Losing a smartphone at sea often feels like a permanent loss. However, in an extraordinary turn of events, an iPhone lost underwater for four days was returned to its owner—not through Apple’s popular Find My feature, but by leveraging the often-overlooked Medical ID function. This remarkable incident underscores the unexpected ways Apple’s technology can aid in reuniting users with their devices.
Discovery at Sea: The iPhone’s Journey
The story unfolded on New Year’s Eve at Maresias Beach, a well-known tourist spot in São Paulo, Brazil. While swimming, beachgoer Thiago Itagaki spotted an iPhone submerged approximately 3 meters deep and 10 meters from the shore. Encased in a waterproof pouch alongside three credit cards, the phone had clearly been underwater for days. Despite his efforts to locate the owner by asking around on the beach, no one claimed the device.
The phone was also out of battery, complicating efforts to identify its owner. But Thiago wasn’t ready to give up.
Apple’s Medical ID to the Rescue
After allowing the phone to dry, Thiago charged it and was relieved to find it still functioning—an impressive testament to the iPhone’s water resistance. It was then that he had a clever idea: to check the phone’s Medical ID feature.
Medical ID, designed primarily to store essential health information and emergency contacts, can be accessed even when a device is locked. Sure enough, in the Medical ID section, Thiago found an emergency contact labeled ‘Love.’ He dialed the number and managed to reach the astonished owner, who had already left Maresias days earlier, assuming the phone was gone forever.
The owner, who had lost the iPhone during New Year’s celebrations, was amazed to learn that the phone had been underwater for four days yet remained operational. Overjoyed by its recovery, the owner expressed deep gratitude for Thiago’s effort and quick thinking.
A Viral Sensation
Thiago later shared the experience on Threads, where it quickly garnered widespread attention. Social media users praised the story, marveling at how an overlooked feature like Medical ID played a crucial role in reuniting a lost phone with its rightful owner. Many also noted how this incident serves as a reminder to keep their Medical ID information up to date, as it could unexpectedly prove invaluable in situations like this.
iPhone Water Resistance: A Lifesaving Feature
This heartwarming tale also highlights Apple’s commitment to durability. Since the introduction of water resistance with the iPhone 7, Apple has steadily improved its devices’ ability to withstand submersion. While iPhones are rated for protection at certain depths and durations, this incident demonstrates their impressive resilience under real-world conditions.
A Simple Feature with Big Impact
While the Find My feature is often touted as a go-to solution for locating lost devices, this story emphasizes the importance of keeping emergency information updated in Medical ID. A simple setup could make a critical difference in unexpected circumstances.