Lost Mode

A special device state that locks the device, displays a custom message, and enables location tracking to help recover lost or stolen devices.

What to Know

Lost Mode provides a middle ground between normal operation and complete device erasure, allowing organizations to secure lost or stolen devices while maintaining the possibility of recovery. It locks the device, displays custom contact information for return, and tracks location without permanently destroying data. This is particularly valuable for devices that may have been misplaced rather than stolen, or situations where data recovery is still desired before resorting to remote wipe.

The ability to display a custom message with contact information significantly increases recovery chances by providing honest finders with a clear return path. Location tracking helps IT or security teams determine whether devices are recoverable or if they should escalate to remote wipe. For supervised devices, Managed Lost Mode offers these capabilities without depending on user-configured Find My settings, ensuring IT maintains control regardless of user preferences.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: A sales representative reports a lost iPad after a client meeting. IT immediately enables Lost Mode with the company security desk phone number, tracks the device’s location, and discovers it’s still at the client office. The client calls the number on the lock screen, and the device is returned the next day. Without Lost Mode, the device would have been wiped, losing unsynchronized work data.

MSP: A client’s employee leaves a company iPhone in a rideshare vehicle. The MSP enables Lost Mode displaying the company’s IT helpdesk number. The rideshare driver finds the phone, calls the number shown on the screen, and arranges return. The MSP tracks that the device remains in a reasonable location (driver’s home) rather than moving to resale channels, confirming recovery is likely.

Education: A student loses a school iPad on the bus. IT staff enable Lost Mode with the school’s main office number. The bus driver finds the device, sees the school contact information, and returns it. Location tracking confirms the device never left school property, providing evidence that immediate erasure wasn’t necessary and saving the cost of device replacement.

In Addigy

Addigy provides Lost Mode commands for both consumer Lost Mode (iPhones with Find My enabled) and Managed Lost Mode (supervised iPhones and iPads). Admins can enable Lost Mode with custom messages and phone numbers, then track device location updates through the Addigy console. Location history provides evidence for determining whether devices are recoverable or should be escalated to remote wipe. Addigy clearly indicates which devices support which Lost Mode variant based on supervision and Find My status.