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Public Safety

Lost Your Phone? Here’s How to Find It

NOTICE: Although the information and recommendations at this Internet Web site (hereinafter "Information") are presented in good faith and believed to be correct, York College makes no representations or warranties as to the completeness or accuracy of the Information. The provided information on this page should not be construed to represent a recommendation to use any product, process, equipment, or service, furthermore, York College makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that the use thereof will guarantee recovery of your device(s).

Losing your phone or smart device is stressful - but don’t panic. Whether you’ve got an iPhone or Android, here’s how to find it using built-in tools.

If You Lost an iPhone

Step 1: Use Find My iPhone

  • Go to iCloud.com/find on any device, or use the Find My app on another Apple device.

  • Log in with your Apple ID.

Step 2: Locate It on the Map

  • Your phone’s location will appear if it’s powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.

  • If it's nearby, tap "Play Sound" to help find it.

Step 3: Mark It as Lost

  • Use “Lost Mode” to lock your phone and display a custom message (e.g., “This phone is lost. Please call 123-456-7890”).

  • You’ll get updates if the location changes.

Step 4: Erase It (If Needed)

  • If you’re sure it’s stolen or unrecoverable, you can remotely erase all data—but this should be a last resort.

Pro Tip: Always keep Find My iPhone turned on in Settings > [your name] > Find My.

If You Lost an Android Phone

Step 1: Use Find My Device

Step 2: Locate It

  • If the phone is online, you’ll see its location on the map.

  • Click “Play Sound” to make it ring at full volume—even if it’s on silent.

Step 3: Secure It

  • Choose “Secure Device” to lock the screen and display a recovery message.

  • You can also sign out of your Google account to protect your info.

Step 4: Erase It (If Necessary)

  • Select “Erase Device” to wipe all data if you don’t think you’ll get it back.

Pro Tip: Keep Find My Device enabled in Settings > Security & Privacy > Find My Device.

Bonus: Prevent Future Panic

  • Set up Face ID / Fingerprint Lock

  • Enable Location Services

  • Keep a recovery contact on your lock screen

  • Back up your phone regularly

  • Share location with trusted family/friend

💬 Still can’t find it? Contact campus Public Safety—we’ll help you retrace your steps and log a lost property report.

How Criminals Hack Lost or Stolen Phones

(And How You Can Stop Them)

Most phones today are super secure—but if someone steals your phone while it’s unlocked or gets your passcode, they can do real damage fast.

Here’s what you need to know

What Can Criminals Do With a Stolen Phone?

1. If They See Your Passcode

  • They can change your Apple or Google password, locking you out.

  • They might access your banking apps, saved passwords, and even disable Find My iPhone or Find My Device.

2. If Your Phone Is Unlocked When They Grab It

  • It’s a race against time. They’ll go straight to your settings and lock you out before you can act.

3. If They Trick Face ID

  • Someone could try to flash the screen at your face while you’re asleep or distracted.

  • Once it unlocks, they’re in.

4. SIM Swapping

  • They can take out your SIM card and get your texts/codes to break into your accounts.

Top 7 Tips to Stay Safe

Use a strong passcode
Go beyond 4 or 6 digits. Use a longer code or alphanumeric password if possible.

Cover your screen when typing your passcode
Just like your ATM pin. Thieves watch closely in public.

Turn on Face ID or Fingerprint, AND use a strong backup code
Biometrics help—but your passcode is still key.

Disable lock screen access to Control Center (iPhone)
Prevent thieves from turning off tracking tools like Find My iPhone.

Lock your SIM card with a SIM PIN
Stops thieves from using your SIM to reset accounts.

Use Apple’s Screen Time to lock down account changes
Add a second passcode that’s required to change Apple ID info.

Never hand someone your unlocked phone
Even for “just a call”—they could swipe it and lock you out.

Stay smart, stay safe. If your phone is stolen, act fast:

  • Log into Find My iPhone or Find My Device.

  • Mark it as Lost and change your account passwords.

  • Report it to campus Public Safety and file a police report if needed.