In today’s digital age, our devices have become an integral part of our lives, holding a wealth of personal and sensitive information. Losing or having our iPad Pro stolen can be a distressing experience, leaving us feeling vulnerable and concerned about the security of our data. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your device and safeguard your information. In this article, we’ll delve into the crucial actions you need to take after securing your iPad Pro to navigate the distressing situation of theft.
The Story: A Relatable Tale of iPad Pro Theft
To better understand the issue and relate to the troubles our readers may be experiencing, let’s dive into a story that mirrors the situation described above.
Redditor’s Story: “My iPad was stolen, what other steps should I take after locking it? Hello, I am on a month-long road trip in California and my car got broken into in San Francisco after stepping away from it for 5 minutes. This was on September 18th. I locked the iPad immediately from my phone, and its last known location was at a hotel in San Francisco earlier that morning. Yesterday when I looked, it no longer said San Francisco but showed a hotel I stayed in Anaheim on September 13th. Any idea why it would do this? Lost mode is still pending, so it hasn’t come online. Is there anything else I can do at this point?”
This story highlights the frustration and confusion that can accompany the theft of an iPad Pro. The sudden change in the location of the device raises questions about how such a shift could occur and whether there are additional steps that can be taken to recover or secure the device. Let’s explore the troubleshooting steps you should follow after locking your iPad Pro.
Things to do when your iPad Pro is lost or stolen
If you lose your iPad Pro or think it might be stolen, you should act quickly and follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. Track Your Device’s Location
If you had previously enabled the “Find My” feature on your iPad Pro, you can track its location using another iOS device or by visiting icloud.com/find. This feature relies on your device being connected to the internet and sharing its location. Keep monitoring the location of your device, as it may change over time, providing valuable information to aid in its recovery.
2. Report the Theft to the Local Authorities
After discovering your iPad Pro has been stolen you should report the theft to the local police. Provide them with all the necessary details, such as the time and location of the incident, a description of the stolen device, and any other relevant information. This report will be crucial for insurance purposes and may assist in the recovery of your device.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
If you have insurance coverage for your iPad Pro, it is essential to contact your insurance provider and inform them about the theft. They will guide you through the necessary steps to file a claim and potentially reimburse you for the lost device. Be prepared to provide any documentation or evidence required by your insurance policy.
4. Change Your Apple ID Password
As soon as you discover your iPad Pro has been stolen, it is crucial to change your Apple ID password immediately. This step will prevent unauthorized access to your iCloud account, ensuring that your personal information remains secure. To change your Apple ID password, follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings application on any iOS device.
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
- Choose “Password & Security” from the options.
- Select “Change Password” and then follow the prompts to establish a new password.
5. Enable Lost Mode
Lost Mode is a powerful feature provided by Apple that allows you to remotely lock your iPad Pro, display a custom message on the device’s screen, and track its location. To enable Lost Mode, follow these steps:
- Open the “Find My” app on any iOS device or visit icloud.com/find.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Select your iPad Pro from the list of devices.
- Tap on “Enable Lost Mode” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Enabling Lost Mode will enhance the chances of recovering your stolen iPad Pro and protect your personal data from unauthorized access.
6. Notify Your Service Provider
Contact your cellular service provider and inform them about the theft of your iPad Pro. They can assist in suspending your cellular service for the stolen device, preventing unauthorized usage and potential additional charges. Provide them with the necessary details, such as the device’s serial number, to ensure accurate identification.
7. Wipe Your Device Remotely
If you believe that recovering your stolen iPad Pro is unlikely or you are concerned about the security of your personal data, you can choose to remotely wipe your device. This action erases all content and settings, essentially restoring the device to its factory settings. To remotely wipe your iPad Pro, follow these steps:
- Open the “Find My” app on any iOS device or visit icloud.com/find.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Select your iPad Pro from the list of devices.
- Tap on “Erase This Device” and confirm your decision.
Please remember that when you trigger the remote wipe, all the data on the device will be permanently erased, and it will become untraceable.
8. Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Once your iPad Pro has been stolen, it’s essential to stay alert for any signs of suspicious activity.Regularly check your email, bank accounts, and other online platforms for any unauthorized access or unusual transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to the relevant authorities and take appropriate action to protect your accounts.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can navigate the distressing experience of iPad Pro theft and take proactive measures to secure your device and personal information. Keep in mind that prevention is crucial, so always stay watchful and take steps to reduce the chances of theft.
