How To Find Your iPhone Using Your Apple Watch

Select Language:

Sometimes, we all misplace our gadgets. Locating them can be tricky, especially if they’ve been stolen or left somewhere unexpected. They might be wedged between sofa cushions, fallen beneath furniture, or even hidden playfully by your pet under their stash—making them hard to find.

If your device is on silent or in focus mode, calling it won’t be effective. Luckily, many modern devices include built-in lost-and-find features, with Apple leading the way. The “Find My” system has earned a reputation for reliability, and it’s now even helping airlines track lost luggage.

You can locate a lost device using any other Apple device with a screen. If it’s your iPhone that’s missing, your Apple Watch can actually guide you right to it.

How to Find a Stolen or Lost iPhone

Finding a misplaced iPhone with an Apple Watch is straightforward—provided both devices are signed into the same Apple account and have the Find My feature enabled. Here’s how:

Step 1: On your Apple Watch, press the round crown button to open the app list.

Step 2: Scroll down and select the Find My app. Its icon is green with a laptop and phone illustration.

Step 3: Once the app opens, you’ll see a list of all devices linked to your Apple account with Find My enabled.

Step 4: Tap on the iPhone you want to locate. The next screen will display details like its location on a map.

Step 5: If the iPhone is nearby or somewhere in your home or office but you can’t see it, scroll down to tap “Play Sound.” This plays a loud tone on the device, making it easier to find by ear.

Step 6: For users with an Apple Watch Series 9 (or newer), Apple Watch Ultra 2, and iPhone 15 (or newer), there’s an added bonus: the Precision Finding feature. This provides directional cues on your watch screen to guide you directly to your device.

How to Quickly Find a Nearby iPhone

If you think you left your iPhone in a random spot—on a table, shelf, under a pillow, or elsewhere—you can make it ring loudly to locate it quickly without opening the Find My app.

Step 1: On your Apple Watch, press the side button to access the Control Center.

Step 2: Tap the phone icon. Once activated, it will connect wirelessly to your iPhone and emit a loud sound.

This simple method is perfect for those “oops, where did I leave it?” moments.

These tools make it easier than ever to track down your misplaced or stolen iPhone, either from a distance or nearby, ensuring you can retrieve your valuable device smoothly.