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Productivity · Tip

Lost iPhone Location Automation via Apple Shortcuts

Automate location sharing and connectivity toggles via SMS keyword triggers

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

An iOS Shortcuts automation that monitors incoming messages from a trusted contact for a specific trigger keyword. When triggered, it automatically enables Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Power Mode, turns up the volume, and texts back the device's precise GPS location. It serves as an alternative recovery method if Find My is inaccessible.

How it works

How to set up the shortcut and automation:

  1. Create the Shortcut:
  2. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap '+' to create a new shortcut named 'Lost iPhone'.
  3. Add action: 'Set Bluetooth' -> Turn Bluetooth On.
  4. Add action: 'Set Wi-Fi' -> Turn Wi-Fi On.
  5. Add action: 'Set Low Power Mode' -> Turn Low Power Mode On.
  6. Add action: 'Set Volume' -> Set Media volume to 100%.
  7. Add action: 'Get Current Location' -> tap the arrow and set Precision to 'Best'.
  8. Add action: 'Send Message' -> set text to 'Current Location' and add your trusted contact. Tap the drop-down arrow and toggle off 'Show When Run'. (Note: To send via WhatsApp instead, choose the WhatsApp 'Send Message' action with the phone icon, not 'Send Message via WhatsApp', and disable 'Show When Run').
  9. Tap 'Done' to save.
  10. Create the Automation Trigger:
  11. In Shortcuts, tap the 'Automation' tab at the bottom and tap '+' (New Automation).
  12. Select 'Message' as the trigger.
  13. Set 'Sender' to your trusted contact.
  14. Set 'Message Contains' to your chosen keyword (e.g., 'lost').
  15. Select 'Run Immediately' and disable 'Notify When Run'.
  16. Tap 'Next' and link it to run the 'Lost iPhone' shortcut.

What it's for

  • Locate a misplaced iPhone by texting a secret code word from a friend's phone
  • Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth remotely to improve location tracking accuracy
  • Max out device ringer and media volume remotely to hear a lost phone nearby

Key points

  • Triggered by incoming messages containing a designated secret keyword
  • Restricted to execute only when received from specific trusted contacts
  • Automatically turns on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to assist location services
  • Enables Low Power Mode to conserve battery while locating
  • Sets media volume to 100% for easier audio detection
  • Captures current GPS location with high precision and sends it back automatically
  • Runs silently in the background without requiring confirmation prompts

Pricing

Free built-in iOS feature

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Productivity
Topic
Device Automation
Open source
No
Platforms
iOS
For
iPhone users wanting a backup method to locate their lost device
Alternative to
Apple Find My
Tags
ios, apple shortcuts, automation, iphone, safety, location

Why it was saved

  • @tycotech.ca, 1 March 2025: Allows you to remotely locate a lost or misplaced iPhone and ensure its radios and ringer are activated without needing Find My app access.

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Updated