The Find My Phone feature in an iPhone or Android device is great even if you think the device is lost for good after a long swim in over 45 feet of water.
An iPhone was lost in 15 meters (49 feet) of water off an Australian beach. It was recovered 10 days later and still worked after a recharge. Let’s pause for a moment to consider how impressive that is. The latest iPhones are rated for only 6 meters (20 feet) and 30 minutes but this one survived over a week at more than double that depth.
The owner was smart and used ‘Find my Phone’ to put a message up on the screen when it restarted.
Apple’s Find My Phone or Google’s android.com/find . For Apple devices, enable ‘Lost Mode’ and leave a message for anyone who finds the phone. The message appears when the phone starts but doesn’t allow access to any other part of the device.
A scuba diver found the phone, recharged it and was able to contact the owner.
Another reminder of how useful Find My Phone can be on Apple or Android … even if you’re sure that your phone will never be lost or stolen.
The full story is on ABC News Australia.
Some extra safety notes from personal experience …
Be wary if you’re contacted by someone offering to return the device. Criminals will often send SMS messages offering to find or return the device, getting the phone number from the lost message or directly from a physical SIM. The baddies might ask for money up-front or offer a bogus link to a phishing site. Apple makes it clear that they NEVER contact customers about lost or stolen phones.
The iPhone was lost when it came off a lanyard when the owner dived in. Personally I’d never trust an iPhone in the water, despite assurances about it’s waterproof rating. It’s just too much of a risk for such an expensive device. By all means, get a waterproof sealed cover to protect from occasional drops of water. It gives you the chance taking photos while swimming or raining or both (see this photo)
