Mobile thefts - Security tips on this evenings program, 11th March.

AyJaydee

I have a couple of questions about what Martin said on this evenings program about making your phone secure from thefts.

Firstly, concerning the first point, 'Remote tracking'.
I have an iPhone and I did a search for "Find My" and "Remote tracking".  
Reading what came up on Apple Support, this gave me the impression that you need to use another iPhone or Apple smart device to locate the missing iPhone.
Well I don't have any other Apple device and I don't know anyone else with an iPhone.  I installed the 'Find My' App, but it was not clear what I should do with it? 
Also, if I did misplace my phone, or it was stolen, how does this help me and what should I do?

Secondly. The fifth point; what are the extra security protection measures?

Can any knowledgeable iPhone user help me please.  Thank you

TadleyBaggie

You can access FindMy on any device by going to www.icloud.com and logging on with your Apple ID and password. 

youth_leader

I've saved the FindMy at www.icloud.com on my laptop, thank you TadleyBaggie.  I do have an Airtag in my luggage, this has reminded me to check the battery.

I've just been changing all my banking Apps to FaceID.  

I've also screen shot the info using the *#06# - that was fiddly on the Iphone 13 mini, volume up and on/off switch together.

I've turned off message previews.  

I'm not sure what the addtional security is?  I do wear my phone on a chain round my neck, I bought one recently after seeing how many were snatched.  Hopefully I won't be dragged along!!

On-the-coast

In addition to what @youth_leader says I’ve added face recognition to my email account - the one where all my banking “forgotten passwords” etc would get sent!   (Plus social media)

i do draw the line at chains around neck though!

AyJaydee

TadleyBaggie said:

You can access FindMy on any device by going to www.icloud.com and logging on with your Apple ID and password. 

I’d just like to check on what TadleyBaggie has said here….
Do I install FindMy on my phone, or something else that I need to use to find it?
Also, I don’t use iCloud. I prefer to plug my phone into my laptop and save all my pictures on my own backed-up hard drive. Does that make a difference?

My assumption is that if I did lose my phone, I would locate it using my laptop (Windows11); so that begs the next question: If my laptop went walkies, could I locate it with my phone?

Sorry if these appear simple questions, but just like a certain quiz show, the question is only easy if you happen to know the answer.
Thanks

youth_leader

I'm interested to see the answers.  

I have now managed to do a 'Face ID'. 

I have 'hidden' my banking apps in a file at the bottom of my 'Apps Library'. 

I did think of removing them, but do like having access when I'm out and about.  

Vitor

You need to check iPhone settings to ensure Location Services and Find My iPhone are both switched on. The iPhone will then periodically report it's location to Apple. 

When you log into a "Find My" app on another iPhone/iPad or the iCloud.com website using your Apple ID, Apple retrieves the last reported location of your device and displays it on a map. From there you can report the phone lost, set it to erase but keep Activation Lock active

PHK

AyJaydee said:

TadleyBaggie said:

You can access FindMy on any device by going to www.icloud.com and logging on with your Apple ID and password. 

I’d just like to check on what TadleyBaggie has said here….
Do I install FindMy on my phone, or something else that I need to use to find it?
Also, I don’t use iCloud. I prefer to plug my phone into my laptop and save all my pictures on my own backed-up hard drive. Does that make a difference?

My assumption is that if I did lose my phone, I would locate it using my laptop (Windows11); so that begs the next question: If my laptop went walkies, could I locate it with my phone?

Sorry if these appear simple questions, but just like a certain quiz show, the question is only easy if you happen to know the answer.
Thanks

iCloud is much more than backing up data. 

You should turn it on but leave backup off if you want. 

Inside the iCloud settings on your phone, you’ll find various security features (some of which will require an iCloud+ subscription)

As for Find My, that uses iCloud to transmit the location data. You won’t be able to track your laptop unless it’s a MAC (but the laptop manufacturer might have its own version) 

AyJaydee

So… I have installed Find My on the phone and have been able to log into iCloud on my laptop. So I can now ‘see’ my phone and it would seem that I have been using iCloud without realising it, because i can also see the pictures that I took, also I have been able to trigger the audible sound that the phone generates.  All good so far…..
However, to log into iCloud requires my password, but to do that from another device means that I need it written down, rather negating having it in a password vault. Humm.
Also, if my phone was stolen and the thief did not want me to track it, then surely all he needs to do is uninstall Find My and turn off the tracking , assuming that he has managed to bypass the phone login that is?
There was also mention made of using facial recognition to login, I’m using fingerprint, is that just as good?

flaneurs_lobster

AyJaydee said:

However, to log into iCloud requires my password, but to do that from another device means that I need it written down, rather negating having it in a password vault. Humm.

Most password manager products (assume that's what you mean by 'password vault') are designed to make your passwords available across all your devices. You could access the password on your laptop or any other device.

matelodave

TBH you'd be better advised not to get it nicked in the first place by not walking down the street holding it out in front of yourself texting and offering it to be pinched.

Even better still, dont walk down the street shouting at it as either because you've helpfully unlocked it, making it even easier for a thief to get at all your data and dont do it with earbuds or earphones in so you cant hear what is going around you.

It shouldn't be thus, but you can do a lot to avoid it being stolen by keeping it in your pocket.