Tracking an iPhone is very easy with its built-in GPS and a plethora of tracking apps. This article will show you how to track a friend's iPhone and your own iPhone.

How to Track an iPhone

Two Methods:Tracking Another iPhoneTracking Your Own iPhone

Tracking an iPhone is very easy with its built-in GPS and a plethora of tracking apps. This article will show you how to track a friend's iPhone and your own iPhone.

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Method 1 of 2: Tracking Another iPhone

1. 
   1
   Install the "Find My Friends" app. Open the "Find My Friends" app on your iPhone. Type in your Apple ID password to log in. You can download it from the App Store if you don't have it.
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2. 
   2
   On the "Friends" screen, there is a list of all of your friends who have authorized you to see their location. Tap on a friend's Apple ID to see their GPS location.
3. 
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   To add a new friend, tap the "+" button in the top right corner. Type in their Apple ID and press Send. You should probably speak to them prior to adding them to ensure that they are on board with you being able to see their iPhone's location at any time.
   • If you'd like a friend to be able to temporarily track you for a set amount of time, tap "Temporary" in the bottom navigation bar. Add a friend by tapping the "+" button in the top right corner.
4. 
   4
   Tap "Me" to see your current location and a list of who has the ability to track your iPhone's location. If you'd like to delete a follower, tap on it and press "Remove from Followers." To hide your current location from followers, toggle the "Hide from Followers" switch to ON.
5. 
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   Tap "Requests" to manage your follower requests. You may accept or decline invitations from others to track your iPhone.

Method 2 of 2: Tracking Your Own iPhone

1. 
   1
   Open the "Find My iPhone" app on an iOS device or iCloud on a Mac. You can also use the iCloud website from any computer. You can download "Find My iPhone" from the App Store if you don't have it. For detailed setup instructions, consult this article.
   • You will be asked to log in again, as a security precaution. You will then be taken to a map showing the current location of your phone.
2. 
   2
   Click on the Devices button at the top of the screen. Choose an enabled device to search for it. You can add any iOS device to your Apple ID to use it with Find My iPhone.
   • Your iPhone will be displayed in this list. Click on it, and Find My iPhone will search for your phone's location.
   • If the phone has been powered off, or the battery has died, it will show you the last known location of your phone, but will not be able to show you the current address.
3. 
   3
   Send a notification. From your iPhone's info window, you can send an alert. If your phone has slipped between the cushions, or left in your jacket, this makes it easy to find. For two minutes, a loud alert will sound—even if you've muted your phone.
4. 
   4
   Track your phone. If you're using iOS 6 or later, click Lost Mode in your phone's info window.
   • You'll be asked to enter an unlock code for your phone. Use a random number set that's not tied to you: no SSN, no birthdate, driver's license number, or anything that is personal.
   • You may also enter a message and contact phone number.
   • If your iPhone is online, it will immediately be locked, and you can see your phone's current location, as well as any changes in location. If your phone is offline, it will lock immediately if it's powered up, you'll be notified via email, and you'll be able to track your phone's position.
5. 
   5
   Erase all your data. Should you not be able to locate your phone and fear that someone may be compromising your personal data, click on the Erase iPhone button in the phone's info window. This will erase all data, but you will not be able to use Find My iPhone to locate your phone once that happens.
   • Should you later recover your phone, you can restore your data through your iTunes backup.