If an iPhone has been stolen and lost mode was successfully enabled - if the thief correctly guessed the phone passcode and un-locked lost mode, would they also have to subsequently enter the Apple ID and password associated with the phone again as well (after they entered the passcode) to access the phone’s data, or would they have instant functionality of the phone as normal?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
You’ve got it mostly right.
Lost mode DOES disable any payment methods in your Apple Wallet. It also allows you to place a “recovery message” on your phone. (There are still honest folks out there who DO return misplaced iPhones)
Newer iOSs might also do some other background tasks of which I’m not aware.
The foundation of iOS security is afforded by your passcode.
Not only does it allow you access, but it encrypts everything on your device as well.
While Apple defaults to 6-digits, they CAN be longer. Longer numeric passcodes are trivial for you to re-enter and exceedingly difficult for someone else to “obtain thru observation”.
Lastly, it’s HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to actually place your iPhone into lost mode using https://icloud.com/find to see how it works.
You’ll do no harm doing so, and NOW is the time to learn … is NOT after you’ve misplaced your device.
You’ve got it mostly right.
Lost mode DOES disable any payment methods in your Apple Wallet. It also allows you to place a “recovery message” on your phone. (There are still honest folks out there who DO return misplaced iPhones)
Newer iOSs might also do some other background tasks of which I’m not aware.
The foundation of iOS security is afforded by your passcode.
Not only does it allow you access, but it encrypts everything on your device as well.
While Apple defaults to 6-digits, they CAN be longer. Longer numeric passcodes are trivial for you to re-enter and exceedingly difficult for someone else to “obtain thru observation”.
Lastly, it’s HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to actually place your iPhone into lost mode using https://icloud.com/find to see how it works.
You’ll do no harm doing so, and NOW is the time to learn … is NOT after you’ve misplaced your device.
“Guessing” a 6-digit passcode in <10 attempts - with progressively increasing time delays - is virtually impossible.
Without knowledge of a passcode, an iPhone is quite secure against even the most sophisticated theives; which has given rise to post-theft SMS spear phishing in an attempt to obtain the passcode from you directly. This might occur days, weeks, or months after the theft.
IF they did have your passcode by “other means” the amount of damage they might cause is substantial; and somewhat dependent on your iOS version and security settings.
I was really wanting a direct answer to that particular part of the question (if it’s understood what I’m actually asking lol). From what I gather from the responses so far though : No, it will still be fully signed in to the Apple ID. I assume the reason that doesn’t happen is because then it will no longer be traceable on “find my”.
The phone always remains linked to Find My and to your Apple ID.....unless and until...you manually remove the phone from the list of devices that are using your Apple ID.
In other words, placing the phone in Lost Mode does not remove the the phone from Find My.
If they have your passcode they can access the phone, unless you've wiped it remotely
Hi Chattanoogan
thanks for your input :)
No this is a purely hypothetical question really as it would be nice to understand how the process works a bit better, as I know next to nothing. I was basically trying to figure out : if a phone is put into lost mode, obviously the passcode is required to turn it back to functioning normally, but then for another level of security - it would (seem) to make sense for the phone to also ask for the user to re-confirm the Apple ID password for the phone as well, for another level of phone security, as it “knows” it’s just come out of lost mode. Kind of similar to what happens when downloading an app and the phone asks you for your password, even though you’re still currently signed in to iCloud when you’re downloading it.
I was really wanting a direct answer to that particular part of the question (if it’s understood what I’m actually asking lol). From what I gather from the responses so far though : No, it won’t also ask for the Apple ID password.
You’re welcome.
Also since you mentioned that you’re new to this Apple Ecosystem, DO study-up on Apple’s Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
You don’t need to use 2FA often, but when you DO need to use it, you need it REALLY badly.
Pay particular attention to setting up multiple Trusted Numbers. (different from your iPhone - which is a Trusted Device)
These can be either Voice or SMS numbers and you’ll need them to regain access to your account if you’ve lost access to your Trusted Devices.
Read and re-read both of these articles, AND PRACTICE using them.
Many distraught users who post here for help wished that they had paid attention “before.”
Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support
Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support
Great, thank you for your answers :)
What happens if a thief unlocks Lost Mode on Stolen iPhone?
