Managed Lost Mode

An enhanced version of Lost Mode for supervised devices. Allows admins to lock/locate devices without needing the user’s iCloud account. Does not rely on ‘Find My’.

What to Know

Managed Lost Mode provides organizations with the ability to lock and track corporate devices without depending on users’ personal iCloud accounts or Find My settings. This is critical for supervised devices where IT maintains full control over device security and recovery. Unlike consumer Lost Mode (which requires Find My to be enabled), Managed Lost Mode works independently of user configuration, ensuring that IT can always initiate device recovery procedures regardless of whether users have enabled or disabled their personal Apple ID features.

This capability is essential for responding to lost or stolen device incidents, allowing IT to immediately lock devices, display custom messages with return instructions, and track device location until recovery. The independence from user accounts means IT doesn’t need to coordinate with users or access their iCloud credentials to protect organizational data.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: When an employee reports a lost iPhone or iPad, IT immediately enables Managed Lost Mode to lock the device, display contact information for security, and track its location. This protects company data while providing a path for recovery without requiring the employee’s Apple ID credentials or Find My enablement.

MSP: Clients with field devices (sales tablets, delivery iPhones) rely on Managed Lost Mode to quickly secure lost devices. MSPs enable it remotely without client involvement, tracking devices until they’re recovered or determining when to escalate to remote wipe based on location patterns.

Education: When students lose school-issued iPads, IT staff enable Managed Lost Mode to lock the device and display the school’s contact information. Location tracking helps recover devices left in classrooms or on buses, reducing hardware loss costs and preventing unauthorized access to school systems.

In Addigy

Addigy provides Managed Lost Mode as a device action for supervised iOS and iPads. Admins can enable it with a custom message and optional phone number, then track the device’s location through the Addigy console. Location updates appear automatically, and admins can disable Lost Mode remotely once the device is recovered. Addigy clearly indicates which devices support Managed Lost Mode based on supervision status.