iOS device stuck in Lost Mode and not receiving disable command from HexnodeSolved

Participant
Discussion
2 weeks ago Jul 30, 2026

We have an iPhone that was put into Lost Mode from Hexnode a few days ago, but now we cannot disable Lost Mode. The device shows that it is connected to Wi-Fi, but Hexnode has not received a check-in from it for more than three days, so the unlock command is not getting applied.

This happens to us occasionally after a device is locked. In many cases, the device seems to lose network communication and we end up asking the user to restore it using iTunes/Finder, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and enroll again, which is very inconvenient.

Is there any way to get the device to sync and receive the disable Lost Mode command without doing a full restore?

Replies (1)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
2 weeks ago Jul 30, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hi @elliot,

When an iOS device has not checked in with Hexnode for several days, the Disable Lost Mode command cannot be delivered until the device re-establishes communication through Apple Push Notification service (APNs).

Even if the Wi-Fi icon is visible on the Lost Mode screen, iOS may still restrict background network activity while the device is locked. This can prevent the MDM channel from waking up and receiving pending commands.

Before performing a full restore, try the following:

1. Connect the iPhone to a power source
Keeping the device plugged in can prevent the network adapter from going into a low-power state and may trigger a pending MDM/APNs sync.

2. Restart the iPhone
A reboot forces iOS to reinitialize network services and attempt a fresh APNs handshake during startup.

3. Change the network environment
If possible, move the device to another known Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot. This helps rule out captive portals, firewall rules, or network restrictions that may block MDM/APNs traffic.

4. Insert an active SIM
If the iPhone supports a physical SIM card, insert an active SIM with cellular data enabled.

Once the device successfully checks in, the pending Disable Lost Mode command should be processed automatically.

Regards,
Sienna Carter
Hexnode UEM

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