How to Use Apple’s Precision Finding on iPhone 15 and New Apple Watch: Full Guide

Precision Finding, introduced at the Apple Event on September 12, 2023, is an innovative feature integrated into the Find My App exclusively available on the iPhone 15 series. This feature is compatible with all four models of the iPhone 15 series, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, all of which are equipped with a second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip. This advanced chip extends the capabilities of the Find My feature, enabling communication with compatible devices over an extended range.

Precision Finding operates as a compass-like tool, particularly valuable for locating lost iPhone or friends within bustling crowds. Its unique feature lies in its precision. Furthermore, it offers real-time updates, meaning that if your friend moves, Precision Finding adjusts dynamically and guides you toward their updated location. This ensures seamless connectivity and the ability to reunite even in the most crowded and dynamic settings.

What is the Precision Finding on iPhone 15?

Precision Finding on the new iPhone is a remarkable Find My feature designed exclusively for iPhone 15 users, enabling them to effortlessly locate nearby friends equipped with an iPhone 15. This functionality is made possible by Apple’s second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, which extends the connectivity range to other compatible devices by up to three times the previous distance.

What is UWB (Ultra-wideband)?

Ultra-wideband, alternatively referred to as ultra-wide band or ultraband, represents a radio technology capable of utilizing minimal energy for high-bandwidth communications within short ranges across an extensive portion of the radio spectrum.

This pioneering technology was developed by Robert A. Scholtz, according to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering report. Its contemporary applications primarily focus on sensor data collection, precise location services, and tracking. The integration of UWB support into high-end smartphones began in 2019.

Now, due to the Ultra-Wideband chip, iPhone Precision Finding offers real-time updates, displaying continuously updating distance and direction indicators. As the user gets closer to their friend’s location, the distance, and direction arrow on the interface dynamically updates, ensuring a seamless and precise tracking experience.

How to Enable Precision Finding on iPhone 15

To enable Apple precision finding in the Find My app on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Locate and open the Find My app on your iPhone.
   
2. Tap “People” at the bottom of the screen. Next, select the name of the friend you wish to meet.
   
3. If you and your friend aren’t already sharing locations, you may need to either share your location with them or request their location.
   
4. If you’re not in proximity, tap “Directions” to navigate closer to their location on the map. If you’re nearby, tap “Find” to notify your friend that you’re attempting to locate them.
   
5. As you approach each other, an arrow will appear, pointing in the direction of your friend, along with an estimate of the remaining distance to their location. Additionally, When you’re walking in the right direction, the screen turns green. Follow these visual cues to reunite with your friend seamlessly.
   
6. Once you successfully locate the person you’re searching for, simply tap the “Close” button to finish iPhone precision finding.

How to Use the Precision Finding on the New Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are also equipped with an Ultra-Wideband chip that allows you to find lost iPhone more precisely. While older Apple Watches allow you to make your iPhone emit a sound, usually the challenge lies in discerning its exact whereabouts even if you can hear the sound. The Precision Finding ensures you’re heading in the right direction.

To enable the Precision Finding on your Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2:

1. Open the Control Centre on your Apple Watch by pressing the side button.
2. Locate and tap the Find iPhone icon resembling a phone emitting sound.
3. If your iPhone is nearby, your screen will display both the distance and a directional arrow to guide you directly to your iPhone.
4. Follow the indicated direction on your Apple Watch, adjusting as needed while moving within your residence.
5. Alternatively, you can prompt your iPhone to emit a sound by tapping the small Find iPhone icon in the bottom-right of the screen.
6. As you approach your iPhone’s location, the screen will turn green, accompanied by two audible pings from your device.
   
7. If your search persists, tap and hold the Find iPhone icon in the bottom-right, prompting your iPhone to flash as an additional visual cue.
8. Once successful, locate the X in the top-left corner of the screen and tap it to close the directions screen.

As you see, the using of the Precision Finding mirrors the process of triggering a sound on older Apple Watch models, but the result is more precise now.

What is the distance accuracy of Find My iPhone App?

The Find My iPhone distance accuracy is approximately 20 meters when it pinpoints the location of the devices on iPhone 14 models and below. However, with the introduction of Precision Finding on iPhone 15 models, the distance accuracy has expanded to approximately 60 meters, offering a more refined tracking capability.

This improvement in location precision depends on the specific technology and capabilities integrated into the iPhone 15 model, such as the second-generation Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip, which contributes to the broader distance accuracy of around 60 meters for the Find My iPhone app on iPhone 15 models.

Why is Precision Finding Not Working on My iPhone?

The reasons why precision finding doesn’t work on iPhones are listed below:

1. Incompatible Friend’s Device: Precision Finding requires both your iPhone and your friend’s device to be iPhone 15 models.
2. Location Access Restrictions: If you haven’t granted the Find My app access to your iPhone’s location, it can disrupt iPhone Precision Finding.
3. Location Sharing Disabled: Precision Finding with a friend necessitates sharing your location through the Find My app. Neglecting to do so can impact the feature’s performance.
4. Unstable Internet Connection: iPhone Precision Finding heavily relies on a stable Internet connection for real-time data exchange, so a weak or unstable connection can hinder its performance.
5. Regional Availability: Precision Finding’s availability varies by country or region, and it might not be accessible in your area, which could prevent it from working on your iPhone.

If the problem is not with the Precision Finding feature, but with the Find My app itself, find the full guide on what to do when Find My not working on the HeyLocate blog.

Can You Use Precision Finding to Track Someone Without Them Knowing?

Precision Finding cannot be used to track someone without their knowledge because it relies on explicit consent and bi-directional communication. The person being tracked must actively share their location through the Find My app, granting permission for tracking.

However, if you are looking for tools to track someone’s location without them knowing, you can use Scannero.io or Detectico phone number trackers.

Track Phone Number With Scannero

Scannero.io is an online phone tracking tool that enables users to locate individuals using their phone numbers. This tool generally provides precise location information; however, in cases where the specific address is unknown, it offers exact location coordinates.

To track a target iPhone user, one can visit Scannero.io, input the target’s phone number with the country code, and click “Locate” to initiate tracking by sending an anonymous text. Subsequently, the Scannero.io dashboard will provide location details, including city, state, coordinates, and a real-time Google map.

It’s important to note that these location results are only accessible if the target interacts with a link within the sent anonymous text.

Try Scannero.io

Find the Phone’s Location With Detectico

Detectico.com is a website dedicated to tracking iPhones and Android without requiring any app installation, solely relying on a phone number. This tool provides precise location information for the target device, presenting it on a dashboard alongside a map view of the location.

To use Detectico, visit the website and input the phone number you wish to track, along with a personal message. Detectico instantly sends an anonymous text containing a location detection link. Once the target person clicks the link in the message, Detectico promptly reveals their location.

Try Detectico

Conclusion

The introduction of the precision finding on iPhone 15 and new Apple Watch is a groundbreaking advancement that greatly improves the location precision and iPhone tracking. Powered by the second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, the Find My precision finding feature offers real-time updates and enhanced accuracy.

If, however, you aim to track someone discreetly, you may explore third-party options like Scannero or Detectico.