Protecting my data after my iPad in Lost Mode was turned on after 10 months

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Protecting my data after my iPad in Lost Mode was turned on after 10 months

My iPad mini 4 was left on a plane 10 months ago. Enabled lost mode immediately with a message included but could not locate it via the airline or on Find My as I had it turned off on the plane. Three days ago it was turned on and I can now see it in Find My. What do I need to do to protect all my data and personal information?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPad in lost mode now turned on

iPad mini 4, iPadOS 15

Posted on Aug 20, 2025 11:55 PM

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Answer 1

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Mac Jim ID

Level 9

53,984 points

Aug 21, 2025 07:17 AM in response to Unsavvypear

The erase command will process once it has a connection to the internet again. Be wary of any fake messages you receive that claims to be from Apple where it is requested that you provide your Apple Account/Password. This would be a scammer responding to the contact information you included when turning on Lost Mode and with that information they can turn off Find My.

Your phone is already protected with the Passcode, so no information is available to anyone that finds it. If they attempt to enter the Passcode too many times, the phone will be locked without any further attempts and they will not be able to reset it. Of course you would not want your Passcode to have been "1111" or "1234".

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