How accurate is the location in 'Find My' on iPhone when the icon moves erratically and emits a green light?

The accuracy of the location in 'Find My' depends on several factors, including GPS signal, Wi-Fi, and nearby Apple devices. If the icon moves erratically and shows a green light, that typically means the phone is online and actively updating its location.

Erratic movement usually means the phone is in motion—possibly in someone’s pocket, a moving vehicle, or being carried around. The green light means it was recently located. The accuracy radius can vary, but with strong signals, it can be within 10–20 feet.

If the phone stays still for a bit and other Apple devices are nearby, the location will get more precise. So if you're seeing random movement, it's likely not stationary yet.

Hope that helps!

The movement of the "light" indicates that the lost iPhone is physically moving. It's probably in someone's pocket or purse

As the location of the lost phone changes, other iPhones that are in close proximity.......10-40 feet or so.....can pick up the signal from the lost iPhone and forward the location information at that time.

If the phone remains in the same place for awhile......the location will appear more precise......if there are other iPhones in close proximity to pick up the signal.

With good strong signals, I have found that Find My can display a location that is within 15-20 feet of the actual location of the iPhone. I am sure that results vary though.

Hopefully, the person who found the phone is on the way to the airport Lost and Found to turn the phone in.

Locate a device in Find My on iPhone - Apple Support

The phone has likely slid way down the crack in a chair and has not been noticed. Or, an honest person turned the phone into the Lost and Found and it is located there.

What happens if you call the phone?

If you can see the phone's general location now using Find My, you can place the phone in Lost Mode. This will display the owner's name and contact information on the screen.

Anyone who has the Apple ID and Apple ID Password can use any browser to log on using Find My. There is no need to change any Apple IDs or passwords at this point, since the phone is protected by the passcode.