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How to lock your Apple device via Find My

How to lock your iPhone, iPad, or Mac remotely if it's lost or stolen

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Written by Tech
Updated over a week ago

How to use Find My on the web

If your device is lost or stolen, lock it online straight away. Follow the steps below to lock it and add a contact message.

1. Visit iCloud.com:

  • Go to iCloud.com/find in a web browser

  • Sign in with your Apple ID linked to the missing device

2. Choose Your Device:

  • Click All Devices at the top

  • Select the lost device from the dropdown list

3. Activate Lost Mode:

  • Click Lost Mode (for iPhone/iPad) or Lock (for Mac)

  • Follow the prompts to:

    • Enter a contact number

    • Write a custom message to display on the screen

    • Optionally set a passcode if prompted

4. Confirm and Lock:

  • Review your information

  • Click Done to activate Lost Mode


What happens after activation?

  • Your device will be locked remotely.

  • The custom message and contact number will appear on the screen.

  • Apple Pay is disabled.

  • Location tracking remains active.


Unlocking Your Device

Enter your passcode on the device or unlock using your Apple ID when you recover the device.

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