Stolen iPhone? Don't Delete It From Your Apple Account!

If your device is lost, keeping it linked to your Apple account is important — not only to protect your data, but also to ensure thieves can't profit from it.

Losing your iPhone is stressful enough, let alone the risk of it being stolen. If your device is ever lost, it's important to keep it linked to your Apple account - not only to protect your data, but also to make sure the thief can't profit from it.

Criminals Could Trick You Into Deleting a Lost iPhone From Your Apple Account

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When you turn on Find My on your iPhone, it not only helps you track your device, but it also turns on Activation Lock. This feature links your iPhone to your Apple account, making it unusable without your Apple account password.

Even if someone factory resets your phone, they won't be able to get past the setup screen, rendering the device useless and unsaleable. Meanwhile, you can still track it through Find My.

The first thing you should do if your iPhone is stolen or lost is turn on Lost Mode. This mode allows you to add your alternate contact information to your iPhone's home screen if someone finds your phone and tries to return it. However, keep in mind that this information can also be used against you.

Scammers may contact you impersonating Apple to try to pressure you into deleting your iPhone from your Apple account, claiming that your data is at risk. They may also use intimidation tactics like threatening to sell your data or even sending you death threats, as some people have shared in the Reddit posts below.

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Why You Should Never Delete a Lost iPhone From Your Apple Account?

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Apple will never ask you to remove a device from your Apple account, so don't fall for the scam. If your iPhone has a strong passcode, there's no reason to worry.

However, if the scammer has access to your passcode and shares a screenshot of your personal data, immediately remotely erase your iPhone using the Find My app. This will protect your data while still allowing you to track the device.

In most cases, stolen iPhones are sent to countries like China to be sold for parts. However, if Find My shows that your iPhone is still nearby, contact local law enforcement to increase your chances of finding it. For added security, the article also strongly recommends turning on stolen device protection to protect your iPhone when it's in an unfamiliar location.

With iOS 18, iPhone theft is even less appealing to criminals. Individual components are now linked to your Apple account, making them harder to sell for parts.

While you may not be able to recover your iPhone, ignoring phishing attempts can protect your private data. Being more aware of these tactics also reduces the appeal of having your iPhone stolen altogether.