iPhone 11 stolen (16.1), they attempted to disable iCloud activation lock. Did they get into my phone data? (see screenshots)

[dinobear]

My phone is off, but still tracking on Find My app. I gave it instructions through Find My app to erase itself right after it was stolen, but it hasn't been turned on yet to get those instructions.

Notifications I got: The day after it was stolen Verizon sent me an email that my password to my Verizon online account changed (immediately went to verizon and disabled sim after this, also disabled my online account - they probably saw my personal info but my phone number was not linked to my email account recovery so they didn't get further than this). Changed all my account and email passwords.

Today (a full week later from it being stolen), I got an email from apple letting me know "Activation lock is requesting my password". Were they able to get into my phone's home screen? (it had 6 digit passcode on screen lock + my face ID).

Myu big question is how were they able to trigger "activation lock is requesting my password".

Thanks!

 

[StumpyBloke]

Sorry to hear your phone was stolen.

Personally I can't help you with your question. But I'm going to watch this thread with interest. I hope someone is able to help you. I'm sure they will.

And I hope whoever stole it gets run over by a 16 tonne truck

 

[anshuvorty]

Talk to Apple Support.

 

[dinobear]

Sorry to hear your phone was stolen.

Personally I can't help you with your question. But I'm going to watch this thread with interest. I hope someone is able to help you. I'm sure they will.

And I hope whoever stole it gets run over by a 16 tonne truck

lol thank you. What's frustrating is it was at a neighbors apartment for a day - I put signs all over the apartment building doors (an hour after it was stolen) showing a screenshot of the Find My app map with the phones location on the building - and I offered a $50 reward. I also noted on the sign it was iCloud locked and useless. $50 is probably all they will get on the street for parts. Wish they just took my offer on it. The phone has since flown out of the country and traveling around Argentina. Using my SIM card to try to get into my accounts is ****** too. I wish them the worst karma.

 

[iStorm]

Myu big question is how were they able to trigger "activation lock is requesting my password".

I believe this means that they were presented the Activation Lock Screen...meaning that they likely wiped the phone and tried to set it up for themselves. When an iPhone is Activation Locked, it asks for your password during the setup process. As long as you leave the phone tied to your account in Find My, they won't be able to get past that screen.

 

[JonaM]

Yes - this indicates they have not been successful in getting to your data and have wiped the phone to try and reactivate it as a new phone, but your activation-lock is preventing that from happening

 

[OhMyMy]

They’re not getting into it without your iCloud password. Their only options are to either strip it down for parts or sell it to an ignorant buyer.

 

[jeremysteele]

As long as you leave the phone tied to your account in Find My, they won't be able to get past that screen.

I don't even think OP can remove it from their account. I thought you had to disable Find My on the device itself.

 

[chabig]

I thought you had to disable Find My on the device itself.

Activation lock can be removed remotely by signing into your iCloud and removing the device from the account.

 

[dinobear]

Thanks for the answers. Taken all precautions, feels good to know they likely reset the phone to access the activation lock prompt. Losing the phone sucks, but the data secured is of course most important.

 

[jeremysteele]

Activation lock can be removed remotely by signing into your iCloud and removing the device from the account.

The more you know, thanks! I always thought the device itself stayed locked even if you did that.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Activation lock can be removed remotely by signing into your iCloud and removing the device from the account.

The more you know, thanks! I always thought the device itself stayed locked even if you did that.

There’s some confusion about WHERE you remove it. Removing the device from “Settings” on iCloud has no impact on Activation Lock. Removing the device from Find My is what needs to be done.