Find my iPhone questions

[emjaycee18]

I just have a couple of questions on how find my iPhone works.

My house was recently broken into. Fortunately my iPad and MBP weren't taken. But part of me wishes that these lowlifes took them due to find my iPhone and find my Mac. I think it could potentially be helpful to the police in tracking these scumbags down.

Here's my question: How does find my iPhone and find my Mac work for Wifi devices only. Would they only be able to be located on Wifi networks that I've previously logged on to, or would they be able to pick up a signal on any network (lets just say that they tried to sell them in a McDonald's parking lot).

Mods: Please move this if it belongs in a different sub forum.

 

[The Doctor11]

I believe if it's wifi only once it's off wifi it's no longer on the map. As for McDonalds parking lot some one would need to connect it to wifi first it won't do it on its own.

 

[highertechnology]

Most wifi networks require connecting. The only other case I've seen is on ATT devices connecting automatically to ATT Starbucks wifi.