Márton SalomváryJul 2, 2023
Found an iPhone with passcode and SIM PIN enabled, no ICE contacts, stuck in airplane mode. How should I return it to the owner? Any point in trying to contact Apple? Or the carrier?
Show threadMárton SalomváryJul 3, 2023

So I’ve tried posting to a local Facebook group, supposedly unmoderated, and my post got “declined” (whatever that means).

Tried contacting the carrier in Slovakia (4ka) but they speak no Languages (at least not their online chat).

This phone might become an expensive paperweight :(

Show threadGernot

@mrc What about the police? Or the „Lost & Found“ if the place you found it is having something like that? If I was losing a phone that would be the first places where I’d ask. Not the carrier.

But be aware that there is also be a hidden resell/recycling industry that is behind some places you’d think you can trust with lost items: https://9to5mac.com/2023/05/28/lost-ipad-pro-las-vegas/

The worldwide journey of an iPad Pro left behind in a Las Vegas hotel room - 9to5Mac

The saying “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” apparently doesn’t apply to an iPad Pro left behind in a...

9to5Mac
Jul 3, 2023 at 8:50amWeb
Show threadGernotJul 3, 2023
@mrc And if it’s a new iPhone (14, maybe 13?) it can be tracked with FindMy over Bluetooth like the AirTags. This can even work if the phone has not SIM, no network, is totally locked and for some time when it has no power. At least charging the battery should keep that feature alive longer.
Show threadGernotJul 3, 2023
@mrc You could also factory reset it with a cable on your Mac via DFU Mode, that should bring you at least to a place where you can connect it to a Wifi. But then activation Lock will block you further, and also all data will be wiped, and you don’t know if the owner has backups. But it could be contacted by FindMy then if it’s in „Lost Mode“ and you might see who owns it.
I don’t know if inserting your own (unlocked?) SIM can make that connection without wiping it.
Show threadMárton SalomváryJul 3, 2023
@gernot It's a 1st gen SE. I might try my own SIM, that's a good tip!
Show threadGernotJul 3, 2023
@mrc 1st gen SE is not having that integrated AirTag… But it should have FindMy/Lost Mode if it is activation locked and can be connected to a network somehow.
Show threadMárton SalomváryJul 3, 2023
@gernot Yeah, I'm in a small town in Hungary, police will be my last resort bacause I don't relly trust their competence or willingness to do anything if I turn it in. Interesting read on that iPad journey :)
Show threadMárton SalomváryJul 3, 2023
@gernot Funny thing is, both Apple and the carrier do exactly know who the owner is, where they live, etc. But they rather act as barriers than bridges between the owner and me....