iOS 6 and later iOS versions offer a new iCloud feature called Lost Mode. If your iOS device (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch) gets lost or stolen, you may use Lost Mode to remotely lock it with a passcode, display a custom on-screen message, and keep track of its physical location. If your phone ends up in someone else’s possession, this feature will let whoever is keeping your iPhone (or iPad) know they should call a specified number that you have chosen. In fact, calling this number from the iPhone becomes the only option available on the phone in Lost Mode, other than unlocking by entering the passcode. Here is how you can use Lost Mode:
How to enable and disable Lost Mode on iPhone and iPad
1.Enable Find My iPhone/iPad on your iOS device by going to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone/iPad:
2.Visit iCloud.com on a PC or Mac and log in using your Apple ID and password (if you want to do this on your iOS device, see this article)
3.Choose “Find my iPhone/iPad”
4.Select your device that you want to place in Lost Mode from the top menu.
5.Click on the Lost Mode icon.
6.If you did not set up passcode lock on your device previously, you will be asked to lock your device by entering a passcode. If you had already enabled the passcode lock feature, you will be asked to enter a phone number (the next step). On your device, you (or whoever finds your device) will need to enter this passcode to exit Lost Mode.
7.You may enter a phone number. Calling this number will be the only option on the phone in Lost Mode. If you are placing an iPad in Lost Mode, you will be asked for a phone number where you can be reached.
8.Enter a message and choose Done.
Your iOS device will now be placed in Lost Mode. If somebody finds the phone, there are two options (a) calling the number you entered in step 5 or (b) unlocking the device by entering the passcode (the passcode that was set up initially or the one you created when enabling Lost Mode). Since the person who finds your phone will not know the passcode, the only available option is to call the number. However if you lost your phone, placed it in Lost Mode, and then later found it, you may just start using it by entering your passcode.
If you placed an iPad in Lost Mode, obviously whoever has your iPad cannot place a call using the iPad but he/she will see the phone number to contact you.
Entering the passcode on iPhone or iPad will turn off Lost Mode.
While your device is in Lost Mode, you may monitor its location with iCloud.com
How to disable Lost Mode
There are two ways to stop Lost Mode. The first one is that the phone exits Lost Mode when the passcode is entered and the second one is by going to iCloud.com and choosing Lost Mode then Stop Lost Mode option.
You will receive email updates from Apple when Lost Mode is enabled and when your phone is located.
Related:
- How to configure Find My iPhone: iCloud
- My device (Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod) was stolen or lost; what should I do?