My old iPhone, missing for two years, was finally located in Africa via Find My app notification

The Journey of My Lost iPhone: A Tale of Unexpected Discovery

It’s been two years since I misplaced my precious iPhone, and I recently received a puzzling notification that sent me on a swirl of emotions: it seems my phone is enjoying a new life in Africa.

Upon learning this news, I quickly took action through the Find My app and remotely erased all data on the device. This raises a pressing question: was the phone truly wiped clean, or could someone still access my information?

The Background Story

I find it necessary to provide some context, as my previous post sparked a wave of interest and inquiries. On March 20, 2020, I made the difficult decision to leave my university life behind and return to my home country. This was prompted by the pandemic and guidance from my university to evacuate. In the rush to pack, I loaded almost all my belongings into my minivan, believing I had secured everything of value.

Fast forward to September 2021, when I returned to campus after an extended absence. My first stop was my minivan, which had been sitting idle for 18 months, to reclaim two old iPhones that held significant sentimental value: an iPhone 4 adorned with a leather case and an iPhone 6s. To my dismay, upon rummaging through my belongings, I realized I had inadvertently left them behind in my apartment. By this time, the place had already cycled through three different tenants.

Then, in January 2022, I received a surprising notification: my iPhone 4 had been located! However, the reality check hit hard when I discovered it was over 7,000 kilometers away in a rural region of Africa. Acting quickly, I used the remote wipe feature on the Find My app to erase its contents. Meanwhile, my other device, the iPhone 6s, remains lost, with no clues of its whereabouts.

While it’s reassuring to have taken steps to protect my data, the lingering question remains—was my information completely erased? The uncertainty has settled in, leaving me pondering the potential journeys my devices might take without me.

I appreciate all the likes and comments on my previous post, and I’m glad to share this unique experience with a larger audience. If you have similar stories or advice on data security, I’d love to hear from you!