Is your iPhone stolen? Here’s how to tell.
If you’re worried that your iPhone has been stolen, there are a few things you can do to check. First, try calling your phone. If it rings, then it’s likely that your phone is still in your possession. However, if you get a message saying that the number is not in service, then it’s possible that your phone has been stolen.
Another way to check if your iPhone has been stolen is to use the Find My iPhone app. This app allows you to track the location of your phone, even if it’s turned off. If you open the Find My iPhone app and see that your phone is not where you left it, then it’s possible that your phone has been stolen.
IMEI and Serial Number Mismatch
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies every GSM and UMTS mobile phone. The Serial Number is a unique identifier assigned to each iPhone by Apple. If the IMEI and Serial Number do not match, it is a strong indication that the iPhone is stolen.
How to Check the IMEI and Serial Number
To check the IMEI and Serial Number of an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on About.
- Scroll down to find the IMEI and Serial Number.
The IMEI and Serial Number should be located on the back of the iPhone, near the bottom. If they do not match the numbers displayed in the Settings app, the iPhone may be stolen.
Other Signs of a Stolen iPhone
In addition to the IMEI and Serial Number mismatch, there are other signs that may indicate an iPhone is stolen:
- The iPhone is locked to a carrier and cannot be unlocked.
- The iPhone has been reported lost or stolen to Apple or the carrier.
- The iPhone is being sold for a suspiciously low price or is being sold by a stranger.
If you are considering purchasing a used iPhone, it is important to check the IMEI and Serial Number to ensure that it is not stolen.
Activation Lock
Activation Lock is a security feature that Apple introduced with iOS 7 to prevent stolen iPhones from being used or sold. When Activation Lock is enabled, the device can only be activated with the Apple ID and password that was used to set up the device. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to sell stolen iPhones, as they will not be able to bypass the Activation Lock without the original owner’s Apple ID and password.
How to Check if Activation Lock is Enabled
There are a few ways to check if Activation Lock is enabled on an iPhone:
Check the iCloud website
Go to the iCloud website and sign in with your Apple ID. Click on “Find my iPhone” and then select the device you want to check. If Activation Lock is enabled, you will see a message that says “Activation Lock: On”.
| Device | Activation Lock Status |
|---|---|
| iPhone X | Off |
| iPhone 11 | On |
Check the device settings
Go to the Settings app on the device and tap on “iCloud”. If Activation Lock is enabled, you will see a message that says “Activation Lock: On”.
Blacklisted Status
A blacklisted iPhone is one that has been reported as lost or stolen to the carrier. This means that the carrier has blocked the phone from being used on its network. If you try to use a blacklisted iPhone, you will likely receive a message saying that the phone is not authorized to be used on the network.
There are a few different ways to check if an iPhone is blacklisted. One way is to contact the carrier. The carrier will be able to tell you if the phone is blacklisted and, if it is, they will be able to remove it from the blacklist.
Another way to check if an iPhone is blacklisted is to use a third-party service. There are a number of different third-party services that can check if an iPhone is blacklisted. These services typically charge a small fee, but they can be a good way to quickly and easily check if a phone is blacklisted.
The following table lists some of the most popular third-party services that can check if an iPhone is blacklisted:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| IMEI24 | $4.99 |
| CheckESN | $4.99 |
| IMEIPro | $4.99 |
Physical Condition
A stolen iPhone might exhibit certain physical signs that differentiate it from a legitimately purchased device. Here are some indicators to look out for:
Scratches, Dents, and Wear
Stolen iPhones are often handled roughly and may have visible signs of physical damage, such as scratches, dents, or scuff marks. These blemishes can suggest that the device has been mishandled or used in an unauthorized manner.
Missing Accessories
Original iPhone boxes and accessories typically come with a new device. If these items are missing, it could be a sign that the phone is stolen. Be wary of iPhones offered for sale without the original packaging or accessories.
IMEI Status Check
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to each iPhone. You can check the IMEI status of a phone using online databases or by contacting the carrier. If the IMEI is listed as stolen or blacklisted, it’s likely that the phone has been reported as missing or stolen.
Identifying Stolen iPhones Based on IMEI
To check the IMEI status of an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Dial *#06# on the phone’s keypad to display the IMEI number.
- Visit the IMEI checking database website and enter the IMEI number.
- The website will provide information about the phone’s status, including whether it has been reported as stolen or blacklisted.
| IMEI Status | Possible Explanation |
|---|---|
| Clean | Legitimate iPhone |
| Reported Lost or Stolen | Stolen or unauthorized use |
| Blacklisted | Device has been blocked by the carrier for being stolen or unauthorized |
Unusual Behavior
There are a few telltale signs that an iPhone may have been stolen. One of the most common is unusual behavior. This can include:
1. Unexpected Restarts
If an iPhone restarts unexpectedly, it could be a sign that it has been tampered with or that there is a problem with the software. A stolen iPhone may also restart unexpectedly if the thief is trying to reset it to factory settings.
2. Apps Crashing
If apps are crashing frequently, it could be a sign that the iPhone has been jailbroken. Jailbreaking is a process that allows users to install apps that are not available in the App Store. However, it can also make the iPhone more vulnerable to malware and other security risks.
3. Unfamiliar Apps
If you find any unfamiliar apps on the iPhone, it could be a sign that the phone has been stolen. Thieves often install apps that allow them to track the phone’s location or steal personal information.
4. Strange Messages
If you receive strange messages from the iPhone, it could be a sign that the phone has been hacked. Hackers often send messages to try to trick users into giving up their personal information or downloading malicious software.
5. Unusual Activity in iCloud
If you notice any unusual activity in your iCloud account, such as devices being added or removed, it could be a sign that your iPhone has been stolen. Thieves often try to access iCloud accounts to steal personal information or disable the Find my iPhone feature.
| Unusual Activity in iCloud | Possible Signs of Theft |
|---|---|
| Devices being added or removed | The thief may be trying to add their own devices to the account or remove yours |
| Changes to account settings | The thief may be trying to change your password or disable the Find my iPhone feature |
| Unauthorized purchases | The thief may be using your Apple ID to make purchases without your permission |
History of Ownership
Checking the phone’s history of ownership is a crucial step in determining if it’s stolen. Here are some methods to access ownership information:
Check the iCloud Account
If the phone is linked to an iCloud account, you can retrieve its history of ownership by following these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sign in to iCloud.com using the Apple ID associated with the phone. |
| 2 | Click on “Find My iPhone.” |
| 3 | Select the “All Devices” tab. |
| 4 | Locate the phone and click on it. |
| 5 | Scroll down to the “Device History” section to view the phone’s ownership timeline. |
Check with the Carrier
Contact the phone’s carrier and provide them with the IMEI number. The carrier can access the phone’s registration information and confirm its ownership status.
Check with the Police
Report the phone as stolen to the local police department. The police may have access to databases that can verify the phone’s ownership history.
Suspicious Seller
Some warning signs include:
- The seller is reluctant to provide contact information or meet in person.
- The seller is offering an unusually low price.
- The seller claims to have “found” the iPhone or “inherited” it from a relative.
- The seller is eager to close the deal quickly.
- The seller is using a temporary or disposable phone number.
- The seller is using a generic or untraceable email address.
- The seller has multiple negative feedback reviews on eBay or other online marketplaces.
Price Too Good to Be True
If you’re being offered an iPhone for a price that seems too good to be true, it’s probably because it is.
Stolen iPhones are often sold for a fraction of their retail value, so if you’re being offered a brand-new iPhone for half the price, it’s likely that it’s been stolen. There are a few things you can do to check if an iPhone is stolen, like checking the IMEI number or asking the seller for proof of purchase.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid buying a stolen iPhone:
- Only buy from reputable sellers.
- Check the IMEI number of the iPhone before you buy it.
- Ask the seller for proof of purchase.
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Trust your instincts. If something seems off, don’t buy it.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from buying a stolen iPhone.
| 1. Is the price too good to be true? |
| 2. Is the seller reputable? |
| 3. Does the seller have proof of purchase? |
| 4. Is the IMEI number clean? |
| 5. Does the iPhone have any signs of damage? |
| 6. Does the iPhone have any software issues? |
| 7. Does the iPhone come with all of its original accessories? |
| 8. Trust your instincts. If something seems off, don’t buy it. |
Lack of Documentation
The absence of essential documentation is a glaring red flag. Here’s a specific checklist to meticulously review:
Proof of Purchase
Legitimate owners typically possess receipts, invoices, or bank statements that verify the purchase of their device. If the seller lacks any of these documents, it raises eyebrows.
Original Box
The original packaging often contains important information like the model number, IMEI, and serial number. Its absence should set off alarm bells.
User Guide
The official user guide should be included with the device. Missing or generic user manuals suggest something amiss.
AppleCare Protection Plan
AppleCare coverage is a common add-on for new iPhones. If the seller claims the device has AppleCare but cannot provide proof, it’s a potential red flag.
Previous SIM Card
In some cases, the presence of a SIM card other than the seller’s indicates the device may have been previously owned or stolen.
Unlocked Status
Verify if the device is unlocked and compatible with your carrier. An unlocked status usually suggests a clean history, while a locked device may have been reported lost or stolen.
IMEI/ESN/Serial Number
Obtain the device’s IMEI, ESN, or serial number and cross-check it against public databases like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). If the device has been reported stolen, these databases will provide information.
Physical Condition
Thoroughly inspect the device for signs of physical damage or tampering. Broken seals, scratches, or mismatched components can indicate a repaired or stolen device.
Unusual Behavior
If the device exhibits unusual behavior, such as unexpected software glitches or difficulty connecting to networks, it could be a sign of tampering or a compromised operating system.
Use a Third-Party Service
Numerous third-party services specialize in identifying stolen iPhones. These services typically leverage a comprehensive database of stolen device information, including IMEI, serial numbers, and Apple ID accounts. By inputting the device’s information into the platform, you can instantly determine if it has been reported as stolen.
1. IMEI Blacklist Lookup
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device. When a device is reported stolen, its IMEI is often blacklisted by carriers and manufacturers. By submitting the device’s IMEI into an IMEI lookup database, you can ascertain whether it’s been blacklisted, indicating a potential status as stolen.
2. Serial Number Validation
Similar to IMEI, each iPhone has a unique serial number. By verifying the serial number through Apple’s website or authorized retailers, you can check the device’s warranty status, ownership history, and potential involvement in theft.
3. Find My iPhone App
Apple’s Find My iPhone app allows you to locate your device remotely and access information such as its IMEI and serial number. If Find My iPhone is activated on the device and the location is shared, you can determine if it’s in the possession of the alleged owner.
4. Apple Support Contact
You can reach out to Apple Support either through their website or by phone. By providing the device’s IMEI or serial number, Apple can verify its ownership history and alert you if it has been reported stolen.
Here’s a table summarizing the different third-party services available:
| Service | Features |
|---|---|
| IMEI.info | IMEI blacklist lookup |
| CheckMend | Serial number validation, ownership history |
| Stolen Phone Checker | IMEI blacklist lookup, Find My iPhone status |
How To Tell If An iPhone Is Stolen
There are a few key ways to tell if an iPhone is stolen. First, check the IMEI number. This is a unique 15-digit number that is assigned to every iPhone. You can find the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the iPhone. If the IMEI number has been reported as stolen, the iPhone is likely stolen.
Another way to tell if an iPhone is stolen is to check the Activation Lock status. Activation Lock is a feature that prevents anyone from activating an iPhone without your Apple ID and password. If the Activation Lock is turned on, the iPhone is likely not stolen.
Finally, you can check the Find My iPhone status. Find My iPhone is a feature that allows you to track your iPhone if it is lost or stolen. If the Find My iPhone status is turned off, the iPhone is likely stolen.
People also ask about How To Tell If An iPhone Is Stolen
How do I check if an iPhone is stolen by IMEI?
You can check if an iPhone is stolen by IMEI by dialing *#06# on the iPhone. This will display the IMEI number. You can then check the IMEI number against a database of stolen iPhones.
How do I check if an iPhone is stolen by serial number?
You can check if an iPhone is stolen by serial number by going to the Apple website and entering the serial number into the “Check Coverage” tool. This will tell you if the iPhone is stolen.
How do I report a stolen iPhone?
You can report a stolen iPhone by contacting your local police department. You will need to provide the IMEI number, serial number, and other information about the iPhone.
