Device Action: Enable Lost Mode

Lost Mode locks a supervised iOS or iPadOS device and displays a customizable message on the lock screen. It is designed to help locate and recover lost or stolen devices. While in Lost Mode, the device can report its location and play a sound to assist with recovery.

Apple documentation for Lost Mode can be found here:

• Apple Platform Deployment Guide - Lock and locate Apple devices
• Apple Developer Documentation - EnableLostMode MDM Command

Supported platforms

Lost Mode is available for supervised iOS and iPadOS devices running iOS 9.3 or later. It is not available for macOS, tvOS, visionOS, or devices enrolled via User Enrollment.

How to enable Lost Mode

1. In SimpleMDM, navigate to the device's Device Details page.
2. Click the "Actions" menu.
3. Select "Enable Lost Mode".
4. Enter a message, phone number, and/or footnote to display on the lock screen (at least a message or phone number is required).
5. Click "Enable Lost Mode" to send the command.

Once acknowledged, the device will be locked and the provided information will be displayed on the lock screen. SimpleMDM will also request the device's current location.

Lost Mode settings explained

• Message: Text displayed on the device's lock screen. Use this to provide instructions for returning the device, such as "This device belongs to [organization]. Please call the number below." Required if no phone number is provided.
• Phone Number: A contact phone number displayed on the lock screen. The device user can tap this number to call directly from the lock screen. Required if no message is provided.
• Footnote: Additional text displayed at the bottom of the lock screen. This is optional and can be used for supplementary information such as an address or reward offer.

At least one of Message or Phone Number must be provided.

While in Lost Mode

Once a device is in Lost Mode, the following actions become available from the device's Device Details page:

• Request Location: Asks the device to report its current location. The location will be displayed on the device's detail page once received.
• Play Lost Mode Sound: Plays a loud sound on the device to help locate it nearby. The sound continues until Lost Mode is disabled or the user stops it on the device. Requires iOS 10.3 or later.
• Disable Lost Mode: Removes the device from Lost Mode, restoring normal operation. The lock screen message is removed and the device returns to its standard lock screen.

Notes