Tech expert creates incredible hack stops thieves disabling Find My iPhone if they steal your phone
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This incredible hack that can save your stolen iPhone: Shortcut prevents thieves from disabling Find My iPhone
A tech expert created an iPhone shortcut that protects against thieves disabling Find My iPhone, even in the nightmare scenario of a phone being stolen while unlocked.
The hack includes enabling Airplane Mode Lock V4, which prevents them from switching the device to Airplane Mode – a feature that disables the Find My app no longer works.
However, users need iOS 16.5 to access the shortcut.
Diego Jimenez, a Hispanic entrepreneur and product designer living in New York City, told DailyMail.com that the shortcut he posted to his Twitter automatically locks the phone, enables connectivity and shares its location.
“Even if your phone is stolen and you physically lose the device, this automation prevents the thief from accessing your personal data and apps, which is highly sensitive content these days, if they try to turn on airplane mode,” said Jimenez.
It’s certainly not a panacea, but an extra layer of security that can help in that situation. So much so that I made three more versions afterwards!’
The shortcut was designed by Diego Jimenez, who works in product design for Instagram
Jimenez’s hack gives phone users time to locate the phone or remotely lock the device using Find My iPhone.
Jimenez’s hack went viral on Twitter, with over eight million views, and other experts contributed ideas to make the Shortcut better.
Jimenez said on Twitter, “Version four fixes all reported issues and is faster. We’ve rearranged some steps and removed the ability to take a photo, as it was causing errors and slowing everything down. Give it a try!’
You can access the shortcut via this link.
To enable it, click the link, go to the Shortcuts app and enable Airplane Mode Lock v4 (you need the latest iOS 16.5 and the updated Shortcuts app).
To make the shortcut work when airplane mode is on, go to Shortcuts and select Automation at the bottom.
Thieves can use airplane mode to disable ‘Find My iPhone’ (Apple).
Select Airplane Mode from the list of events that appears, then select “Is On” on the next screen.
Then press Next, type Run shortcut in the box, tap Shortcut and select Airplane mode lock V4.
It should work when airplane mode is on.
If your phone is stolen, log into your Apple account through the Find My page on iCloud here.
You can wipe your device from that page or put it in Lost Mode, which protects your personal information.
You can also force the machine to make a noise.
It works when airplane mode is on
Jimenez also advises users to disable control center access without Face ID or a passcode, meaning it’s harder for thieves to put your phone in airplane mode if the handset is stolen.
To do this, launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and select Face ID (or Touch ID) and passcode.
In the menu, turn off the switch next to the Control Center.
Jimenez admits that the shortcut offers no protection when a phone is turned off, but points out that Find My still works on the latest models even when a phone is turned off.
Turning off the phone also means that criminals cannot access apps such as banking and email.
What to do if you lose your phone and it’s unlocked and you can’t use Find My iPhone or Find My Device
There are still things you can do to protect your data
If you’ve lost your phone and you’re not sure if the criminals could have bypassed your screen lock, there are some basic steps you need to take, Jordan Schroeder, CISO manager at Barrier Networks, told DailyMail.com.
That means you need to get in touch with your bank and your mobile provider quickly, he says.
Schroeder said, “If your phone can’t be recovered, whether you wiped it remotely or not, your next step is to contact your mobile carrier to let them know and they’ll walk you through their process.” to protect the phone, restore it, or protect you against fraudulent mobile charges.
“Maybe they also have a procedure for contacting the police if necessary.
Contacting banks can also prevent criminals from getting into banking apps to steal money or clone identities.
Schroeder said: “If you’re not sure that someone else couldn’t get into your phone, you should start by changing all your passwords and changing which device is used to get multi-factor authentication.
“Start with your most critical accounts first: usually your banking and primary email accounts.”