Anyone who owns an iPhone or iPad knows that they contain a lot of personal data. This information is both valuable to the person it belongs to, and potentially to thieves who can steal your data for malicious purposes. The iOS software that runs the iPhone and iPad has the option to track and locate your device if it is lost or stolen.
First, enable the service by opening the Settings app and navigating to the Mail, Contacts, Calendars tab. Select Add Account and choose MobileMe. If you already have a MobileMe account, enter your login information, otherwise choose Create Free Apple ID and follow the on screen prompts. When you have successfully added your login to your device, change the Find My iPhone/iPad slider to the on position.
From your computer visit http://me.com/find and enter your login information. You will then be able to click on your device and see its location on a map. You can then choose to Display Message and Play Sound. This will show a message on the home screen (such as “Call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx to return me for a reward”) and play a sound. This sound will be a loud, high-pitched chime that will be played even if the device is on silent.
If you fear that your device is in the wrong hands, click the Lock button and enter a 4 digit PIN. The device will instantly become unusable until this PIN number is entered. If you are still afraid of your data being stolen, choose the Wipe option. This will erase all data on your device. Be careful… you will lose anything that has not been included in your most recent backup.
This service is great for locating an iPhone that is on silent and lost in the couch, or for tracking down a device that was left at the bar (a la 2010 Gizmodo fiasco). You will always know where your precious Apple device is, no matter where it is left.