Apple launches online tool that checks if an iPhone is stolen

One new online tool launched by Apple recently helps to check if iPhones used and offered for sale were stolen. The resource iCloud, allows anyone to inform the IMEI (international mobile device identification code, in English) or the serial number to verify that the activation lock has been activated. If so, the device may indeed have been stolen.

Since 7 version, users of iPhone, iPod Touch e iPad are already used to the functionality of the activation lock, resource of iOS, operating system Apple . When activating the "Find my iPhone" (Find my iPhone), the app locates devices in case of loss or theft. With the lock done, whoever stole the device is unable to delete photos and other data, or even disable the "Find my iPhone", without accessing the Apple account, the Apple ID.

To locate the device's serial number or IMEI, the user needs to access the 'Settings' menu, press 'General' and then 'About' on the iPhone or any other device Apple . Then, just scroll the screen to find the serial number of the device and, just below, the identification code. Once this is done, the user must enter one of the numbers in the online tool to find out if the device activation lock is on.

After the query, the tool reveals the device status to the user. If activation lock is on, the user is advised to immediately contact the former owner so that he can remove the Apple ID and erase the device data. When this verification is performed by the device owner, the feature teaches how to unlock the iPhone and restore the device before sale or donation.