When an iPhone is missing, start with Apple’s own Find My tools. The old Find My iPhone forum title is preserved here as a current help resource; no missing participant posts or advice have been invented.
Where should I look first?
Apple’s Find My support page links to the Find My app and iCloud.com/find. On another Apple device, open Find My and choose Devices, then select the missing iPhone. Check the device name carefully if several similar devices are associated with the account.
Read the time and status alongside the displayed position. A map result is useful information, but an approximate or earlier location does not guarantee the phone is there now. If it appears nearby, the documented sound feature can help you search.
What if it is not simply under a cushion?
Apple’s lost-device guide explains marking a device as lost to protect it and display contact information. Follow the guide for the available options and your situation. Remote erasure is a separate action with consequences; do not confuse it with playing a sound or asking for a location update.
If the position suggests theft or an unfamiliar place, use the appropriate local reporting process rather than confronting someone based on the map. Record the relevant device details and times so the information stays understandable.
How can I prepare before anything goes missing?
While the phone is still in your hand, review Apple’s setup guidance and make sure you recognize it in your device list. Give devices clear names and keep account recovery information current. It is easier to understand the available controls during a calm check than while searching for a missing phone.
A useful first response is methodical: choose the correct device, inspect the status and take the next appropriate action from the official instructions.