Thankfully, Apple has thought ahead with features like Find My, which make it much easier for users to locate lost or misplaced devices. In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step through how to find your Apple Watch using Find My and share a few tips to help keep your device safe in the future.
The “Find My” Feature
According to Apple, the “Find My” network is made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices that work together securely and anonymously to help you find your lost devices. This feature can be a lifesaver if you ever lose your Apple Watch. If you’ve already set up Find My on your iPhone, you’re in luck—Find My is automatically enabled on any Apple Watch paired using Family Setup as well. Pairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone also includes extra protection features, such as Activation Lock. This ensures that no one else can pair your Apple Watch with their own iPhone without your Apple ID information.
How To Enable Find My Watch
Find My Watch is an essential feature that not only helps you find your Apple Watch quickly but also helps prevent others from using it if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Finding Your Apple Watch
Apple Watches aren’t cheap, and losing one can be stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to search for your Apple Watch, depending on where you think it might be.
1. Lost Your Apple Watch in Your House
On the iCloud Website:
On Your iPhone:
2. Lost Your Apple Watch Somewhere Else
If you’re not sure where you left your Apple Watch, you can use Find My to check its last known or current location on a map.
On the iCloud Website:
On Your iPhone:
3. If the Apple Watch Is Off
If your Apple Watch battery is dead or someone has turned it off, Find My will show you the last location reported before it went offline.
What To Do If Your Apple Watch is Stolen
If you’re sure that your Apple Watch has been stolen and not just misplaced, here are some steps you can take to secure your device and your information:
1. Marking Your Watch as Lost
If your Apple Watch goes missing, you can turn on Lost Mode. This locks your watch so it can’t be used without your Apple ID, and allows you to add a custom message and your phone number if you want. If someone finds your Apple Watch, they’ll see how to get in touch with you.
Turning Off Lost Mode
When you get your Apple Watch back, you can turn off Lost Mode by tapping the unlock button on your watch and entering your passcode. This will restore all normal functions.
2. Erasing Your Apple Watch
Only erase your watch if you’re sure you’ll never get it back. This should be a final step, since erasing your Apple Watch will delete all data from it and cannot be undone.
Still Unable to Find Your Apple Watch?
If you didn’t turn on Find My before your Apple Watch was lost, or if your Watch is no longer paired with your account, here are some steps you can take to keep your information safe:
