LostHour

Ready Check / Mac

Get a Mac ready to be found

4 settings. Menu names differ between versions; the maker’s page beside each one is the source.

  1. 1

    Turn on Find My Mac

    Apple menuSystem Settings[your name]iCloudFind My Mac (may sit under See All)

    Without it the Mac cannot be placed on a map or locked remotely.

    Source: Apple: How to turn on Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

  2. 2

    Use a login password and turn on FileVault

    System SettingsPrivacy & SecurityFileVault

    FileVault encrypts the startup disk so a thief cannot read it.

  3. 3

    Back up with Time Machine or iCloud Drive

    System SettingsGeneralTime Machine

    The Mac can be replaced; the files come back from the backup.

  4. 4

    Write down the serial number

    Apple menuAbout This Mac

    Police and insurers ask for it.

    Source: Apple: Find your Mac model name and serial number

Keep the numbers where you can reach them

Put this Mac in a private plan: its serial, IMEI and carrier number, ticked settings, and its own “it’s missing” page. Two devices free. Lost Hour Pass is $1.95 a month or $19.50 a year for 12 devices; Household is $3.95 a month or $39.50 a year for 30. Free during preview: nothing is charged.

Start a plan

Already missing? The first-hour steps for this Mac →