To lock a lost iPhone, use the Find My app on another Apple device or iCloud.com. This will remotely lock your device, preventing unauthorized access to your personal information.
Here's a breakdown of how to lock your lost iPhone using either method:
Method 1: Using the Find My App on another Apple Device (iPad, iPod touch, or Mac)
- Open the Find My app: Locate and open the Find My app on another Apple device associated with your Apple ID.
- Go to Devices: Tap on the "Devices" tab, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Your Lost iPhone: From the list of devices, select the iPhone you want to lock.
- Activate Lost Mode: Tap on "Lost Mode". You may need to scroll down to find this option.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
- Passcode: If you don't have a passcode set up on your iPhone, you'll be prompted to create one. This passcode is required to unlock the iPhone later.
- Contact Information (Optional): You can enter a phone number where you can be reached. This number will be displayed on the iPhone's screen, allowing someone who finds it to contact you.
- Custom Message (Optional): You can also write a message to display on the lock screen, such as "This iPhone is lost. Please call [Your Number]."
Method 2: Using iCloud.com
- Go to iCloud.com: Open a web browser on any device (computer, tablet, smartphone) and go to iCloud.com.
- Sign In: Sign in with your Apple ID and password that you use on your iPhone.
- Find My iPhone: Click on the "Find iPhone" icon. You may need to go to "Find Devices" depending on the version of iCloud.
- Select Your Lost iPhone: From the "All Devices" dropdown menu at the top, select your lost iPhone.
- Activate Lost Mode: Click on "Lost Mode".
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The prompts are similar to those in the Find My app, requiring you to set or confirm a passcode and optionally add contact information and a message.
Important Considerations After Locking Your iPhone:
- Report the Loss to the Authorities: File a police report for the lost or stolen iPhone.
- File an Insurance Claim (if applicable): If you have insurance that covers lost or stolen devices, file a claim.
- Erase Your iPhone (as a last resort): If you are sure you cannot recover your iPhone, you can remotely erase it using the Find My app or iCloud. This will permanently delete all data on the device, but it also disables your ability to track it further. Only do this if you are certain you will not recover the device, as it cannot be undone.
- Remove Your Credit/Debit Cards from Apple Pay: If you use Apple Pay on your lost iPhone, log into your Apple ID account (https://appleid.apple.com/) and remove the associated credit and debit cards to prevent unauthorized transactions.
