To check if an iPhone is stolen in Australia, use Apple's Find My app or iCloud.com/find to track it if it's yours, or check its IMEI on the AMTA's lost.amta.org.au website to see if it's blacklisted. If it's a second-hand purchase, look for carrier locks or signs of tampering, and always get the seller's details to avoid buying a stolen device.
To determine whether your device has been stolen, or is simply lost, try the following steps: Try calling your mobile phone number from another phone. Listen if you can hear the device ringing. If your device has a 'location feature' (e.g. Find My iPhone or Find My Device) or use it to locate your device.
Three-finger gestures on iPhone primarily activate accessibility features like VoiceOver (for screen reading and navigation) and Zoom (magnification), allowing scrolling, zooming, and text manipulation (copy/paste/undo) with specific taps and drags, though some text actions work without VoiceOver enabled for quick editing. Common gestures include three-finger double-tap to toggle VoiceOver speech, triple-tap for the screen curtain, and pinching/spreading with three fingers for copy/paste actions, notes this YouTube video.
You must also be signed in to Settings > [your name] on your iPhone. (To find the software version installed on your device, go to Settings > General, then tap About.) To access Safety Check, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
On an iPhone, dialing *#21# is a USSD code used to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, SMS, or data are being redirected and to which number, without actually changing settings; it's a simple privacy check to see if someone has secretly set your phone to forward everything, though it doesn't detect advanced spyware. Dialing this code brings up a message from your carrier about your call forwarding status, often showing "Disabled" or a specific number if it's active.
For iOS, use Apple's Safety Check: To check if your iPhone has been hacked, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. This tool helps you review and revoke the access you've granted to people, apps, and devices, which is a common way iPhones are compromised.
*3001#12345#* on an iPhone activates the hidden Field Test Mode, a diagnostic tool for network engineers and power users to see detailed cellular data like signal strength (dBm), cell tower info, and network quality, accessible by dialing the code in the Phone app and pressing call, often after turning off Wi-Fi for accurate cellular readings.
You can double-tap or triple-tap the back of iPhone to perform actions such as taking a screenshot, turning on an accessibility feature, running a shortcut, and more. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then choose an action.
If your iPhone is locked, the only way to unlock it is through your carrier. If your contract is complete and your device is paid off, your carrier can unlock your iPhone for you. Either call them or go online to make a request to unlock your phone.
If your iPhone or iPad has been stolen, the first thing you should do is put your device in Lost Mode to lock it. It's important to mark your device as lost as quickly as possible. This prevents the thief from accessing and using your device and making changes to your Apple Account.
For iPhone 14 and later, both IMEIs are eSIM only. It's easy to copy the IMEI to your clipboard. Just press and hold the number to copy it. You can also dial *#06# to view your IMEI.
Stolen /Lost Mobile phone (IMEI) blocking and tracking
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) maintains a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal https://www.ceir.gov.in/Home/index.jsp where in citizens can report Stolen/lost mobile handsets.
On the smartphone, dial *#06# to get its IMEI. Type this IMEI into the 'Enter IMEI number' field. Step 2. Select the service titled 'iCloud [Lost / Stolen] Status Check.
To check an IMEI in Australia, dial *#06# on your phone for an instant display, find it in Settings > General > About, or check the device's physical label/SIM tray; then use the AMTA (Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association) website to see if the device is blocked, lost, or stolen before buying.
An IMEI can reveal various information about smartphones, from basics like the phone model and color to more sensitive data. For example, by knowing the IMEI, someone can detect whether the device has a carrier lock or if it was reported stolen or lost.
However, if someone gains access to your phone through malware, spyware, or by physically handling your device, they could change these settings without your knowledge. This allows them to create forwarding rules that mean they receive your calls without you even noticing.
Hidden Battery Power / Boost Signal Strength
By pressing *3370# or #3370#, you'll activate your phone's “reserve battery power”. Battery life will increase by 50%.
##002# cancels all forwarding on many GSM networks worldwide. Dial ##002# and press call. You'll usually hear a confirmation message.
Keep an eye out for significant changes in device temperature and battery life, as these might indicate remote access. During calls, pay attention to any strange noises or voices, as they could indicate unauthorized call monitoring or recording. Be cautious of increased service messages and pop-up ads.
How do I run a security scan on my iPhone? iPhones don't have a built-in virus scanner, but if you're on iOS 16 or later, you can use Apple's Safety Check feature to review permissions and connected devices.
Signs your phone has been hacked
Unknown apps: If you see any unfamiliar apps on your phone that you don't remember installing, this could mean a possible compromise. However, don't confuse these apps with bloatware, which are the unnecessary pre-installed apps that come with your phone.