Your iPhone's Find My network relies on a clever combination of technologies to locate your devices and help you find them:
Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
- Bluetooth is used to connect your iPhone to other Apple devices, like AirPods or iPads. When you mark a device as lost, your iPhone sends out a Bluetooth signal that other nearby Apple devices can pick up.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is a newer technology used in newer iPhone models (iPhone 11 and later) to pinpoint the location of a lost device with incredible accuracy, even if it's hidden in a backpack or under furniture.
iCloud
- iCloud acts as the central hub for the Find My network. It stores the location data of all your Apple devices and allows you to see their location on a map.
- When you mark a device as lost, iCloud sends out a notification to the device, allowing you to track its location, lock it, and even erase its data remotely.
Crowdsourced Location Data
- The Find My network also uses crowdsourced location data. This means that all iPhones and iPads with Find My enabled contribute to a network of devices that can help locate lost devices.
- When you mark a device as lost, your iPhone's signal is broadcast to other nearby Apple devices. If one of these devices comes within range of your lost device, it can report its location to iCloud, even if you don't have a direct connection.
How It Works in Practice
- You lose your AirPods.
- You open the Find My app on your iPhone and select your AirPods.
- Your iPhone sends out a Bluetooth signal to other nearby Apple devices.
- If another iPhone or iPad comes within range of your AirPods, it will report their location to iCloud.
- You can then see the location of your AirPods on the Find My app.
Benefits of the Find My Network
- Locate lost devices: You can find your lost devices even if they're offline.
- Remotely lock or erase data: You can protect your personal information by remotely locking or erasing your lost device.
- Find your friends and family: You can share your location with trusted friends and family members, allowing them to see where you are.
