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My iPhone 4S is currently in someone else's hands. I can see it with Find My Phone. I have sent a number of messages to the phone in the hope that whoever has it will return it. But since the phone is locked, does that mean I have to include contact information in the messages I send? Or is there some information in the message that lets this culprit know how to get in touch?

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    I've heard of people making a custom lock screen that says something like: if found please call Richard at 860-555-1234. I've not done this but I think it's a good idea as ir solves the problem that any of us might have.
    – Richard
    Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 22:05

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While the phone is locked with a passcode, the only way someone could find the device's identity is to use a paperclip to remove the SIM tray. There the serial number and IMEI are printed on the tray. Also the ICCID (your SIM number) may be visible as well.

At that point, the finder could potentially reach out to Apple and/or your carrier that both presumably have some form of contact information to reach you - but your best bet is to send a message to the device with your contact information.

Unless you want to call your phone and hope someone answers. That also could place some contact information on the lock screen depending on your settings.

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    I know someone who used iCloud to "correct" the number from which they were about to call and alternately cycled through "The Police" or "FBI Mobile Surveillance Van" so they could confound a known thief in hopes the PD could track them moving away from their current location.
    – bmike ♦
    Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 21:26
  • ^ wow. An interesting idea. Will consider this...
    – samthebrand
    Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 21:32
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    I got it back! Turns out it was cab passenger who just didn't quite know how to charge the phone and call me back. Or so she said. The moral of the story: 1) Make sure you send repeated pings via Find My Phone that include contact info 2) Don't "Wipe" until the last possible moment. Thx for the help!
    – samthebrand
    Commented Jun 4, 2012 at 14:42
  • Your advice is well placed. The only time I send an erase when work data or reputation is far more valuable than buying a new phone. Hooray for people being nice!
    – bmike ♦
    Commented Jun 4, 2012 at 15:36
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If your phone is already lost then the message you send via Find My Phone needs to include a number to call or other contact information.

It's best to prepare ahead of time by including contact information on your lock screen. In fact, it's even better to include emergency contact info, so that in case you are involved in an accident, emergency services personnel can easily look at your iPhone and call your emergency contact. (Yes, they check your phone for just that purpose.)

There is was a convenient and free app called If Found that makes such a lock screen image for you, but it, along with If Found, Please have been taken down. There are a few $0.99 apps that still do it. If someone knows of a free one, please edit this answer to include it here.

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