Apple continues to improve its ecosystem, and with the latest additions to iOS, iPadOS , watchOS , and macOS, all of a user's devices will be able to connect with each other easily. One of the new features is the enhanced Find My iPhone , helping users avoid misplacing their iPhone, Apple Watch , or other connected device.
In this article, let's explore which devices can be tracked and notified if left behind, as well as how to enable this feature for Apple devices.
Abandoned notifications on iPhone
The Find My app now lets users check across all devices connected to their Apple ID. People can not only track their device locations but also configure devices to receive notifications when they've misplaced them.
When these separate alerts are enabled, Apple will continuously track your device's location and use its approximate location to let you know when you've forgotten to bring it.
When an Apple device is left behind, people will receive a notification on any other connected devices that a device has been left behind, along with its approximate location.
These Apple devices support Notifications When Left Behind.
A "Leftover" notification can be sent when a user leaves their iPhone or any other accessory in an unspecified location. The following are all devices that have this feature:
- iPhones running iOS 15 or later.
- iPads running iPadOS 15 or later.
- iMac, MacBook, Mac, or Mac mini running macOS Monterey.
- Apple Watch runs watchOS 8 or later.
- Apple AirTags
- Products or accessories that support Find My include Belkin SoundForm Freedom, VanMoof S3 & X3 E-Bikes, Chipolo ONE Spot, etc.
These alerts are supported across all Apple devices and platforms. This means that people will be notified on their iPhone/iPad when they misplace their Apple Watch, and vice versa. Alternatively, if they want to track a non-Apple device, users can link it to AirTag to receive notifications when they leave it behind.
How to enable the "Notify When Left Away" feature on Apple devices.
Users can enable "Notify When Left Behind" alerts for any Apple device that has the Find My app installed . Since the iPhone is the central hub for all Apple devices, this article will guide you on how to enable this feature on your phone. You can follow similar steps to enable it on other devices.
Step 1 : Open the Find app on your iPhone/iPad.
Step 2 : Tap the Devices tab at the bottom and select the device you want to receive notifications when left behind.
Step 3 : Information about the selected device will be displayed. Scroll down and select "Notify when left behind" in the Notifications section .
Step 4 : A new additional menu will appear providing key information about the new feature. Here, enable the "Notify when left behind" option to turn on alerts whenever you forget to bring this device with you.
Additionally, Apple allows users to set exceptions for these alerts when they are at home or a familiar location such as the office and can leave the device there.
Add another location as an exception to not receive notifications when a device is left behind.
To set up an exception, tap the New Location option in the Notify me, except section .
On the next screen, add the desired locations where people don't want to receive notifications on the map.
Additionally, users can set a range so that Apple notifies them immediately when they are about to leave the selected area. Ranges include Small , Medium , and Large ; select one of them and tap Done in the upper right corner.
When this location is selected, it appears in the "Notify when left behind" option. This feature allows you to add as many locations as you like.
After enabling "Notify When Left Behind" and setting up exceptions, users can confirm these changes by tapping Done in the upper right corner.
This feature, once enabled, will be displayed when you return to your device's screen within the Find app .
Now, users will be notified whenever they leave a connected device on their iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch unattended. Notifications about lost devices will be sent to other devices closest to them.