It’s been a while since I’ve posted an iOS Quick Tip, but since this tip has already been written so well by somebody else, I want you to head on over to GottaBeMobile to learn the best way to make sure you can track down a missing iPhone.
They don’t mention it in their article, but this applies to iPads with 3G or 4G data connections as well (the same instructions apply). Technically it actually applies to pretty much any iOS device, and even Macs running OS X 10.7 or later, but it’s not going to work quite as well (read: not at all) on a device without an active data connection.
One other handy thing is the fact that there’s a Find My iPhone app available for iOS as well. This means that if your 3G or 4G iPad goes missing, you can track it down using your iPhone (or track down your iPhone using an iPad) rather than simply sitting at home watching its location from your computer and feeling helpless.
Word of advice: If somebody has stolen your iOS device, contact the police rather than confronting the criminal on your own.
Disclaimer: There’s no guarantee that a thief won’t remove the SIM card before your device can be tracked down, nor any guarantee that your iOS device won’t run out of battery power before you can locate it. That said, this is a handy tool if you’re prone to leaving your iPhone at the office and want to quickly confirm its location when you realize you’ve arrived at home without it, or simply for finding a missing iPod touch that’s fallen between the couch cushions. Regardless of any guarantees though, I’d definitely recommend anybody using an iOS device activate this service ASAP if they haven’t already.