Use iOS 7′s Anti-Theft Activation Lock

Losing your iPhone or Tablet can leave you feeling miserable. Using the activation lock in iOS 7 can make it a little less painful, because it can shut out would-be thieves. By using Apple's Find My iPhone Tool, you can activate a lock on your lost iPhone, as well as delete all the data from the device. Once you have done this, whoever has stolen or found your lost phone will need your Apple ID and password to activate the device. This essentially turns your iPhone into a worthless piece of glass and metal for the person in possession of your phone.

Here's how you can use the activation lock feature on iOS 7:

Activate the Lock Feature of iOS7

1. 1
   Go to your phone's "Settings" app.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Tap "iCloud"

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Log in with your Apple ID when prompted

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Go to "Find My iPhone" and turn it on

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Erase or Lock Your Tablet or iPhone

1. 1
   On your computer, go to "iCloud.com"

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Log in using your Apple ID and password.

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Go to "Find my iPhone".

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Select "Devices".

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Click on your device.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6. 6
   "Find My iPhone" will give you three options

   :

    

   1. PLAY A SOUND.
   2. The option to play a sound is useful if your phone is just misplaced somewhere in your house.
   3. DESIGNATE YOUR PHONE AS LOST.  
      1. Putting your phone into lost mode protects your phone, by implementing a PIN and placing a message on the lock screen letting whoever found your phone know how you can be contacted. Some of the custom messages you can put on the lock screen of your lost phone are:
         • "This iPad has been lost."
         • "I will offer a reward."
         • "Please give it back."
   4. ERASE YOUR DEVICE COMPLETELY.  
      1. By erasing the device remotely, you will set off the Activation Lock and block the device from restarting or being reactivated without the lock code.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

1. 1
   Avoid putting your phone in your jeans' back pocket or in the side of your bag

   .

   You should specifically avoid this if you know you are going to a very crowded place that you are not familiar with. These two places to carry your phone are targets for pickpockets and you can lose your phone without you even knowing or feeling it.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Do not use your phone on the street

   .

   There are several cases of snatching that happens to people who use their phone while on the road. Some person will just suddenly tap your hand so you let go of the phone and that person will just run away with your phone. If possible, delay your phone use to a later time when you are in a safer place, unless of course there is an emergency that you need to attend to.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Do not leave your phone unattended, even if it's a familiar place such as the office

   .

   Phone theft can happen anywhere, therefore, a higher level of vigilance can certainly prevent this kind of annoying situation from happening.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

1. 1
   Try ringing your phone

   .

   If you aren't sure where you've misplaced your phone, consider trying to ring it in order to check if you did not just drop it somewhere where you are staying. This is not effective, however, if your phone is on silent, although you can try looking for the light when your phone starts to ring.
   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help