How to Fix ‘Find My iPhone’ Not Working?

Is Find My iPhone Isn't Working on iOS Mobile. Here is the Simple Guide to Fix Find My iPhone Not Working.

‘Find My iPhone’ is a helpful feature that helps you locate your lost or stolen iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. However, it can be frustrating and even concerning if you’re experiencing issues with the feature not working.

With ‘Find My iPhone,’ you can locate a device, play a sound on a device, use Lost Mode, erase a device, or remove a device. You can try a few things to fix the problem, which we will explore in this article. Let’s get started!

Top Ways to Fix Find My iPhone Not Working

To fix Find My iPhone not working, check that the device is connected to the internet and location services are enabled. 

If not, turn them on. If the issue persists, try signing out and back into your iCloud account, restarting the device, or resetting network settings. 

Here is the in-depth solution to this problem

1. Turn On Location Services

You can sometimes accidentally disable Location Services on your device. It won’t allow you to share real-time whereabouts with others.

You’ll have to enable location services on your phone for Find My iPhone to work.

Step 1: Navigate to the Settings app and go to Privacy.

iPhone Privacy Settings

Step 2: Select Location Services.

iPhone Location Services

Step 3: Afterward, switch on Location Services.

Turn on Location Services

2. Check Your Internet Connection

The Find My function reports the current position through an internet connection. If Find My iPhone isn’t functioning because you’re out of WiFi range, turn on Airplane Mode or turn off cellular networks.

Check if your iPhone is connected to a strong internet for Find My iPhone to function.

3. Check iCloud settings

The iCloud settings can be the source of the problem. You may mistakenly disable the Find My iPhone option. Ensure your Apple ID is the same one you use to access iCloud and “Find My iPhone.”

If your iCloud account is not linked to Find My iPhone, the functionality will not function. Perform the following:

Step 1: Launch the Setting app.

Step 2: Select your iCloud profile.

Click on Profile on iPhone Settings

Step 3: Tap on Find My.

Open Find My

Step 4: Choose Find My iPhone.

Enable Find My iPhone

Step 5: Turn on Find My iPhone

Toggle On Find My iPhone

4. Restart Your Device

Reboot Your iPhone

If Find My iPhone isn’t working, it could only be a short-term glitch you can fix with a restart. To turn off your smartphone, press the top side button until you see the Slide to Power Off option.

Next, slide across the screen. Press the same top-side button till the phone restarts.

5. Sign In with the Same Apple ID

If you are using Apple products to discover your iPhone, ensure the device you use logs in with the exact Apple ID that your iPhone is signed into. Apple utilizes the Apple ID to locate the devices. Using a separate Apple ID prevents access to the Find My iPhone function.

6. Switch Off Don’t Allow Changes

Default iPhone settings can block the Find My feature. Turning off Don’t Allow Changes will allow you to find the iOS device.

Step 1: Go to settings, then select Screen time.

Screen Time iPhone Settings

Step 2: Navigate to Content & Privacy restrictions.

Content and Privacy Restrictions

Step 3: Select Location Services.

Location services Under Content & Privacy

Step 4: Check Allow Changes.

Allow Changes Location Services

7. Enable Push or Fetch New Data

You can adjust the timing of the Fetch New data set to enable the most recent location update on the stolen or lost iOS device.

Step 1: Go to Settings then, Tap on Mail

Mail Settings

Step 2: Select Accounts

mail Account

Step 3: Select Fetch New Data.

Fetch New Data under Accounts

Step 4: Enable Push, then Choose Automatically.

Automatically Fetch New Data

8. Update Your iPhone to iOS 15 or Later

Utilizing the most recent software version is crucial when using Find My iPhone. Many individuals try to fix their location tracking problem but fail to see the answer.

Nevertheless, you can only monitor Find My iPhone if you have the newest or most current version.

Here’s how to fix it:

Step 1: Open Settings and go to General

General Settings iPhone

Step 2: Tap Software Update to check if a new iOS version is available.

Software Update IPhone

9. Set the Date & Time Automatically

Find My iPhone will only work if the time or date settings are correct. The reason is the feature can’t send you precise tracking. You must adjust to the correct date and time to view the right location in real time.

Step 1: Tap Settings, then go to General.

Step 2: Click Date and Time.

Data & Time Settings

Step 3: Select Set Automatically

Set Automatic Time

10. Allow permission to Find My iPhone

Even when the Location Services is set on your iPhone, it doesn’t imply every app can access it. Therefore, you must verify whether or not the Find My iPhone app can use location services.

Step 1: Go to Settings, then Privacy

Step 2: Tap Location Services.

Step 3: Select Find My iPhone 

Step 4: Choose  Always or When Using options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My “Find My Friends” Not Working?

Find My Friends may not be working due to issues with device settings, internet connection, outdated software, account settings, or your friend’s device settings.

To fix the problem, check your device settings, ensure a stable internet connection, restart your device, update the software, and confirm that you have enabled location sharing.

Why is “Find my iPhone” not showing the location?

There are several reasons why Find My iPhone may not be showing the location. It could be due to a poor internet connection, location services being turned off, the device is offline or turned off, or an issue with the device’s hardware or software.

Troubleshoot this problem by checking the device’s internet connection and location services, restarting the device, and making sure Find My iPhone is enabled.

Why is “Find my iPhone” unable to connect to a server

If Find My iPhone cannot connect to the server, it could be due to several issues. It may be a temporary server issue, a problem with your internet connection, or an issue with your device’s software.

To resolve the issue, ensure your device is connected to a stable internet connection, check for any available software updates, and try restarting your device.

Final Word

Find My iPhone is a critical feature that lets you track your device if it’s lost or stolen. However, if it needs to be fixed, it can be frustrating.

To fix ‘Find My iPhone’ not working, check your device settings, ensure a stable internet connection, restart your device, update the software, and enable Find My iPhone.

If the problem persists, contact Apple Support for further assistance. With these tips, you should get ‘Find My iPhone’ working correctly again.

If you've any thoughts on How to Fix ‘Find My iPhone’ Not Working?, then feel free to drop in below comment box. Also, please subscribe to our DigitBin YouTube channel for videos tutorials. Cheers!

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Nikhil Azza
Nikhil is a Tech Blogger who sometimes loves to write real-life lore. He has been writing content for the past 8 years, with over 1K+ articles written on Android, Mac, iOS, Social Media, Cloud Storage, Software, and General Tech. Know More

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