in iPhone lock screen with notifications as well. To help you make the most out of lock screen notifications iPhone, we have come up with this ultimate guide. Read on and know all sorts of things you can do with iPhone notification lock screen.

Part 1: How to use iPhone lock screen notifications?

When it comes to iPhone lock screen with notifications, there are so many things that you can do. For instance, here are a handful of things you can do with iPhone lock screen notifications.

Reply to messages quickly

If you aren’t using this iPhone notification lock screen feature, then you are certainly missing out on something. You might already know that you can get a preview of messages on your home screen. Simply long press it (or 3D Touch) to interact with it. From here, you can reply to your messages without unlocking your device.

Interact with apps without unlocking your phone

Not just your messages, you can interact with other apps as well right from the lock screen notifications iPhone. After getting a list of notifications, you can simply tap on the “x” button to close them.

Though, if you want to know more, then just long press the notification. For instance, if you have got a notification for an email, then you can get various options just by long pressing it.

Search for anything

Besides interacting with widgets and apps, you can also search for something on your device and that too without unlocking it. Simply tap on the search bar to make it work.

Part 2: How to turn off notifications on iPhone lock screen?

Sometimes, people can access our private information just by looking at our notifications. In this way, they can get read your crucial information and that too without unlocking your device. By simply visiting your device’s settings, you can customize iPhone lock screen with notifications. In this way, you can turn on or off iPhone lock screen notifications for the apps of your choice.

1. Unlock your device and go to its Settings > Notifications to access all the features related to its notifications.

2. From here, you can view a list of all the apps that can access notifications.

3. Simply tap on the app of your choice (Mail, Message, Photos, iTunes, etc).

4. From here, turn off the option of “Allow Notification” to completely turn off the notifications for the app.

5. If you simply want to turn off notifications on lock screen, then switch off the option of “Show on Lock Screen”.

Besides that, there are a few other options as well that you can either enable or disable to customize your lock screen notifications iPhone.

Part 3: How to turn off notification view on iPhone lock screen?

The notification view can be used to see previous notifications on the Apple iPhone 7 device without unlocking it. Needless to say, most of the users don’t like to include this iPhone notification lock screen feature. To turn off the notification view of iPhone lock screen notifications, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, unlock your device and got to its Settings > Touch ID & Passcode option.

2. You would be needed to provide the passcode or your fingerprint in order to access these settings.

3. This will provide a list of features related to your passcode. Go to the section of “Allow Access When Locked”.

4. From here, make sure that the option of “Notification View” is turned off.

After turning the option off, you can exit from the Settings interface. In this way, your device won’t display the notification view.

Part 4: Changes on iPhone lock screen notifications on iOS 18

With the new update of iOS 18, we can see a drastic change in the Apple iPhone 7 lock screen notifications as well. Since the Apple iPhone 7 lock screen with notifications have been integrated into one, it becomes quite easier for users to access it.

Access iPhone notification lock screen on iOS 18

Some people find it a little tricky to access the lock screen notifications iPhone after the iOS 18 update. Instead of sliding the screen from the top, you need to swipe it from the middle. By swiping it from the bottom, you might get its control center.

Simply swipe up from the middle of the screen to get a list of all the notifications. Now, you can slide them to access the old notifications.

Nevertheless, you can swipe from the top to access the cover sheet.

Swipe left or right

This is undoubtedly one of the most evident new features of the Apple iPhone 7 notification lock screen of iOS 18. Now, you can swipe left or right to access various features. By swiping left, you can access the Camera on your device and by swiping right, you can access your Today View.

If you want to click pictures instantly, then simply swipe left the lock screen. This will launch the Camera on your device, letting you click pictures on the go. Similarly, by swiping right, you can access your Today View. This includes vital data from apps and widgets that your smartphone assumes is important for you regarding the day.

We hope that after following this guide, you would be able to gain in-depth information regarding iPhone lock screen with notifications. Apart from all the basic things you can do on the lock screen, we have also provided easy ways to customize it. Furthermore, there are so many things that you can do with the iOS 18 iPhone lock screen notifications. While most of the users loved the feature, some are quite hesitant about its application. What is your take on this? Let us know about it in the comments.

iOS Unlock

Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 7 Properly