# How to enable lost mode on supervised iOS devices? **Managed Lost Mode** is a remote security state for supervised iOS devices that locks the screen, displays recovery information, and enables real-time location tracking while preventing unauthorized access to corporate data. **Why Use iOS Lost Mode?** -------------------------- If an iPhone or iPad is stolen or misplaced, Lost Mode provides a strategic defense by rendering the device unusable. Unlike a standard passcode lock, Lost Mode is enforced at the system level via MDM, ensuring that only an authorized administrator can restore the device to its operational state. - **Security Lockdown:** Restricts all device functionality, even if the user knows the passcode. - **Data Protection:** Safeguards sensitive corporate resources from physical intruders. - **Recovery Info:** Displays a custom message and phone number to the finder to facilitate the return of the hardware. **Prerequisites for iOS Lost Mode** ----------------------------------- To initiate this remote action, the target device must meet the following technical criteria: RequirementSpecificationSupervision StateDevice must be in **Supervised Mode**.OS VersioniOS 9.3 and later.ConnectivityMust have an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Cellular).MDM StatusMust be successfully enrolled in the **Hexnode UEM** portal.**Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling Lost Mode** ------------------------------------------ Administrators can secure a reported lost or stolen device directly from the Hexnode console. 1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM console**. 2. Navigate to the **Manage** tab and select the target device. 3. Click on **Actions > Security > Enable Lost Mode**. 4. Configure the lock screen display: - **Message:** Enter a custom recovery message. - **Phone Number:** Provide a contact number (supports the %phonenumber% wildcard). - **Footnote:** Add extra details for the finder. 5. Click **Continue**. ### **Supported Wildcards for Lock Screen Details** **Use these wildcards to dynamically populate device-specific info:** %devicename%, %deviceid%, %username%, %model%, %udid%, %assettag%, %serialnumber%, %name%, %department%, %imei%, %email%, %devicenotes%, %alternateemail%, %phonenumber%, %domain%, %osname%, %wifimacaddress%, %osversion%, %iccid%, %userprincipalname%, %netbiosname%, %newline%. **Tracking and Locating a Lost Device** --------------------------------------- Hexnode utilizes Apple’s MDM framework to retrieve coordinates without requiring the user to enable Location Services manually. - **Automatic Scanning:** Enabling Lost Mode automatically triggers a **Scan Device Location** action. - **Manual Tracking:** Administrators can execute **Scan Device Location** from the **Actions** menu to get the most recent coordinates. [![fetch location of lost mode enabled device](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Scan-device-location-of-a-lost-iOS-device.png "Scan device location of a lost iOS device")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Scan-device-location-of-a-lost-iOS-device.png) - **Location Reports:** View coordinates under **Reports > Location Reports > Location History** or on the **Device Summary** page under **Recent Location**. [![View-location-of-lost-device-from-the-device-summary-page-in-Hexnode ](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/View-location-of-lost-device-from-the-device-summary-page-in-Hexnode-.png "View-location-of-lost-device-from-the-device-summary-page-in-Hexnode ")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/View-location-of-lost-device-from-the-device-summary-page-in-Hexnode-.png) **How to Disable Lost Mode** ---------------------------- Once the device is recovered, administrators must lift the restriction via the portal to resume device operations. - **Primary Method:** Navigate to **Manage**, select the device, and click **Actions > Security > Disable Lost Mode**. - **Alternate Methods:** Disenrolling the device or initiating a **Wipe Device** action will also exit Lost Mode (though wiping deletes all data). **Troubleshooting Guides** -------------------------- If a device is unable to receive the “Enable/Disable Lost Mode” command, it is likely due to a network interruption, an untimely restart, or outdated software. ### **Probable Causes for Execution Failure** - Device network connection was interrupted. - Device was restarted before disabling lost mode (causing Wi-Fi loss). - The iOS version is outdated. ### **Precautions to Avoid “Brick” States** - **Network Redundancy:** Ensure devices are connected to two or more corporate Wi-Fi networks and a cellular network. - **Avoid Restarts:** Do not restart a device currently in Lost Mode before sending the disable command. ### **Solutions for Devices Without Network Connectivity** If the device is stuck and offline, use a macOS device (preferably with **Apple Configurator 2**) to recover it. Ensure “Prevent pairing with non-Configurator hosts” is not enabled, or use the original host Mac. MethodSteps1. Wired EthernetUse a **Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter** and **Apple USB Ethernet adapter** to provide a wired internet connection. Once online, send the disable command from Hexnode.2. AC2 RestoreConnect to Mac via USB > Launch **Apple Configurator 2** > **Actions > Restore** (or Control-click > Restore). Warning: Erases all content and supervision profiles.3. AC2 EraseConnect to Mac > Launch **Apple Configurator 2** > **Actions > Advanced > Erase All Content and Settings**.4. Recovery ModeConnect to Mac/PC (using Finder/iTunes). Force Recovery Mode (specific to device model) and click **Restore**. Warning: Loses all stored data. Note: If a password is set, executing **Clear Password** from Hexnode first may help the device connect to the Mac or Ethernet adapter without manual input. **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)** ------------------------------------- #### **Can the user unlock Lost Mode with their passcode?** No. The device is locked at the system level. Only an administrator sending the **Disable Lost Mode** command from Hexnode can restore access. #### **Does Lost Mode work if Location Services are turned off?** Yes. When Lost Mode is enabled via MDM, Apple allows the server to fetch the device location regardless of the user’s privacy settings. #### **Why did the device lose Wi-Fi after a restart?** iOS devices in Lost Mode often drop Wi-Fi connections upon rebooting. This is why it is critical to use cellular-enabled devices or follow the wired Ethernet recovery method if a restart occurs. #### **What happens if the device is disenrolled while it’s lost?** Disenrolling the device will exit Lost Mode, but you will lose all remote management and tracking capabilities.