Losing or having an Apple Watch stolen can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, Apple provides several tools through its integrated ecosystem to help users locate their missing wearable. Whether misplaced in the house or stolen while out and about, there are steps anyone can follow to improve the chances of recovering their Apple Watch safely and quickly.
Use the Find My App
The most effective way to locate a lost or stolen Apple Watch is through Apple’s Find My service. If the Apple Watch is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, it can be tracked in real time using the Find My app on an iPhone, iPad, or through iCloud on a web browser.
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your Apple Watch from the list of devices.
- View its current location on the map. If it’s nearby, you can tap Play Sound to help locate it.
If your Apple Watch shows a location, it’s either currently connected or recently was. If no location data appears, the watch may be powered off or disconnected from a network—but there’s still a chance of locating it once it reconnects.
Put Apple Watch in Lost Mode
If you’ve determined your Apple Watch is lost or possibly stolen, activating Lost Mode immediately is essential. This locks the device, disables Apple Pay, and lets you display a custom message with your contact info on the screen.
- In the Find My app, select your Apple Watch.
- Scroll down and tap Activate under Mark As Lost.
- Follow the prompts to add a phone number and a custom message.
- Once enabled, the watch will lock and display your message whenever someone attempts to unlock it.
Lost Mode also turns on location tracking if disabled and notifies the user if the watch’s location changes.
Check Nearby Locations
Sometimes, simply retracing steps around the house or public spaces can help. Apple Watches use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to stay connected to paired iPhones or available networks, meaning if they’re just out of sight, they could be very close by.
- Walk through recently visited areas with your iPhone.
- If the Apple Watch uses cellular, check areas with previous good signals.
- Local businesses or public transport lost & found centers may hold lost devices.
Report the Theft
If you’ve confirmed your Apple Watch was stolen, report the incident to local authorities. Provide them with the watch’s serial number, which can be found:
- In the Watch app on your iPhone: Tap General > About.
- Directly on the original packaging or the underside of the watch.
Additionally, notify your mobile carrier if your Apple Watch is the cellular model so they can help suspend the service. It’s also wise to change your Apple ID password to prevent unauthorized access.
Prevention Tips for the Future
To reduce the risk of future loss or theft, consider the following tips:
- Enable Find My on all Apple devices, including the Apple Watch.
- Set up a strong device passcode and enable wrist detection.
- Use an AirTag or other tracking device if you’re prone to losing valuables.
- Keep a record of serial numbers for faster identification and reporting.
FAQ
Can I find my Apple Watch if it’s dead or offline?
If the watch is offline or dead, its last known location will still be shown in the Find My app. Once it turns back on and connects, its updated location will appear automatically.
What happens if someone tries to pair my stolen Apple Watch with another device?
Due to Activation Lock, your Apple Watch cannot be paired with a new iPhone without your Apple ID credentials. This security feature helps deter theft.
Can I claim insurance on a lost or stolen Apple Watch?
Coverage depends on your policy and provider. Some home or gadget insurance policies do cover electronics. AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage may help if the correct steps were followed, including using Find My.
Is there a way to track my Apple Watch without using Find My?
Unfortunately, no. Apple’s ecosystem requires Find My to be enabled before a device is lost. There’s currently no third-party tool that can effectively replace it for lost watch tracking.
Will Apple replace a lost or stolen Apple Watch?
Apple doesn’t replace lost or stolen devices under its standard warranty. However, if you purchased AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss protection, you may be eligible for a replacement after filing a claim.