Changing the device on Find My iPhone can be essential in various situations. Perhaps you’ve recently upgraded your iPhone and want to remove the old device from Find My iPhone, or maybe you want to track multiple devices using the Find My app. Whatever the case may be, understanding how to change the device on Find My iPhone is crucial.
In this blog post, we will explore different methods that allow you to change the device on Find My iPhone. Whether you’re an iOS aficionado or a newcomer to Apple’s ecosystem, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and valuable insights to successfully change the device on Find My iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change the Device on Find My iPhone
There are several reasons why you might need to change the device on Find My iPhone:
1. Upgrading to a new device: If you recently purchased a new iPhone, you’ll want to remove your old device from Find My iPhone to avoid any confusion and ensure accurate tracking.
2. Securing a lost or stolen device: If your iPhone is lost or stolen, changing the device on Find My iPhone can prevent unauthorized access and help locate the new device.
3. Tracking multiple devices: If you own multiple Apple devices, changing the device on Find My iPhone allows you to easily switch between tracking and locating different devices using the Find My app.
Now that we understand the importance of changing the device on Find My iPhone, let’s dive into the various methods you can use to accomplish this task.
Method 1: Change Device on Find My iPhone Using iCloud
If you prefer to change the device on Find My iPhone using iCloud, follow these steps:
1. Open a web browser on your computer and go to icloud.com.
2. Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
3. Once logged in, click on the “Find iPhone” icon.
4. In the top center of the page, click on “All Devices” to see a list of your connected devices.
5. Select the old device you want to remove from the Find My iPhone network.
6. Click on the “Remove from Account” option.
7. Confirm your selection by clicking on “Remove” in the pop-up window.
Pro: Changing the device on Find My iPhone using iCloud provides a quick and convenient method to manage your devices remotely.
Cons: This method requires access to a computer and may not be as accessible for users who primarily rely on their mobile devices.
Method 2: Change Device on Find My iPhone Via the Find My App
If you prefer to change the device on Find My iPhone using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
1. Open the Find My app on your device.
2. Tap on the “Devices” tab located at the bottom.
3. Select the old device you want to remove from the Find My iPhone network.
4. Scroll down and tap on the “Remove This Device” option.
5. Confirm your selection by tapping on “Remove” in the pop-up window.
Pro: Changing the device on Find My iPhone using the Find My app is convenient and can be done directly from your iPhone or iPad.
Cons: This method requires access to another Apple device with the Find My app installed, which may not be feasible if you don’t have multiple iOS devices.
Method 3: Change Device on Find My iPhone Using the Settings App
If you prefer to change the device on Find My iPhone using the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap on “Find My.”
4. Tap on “Find My iPhone.”
5. Toggle the switch next to “Find My iPhone” to off.
6. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm the change.
7. Tap on “Remove This Device” to remove the old device from Find My iPhone.
Pro: Changing the device on Find My iPhone using the Settings app provides a straightforward and easily accessible method.
Cons: This method requires access to the device you want to remove from Find My iPhone, which may not be possible if the device is lost or stolen.
Method 4: Change Device on Find My iPhone Via the Find My Website
If you prefer to change the device on Find My iPhone using the Find My website, follow these steps:
1. Open a web browser on any device and go to iCloud.com/find.
2. Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
3. Once logged in, click on the “All Devices” dropdown menu at the top center of the page.
4. Select the old device you want to remove from the Find My iPhone network.
5. Click on the “Remove from Account” option.
6. Confirm your selection by clicking on “Remove” in the pop-up window.
Pro: Changing the device on Find My iPhone using the Find My website provides a versatile method accessible from any device with internet access.
Cons: This method requires you to have access to a computer or another device with a web browser, which may not always be convenient.
Bonus Tip: Use the Find My App on Mac
If you own a Mac computer running macOS Catalina or later, you can also change the device on Find My iPhone using the Find My app on your Mac:
1. Open the Find My app on your Mac.
2. Click on the “Devices” tab located in the sidebar.
3. Select the old device you want to remove from the Find My iPhone network.
4. Scroll down and click on the “Remove This Device” option.
5. Confirm your selection by clicking on “Remove” in the pop-up window.
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Device on Find My iPhone
If you find yourself unable to change the device on Find My iPhone, try the following fixes:
1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection before attempting to change the device on Find My iPhone. Weak or unstable connections can prevent successful updates.
2. Sign out and sign back into iCloud: Try signing out of your iCloud account on all your devices and then signing back in. This can refresh the connection to iCloud and resolve any syncing issues.
3. Update your software: Make sure all your devices are running the latest software updates. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with Find My iPhone.
5 FAQs About Changing the Device on Find My iPhone
Q1: Can I change the device on Find My iPhone if it’s lost or stolen?
A: No, you can only change the device on Find My iPhone if you have physical access to the device or access to iCloud through a computer or another iOS device.
Q2: Do I need an Apple ID to change the device on Find My iPhone?
A: Yes, you need to sign in with your Apple ID to change the device on Find My iPhone.
Q3: Can I change the device on Find My iPhone using a Windows computer?
A: Yes, you can change the device on Find My iPhone using a Windows computer by accessing iCloud.com and following the steps outlined in Method 1.
Q4: How many devices can I track on Find My iPhone?
A: With Find My iPhone, you can track and manage an unlimited number of devices associated with your Apple ID.
Q5: Can I change the device on Find My iPhone remotely?
A: Yes, you can change the device on Find My iPhone remotely as long as you have access to a computer or another iOS device with internet access.
Final Thoughts
Changing the device on Find My iPhone is a simple yet essential task that allows you to manage and track your Apple devices effectively. Whether you choose to use iCloud, the Find My app, the Settings app, or the Find My website, each method provides a convenient way to remove old devices or add new ones to Find My iPhone.
By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this blog post, you’ll have no problem changing the device on Find My iPhone and ensuring accurate tracking and security for your Apple devices. Remember, if you encounter any issues, refer to the bonus tips and FAQs for additional guidance.