Does Lost Mode work if my iPhone is turned off or offline?

No. Lost Mode requires the iPhone to be powered on and connected to the internet. If the device is off or offline, the command will be sent once it reconnects.

Can I still use my Apple Watch if my iPhone is in Lost Mode?

Yes. Lost Mode only affects the lost iPhone. Your Apple Watch and other Apple devices paired to your Apple ID continue to work normally.

What happens to my data if I never recover my iPhone?

Your data remains locked behind the passcode. Apple cannot unlock the device remotely. You can erase the iPhone remotely using Find My, but that is a separate action from Lost Mode.

Will Lost Mode prevent someone from turning off the phone?

No. Someone can still force a shutdown by holding the power button. But when the phone is turned back on, it will still be in Lost Mode and locked with the passcode.

How to Use Lost Mode (Mark As Lost) on iPhone

Lost Mode, also called Mark As Lost, locks a missing iPhone, protects your data, and helps someone return it. Use Apple's Find My app or iCloud.com to turn it on. It takes a few minutes and needs no special tools.

What is Lost Mode and When Should You Use it

Lost Mode is a feature in Apple's Find My service that locks your iPhone with its passcode and displays a custom message on the Lock Screen. Turn it on the moment you realize your phone is missing, as long as it might still be turned on and connected to the internet. It prevents other people from accessing your data and suspends your Apple Pay cards.

How to Activate Lost Mode in the Find My App

The Find My app is the quickest way to mark your iPhone as lost.

Open the Find My app on another Apple device, such as an iPad or Mac.
Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
Select your lost iPhone from the list of devices.
Swipe up or tap the Mark As Lost option.
Tap Activate to confirm.

Apple sends a confirmation email to your Apple Account email address. Your iPhone locks with its passcode, and the message and phone number you choose appear on the Lock Screen.

How to Activate Lost Mode on ICloud.com

No other Apple device? Use a web browser on any computer or tablet.

Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
Open the Find app from the main menu.
Select your lost iPhone from the list of devices.
Click the Mark As Lost button.
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.

Both methods work the same way. Once Lost Mode is active, your iPhone is locked and the lost mode message and phone number you entered are shown on the Lock Screen.

What Lost Mode Locks and Suspends

When you mark your iPhone as lost, several things happen automatically:

Lock screen: Your iPhone is locked with its existing passcode. Anyone who picks it up cannot get past the Lock Screen without that code.
Apple Pay cards: Any credit or debit cards you have added to Apple Pay are suspended while Lost Mode is on. This prevents unauthorized purchases.
Custom message: The phone number and message you provided are displayed on the Lock Screen, so a good Samaritan can contact you.
Confirmation email: Apple sends a confirmation email to your Apple Account email address to let you know Lost Mode is active.

That is what happens when Lost Mode turns on.

How to Turn Off Lost Mode Once You Find Your IPhone

From the iPhone itself

Enter your iPhone passcode on the Lock Screen. This immediately disables Lost Mode and restores normal access. Apple Pay cards are unsuspended automatically.

From the Find My app or iCloud.com

You can also turn off lost mode remotely:

Open the Find My app or go to iCloud.com/find.
Select your iPhone from the Devices list.
Choose the option to turn off Mark As Lost.

Either method works. You do not need to be near the phone to turn off Lost Mode remotely, but the iPhone must be connected to the internet for the command to reach it.

What to Do Before Activating Lost Mode

Before you mark your iPhone as lost, prepare:

Make sure you have your Apple ID password and access to your email account. You will need them to sign into Find My or iCloud.com.
Think of a lost mode message and phone number that will help someone return your phone. Use a number where you can be reached, such as a friend's phone or a work line.
Check that your iPhone has a passcode set. Lost Mode uses the existing passcode to lock the device. If you never set one, set it now if you still have the phone, or after you recover it.

Common Questions About Lost Mode

Can I still receive calls on my lost iPhone?

No. Lost Mode locks the screen, so you cannot make or receive calls, check messages, or use any apps. The iPhone is unusable until the passcode is entered.

Does Lost Mode track my iPhone's location?

Yes. Find My continues to show the device's location on the map as long as it is powered on and connected to the internet. You can see its location in the Find My app or on iCloud.com.

What if I cannot remember my Apple ID password?

Reset your password before you can use Lost Mode. Visit iforgot.apple.com to start the recovery process. Without the password, you cannot sign into Find My or iCloud.com.