HELP - phone stolen

[LightCameraBitchSmile]

I’ve just been mugged and had my phone taken. I’m trying to erase it though iCloud but it says I need to send a code to my phone to do it - obviously I can’t do this!!!

does anyone know what to do? I have locked it via iCloud and it was locked when taken but I’m still worried about all my data on there - banking apps etc.

Oh no, so sorry this has happened. Are you ok physically? I don't think there is anyway around it sadly, my old phone broke and when I tried to do this on my new phone, Apple had to send it through a security thing and it can take around 2 weeks. Can you call provider and get them to blacklist the phone or something like that? It should shut down the whole device

You could try this link and report the phone as lost also
Find Devices - Apple iCloud

It will lock the device and suspend any Apple Pay attempts and things like that.

I've tried using that link and it asks me to send a code to my phone which I can't do. Am now trying to log in via my mac and it says my account is locked. I don't know whether to try to restore it so I have access or not in case this is them.

I'm just going in circles and there's no way to get help from Apple. All EE could do was stop them spending money on my account.

Ah,how stressful. It says on here that you don't need a verification code for that link I posted above.

If your iPhone or iPad has been stolen – Apple Support (UK)

I know but it kept asking for one then when I clicked "I don't have access to this device" it wouldn't do anything.

My icloud account is now 'locked for security reasons' which might be be signing in so much but could also be them so I don't know what to do. I daren't let it send a code in case it goes to my phone, or my email which is on my phone. I tried to change that password to protect it but hotmail won't let me change the password without two factor authentification or a 30 day grace period but I need access to it so I can sort everything out!

I'm just going in circles and nothing seems to work and I'm so stressed.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/icloud/mmfc0f2442/icloud

this guide suggests an option to log in without two factor authentication - there’s an icon described that can be clicked apparently. Maybe this can help?

I have tried that. There is no icon. And I am now logged out.

One of my savings account companies doesn't even have an out of hours number so I can't talk to them until 8am tomorrow. Meanwhile if the people can bypass faceid then they can get to everything I have. This is nuts.

Who do you bank with?
Did you have iCloud backup?

Sorry to hear about being mugged are you safe now? Ok and all reported?

I've had my phone stolen twice now managed to block the phone but to be honest the police told me that the thieves tend wipe the phones immediately and sell them on, they aren't really faffed with trying to spend money as that can lead to getting caught on CCTV etc.

As long as you can call your banks to avoid any transactions you'll be all good.

So I've called Nationwide and paused that account, but my NS&I account is on there and they seem to have no emergency team!

I've called EE and blocked the number
I've reported it stolen with the police online.

And I've FINALLY managed to send an erase instruction it via apple though it can't do it until the phone is back online.

I am safe and back home and thankfully I had my work phone with me so could handle some of it. I have a job interview tomorrow morning that now seems awfully bad timing!

dont know if this will help

1. Use "Find My iPhone" to Erase It
Since you've already locked the device via iCloud, try these steps to erase it:

• Go to iCloud.com on a computer or another device.
• Click Find iPhone > Select your stolen device.
• If possible, select Erase iPhone (it may ask for 2FA, see below).

2. Bypass Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Since your phone is gone, you may not be able to receive the verification code. Try these options:

• Use a Trusted Device: If you have another Apple device (Mac, iPad), it may still be signed in and can receive the 2FA code.
• Use a Trusted Number: If you set up another phone number for verification (e.g., a family member’s), select Didn’t get a code? and choose Send to trusted number.
• Use Account Recovery: If you can’t get a code, go to iforgot.apple.com to start the account recovery process.

3. Secure Your Accounts

• Change Your Apple ID Password ASAP at appleid.apple.com.
• Reset Banking & Email Passwords if they were stored or accessed on the phone.
• Contact Your Bank to freeze or monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
• Deactivate Your SIM Card by calling your mobile provider.

4. Report the Theft

• Report to the Police and get a crime reference number (helpful for insurance claims).
• Tell Your Carrier to blacklist the IMEI so it can’t be used. (Dial *#06# on another phone to check your IMEI if you have it written down somewhere.)

all the best with the job and phone

An iPhone is incredibly secure. Not even the FBI can bypass the security systems so I wouldn’t worry about your information/data too much.

the FBI has accessed iPhones using specialized tools (e.g., Cellebrite or GrayKey, which exploit security flaws). This access is typically limited to specific iPhone models or older iOS versions.

I hope you're ok & not hurt?
If it's an iPhone and was locked when they took it, don't worry, they can't get into it. If they do try to switch it on that's when the erase notice will get through and all your data will be wiped, so they won't be able to access anything.
Just be very wary of any phishing messages or emails you may get trying to get your code.

We had a really unlucky couple of months a little while ago when I had my phone stolen by couple of toe rags on bikes, DH had his phone swiped in a pub and the worst one was DS was mugged and badly beaten for his phone. None of them resulted in getting into our phones, but DH did receive a lot of phishing messages. We followed his phone's progress on findmyphone to somewhere in Eastern Europe where they finally switched it on and it erased automatically.

It's a real hassle trying to sort but please don't worry about them getting your data. Sending you hugs 🤗

Do you know the time: number. 16 digits will be on box if you still have it? If so , phone network with one: number, they will be able to lock phone remotely so it cannot be opened or used. x

Same thing happened to me. On the day, I personally:

• got passersby to call police
• set phone into lost mode via Apple Watch
• sent tracking updates from watch to police & gave statement
• updated Apple account password

The next day:

• called home insurance to claim
• called network provider to block device
• informed all banks, cancelled all cards just in case details compromised
• got a temporary phone/phone number and updated my number with anywhere important (particularly things that require 2 factor authentication)

Recurring tasks:

• gave police updates of location on find my
• kept record of all locations, including screenshots
• searched social media, managed to find another victim of same offender which was really helpful
• checked if it was posted on eBay etc
• bought new phone, restored back up
• researched next steps ie you generally get scam text messages asking to remove device from Apple account
• kept my phone registered on my Apple account
• kept in touch with police
• set tight security up on new phone

After offender arrested:

• you can file a crime compensation claim or ask the police to fill in paperwork for compensation

For me the offender didn’t manage to access my accounts so the damage was limited. but I would recommend changing the password to your social media and email accounts too.

Oh also if you’re injured, seek medical help as it improves the strength of your claim if it goes to court or if you request compensation. Even if you just say you’re stressed.

Also - if you own multiple Apple devices you can stop your stolen phone from being able to receive codes (ie make it not trusted).