Recently, we have increasingly begun to receive letters and messages from our readers and friends about a new misfortune that has befallen users Apple devices. At some point iPhone owner, iPad or Mac receives a letter stating that his iCloud account was logged in from an unfamiliar device, and after that the gadget becomes locked due to the enabled Lost Mode.
At the same time, the device screen displays email address, where you need to write to get the unlock password. We looked into this issue and found a discussion on the Apple support forum, the first message in which dates back to July of this year.
The last message was written on October 17, and it also tells that the user has become a victim of scammers, and it is completely unclear what to do. Judging by the series of letters that device owners receive, first someone logs into the browser version of iCloud using their password, then turns on the lost mode on the device, after which another letter arrives informing them of the location of the “missing” gadget.
Having studied the correspondence in the support forum, we learned that even two-factor authentication does not solve the problem: the attacker still somehow finds a way to log into iCloud.com and do his dirty deed. The Apple press service told us that the company recently updated instructions for returning “stolen” devices under its control, and if you have suffered from this problem, we advise you to try everything that is described.
Meanwhile, some users who contacted Apple support were told that the company would soon unlock gadgets that were in lost mode without the owner’s permission. However, when and how this should happen, no one says.
If you also encountered this problem, we would appreciate your comments. Please tell us what kind of device you have, what the symptoms of the problem were, and how (if at all) you managed to solve it.
UPDATED: Based on our successful experience of regaining control of the device, we tell you how you can solve this problem without having to pay a ransom or go to a service center. To get started, you need to go to iCloud.com, sign in to your account and go to Settings.
Here you find your device in the list and click on it, after which a cross icon will appear next to it. Click it and the gadget will be unlinked from your Apple ID.
Then we connect the device to the computer, launch iTunes and, by holding down the screen lock button and the Home button for eight seconds, enter your gadget into DFU mode. After that, we simply restore the system from the last saved backup. Your iPhone or iPad should then return to normal operation.
Apple tablets have been leading the list of the most frequently stolen “tablets” for several years now, and this is understandable. iPads are not cheap and are very popular, which means that it is not difficult for a fraudster to find a client for a stolen device and get good money for it.
Unfortunately, fans of i-techniques are often even happy to purchase a gadget in good condition with the coveted “apple” on board and at a significant discount compared to the store price, and therefore they don’t even think about the fact that the device could be stolen, or they think about, but do not care much about the victim.
In order to at least slightly reduce the number of cases of theft of its products, Apple came up with a special option “Find iPad” (there is a similar one on i-smartphones, only it is called “Find iPhone”, and also on iPods - called, of course, “Find iPod”), with with which you can block a stolen device and thus make it completely useless for a fraudster.
Managing the “Find iPad” option is very simple; to enable it, the user needs to:
To disable the option, turn off the “Find iPad” slider, and, again, you will need to specify a password for the unique Apple ID ID.
Find My iPad features
The Find My iPad option is available to everyone mobile i-devices, running on iOS 5.0 and higher. The main function of this option is “Lost Mode”, which the user can activate when he believes that the tablet has been stolen. At the moment of activation, the iPad is locked, and the person who stole it can no longer do anything with it, except look at the device’s screen, which will display a message from the owner - for example, “This iPad has been lost. To return it, call the number 8-ХХХ-ХХХ-ХХ-ХХ.”
How to lock your iPad using Lost Mode? Very simple! To activate it you only need a PC with internet access:
All! Once you click "Done" in the last window, "Lost Mode" will be activated, while email, which was indicated when Apple registration ID, an activation message will be sent this mode.
Another interesting feature of the “Find iPad” option is “Play sound”, it is activated in the same personal account iCloud, the “button” to turn it on is located to the left of the “button” to activate Lost Mode. This feature will be great for absent-minded people who constantly forget where they left their tablet. When you activate “Play Sound,” the iPad will begin to make a very loud, piercing sound and it won’t be difficult to find it.
How to disable Lost Mode?
Let's say you were lucky and the device was returned, then the question arises - how to disable the lost mode and make the device unlocked. If you have not forgotten the code specified when activating the mode, no problems will arise. You can use both the iCloud.com website and the tablet itself to disable it.
To exit Lost Mode via the cloud site:
It is much more convenient to disable lost mode from the tablet itself - you just need to enter the passcode.
What to do if scammers have blocked your tablet using Find My iPad?
The “Find iPad” option is undoubtedly very convenient and, I must say, with its advent the number of thefts of Apple equipment has decreased, but on the basis of this opportunity, the new kind fraud.
How do scammers activate Lost Mode?
Attackers cunningly find out the victim's Apple ID parameters, log into the iCloud account, activate Lost Mode, and the user suddenly finds his iPad locked. And on the tablet screen there is a message from the scammer in the style - “Do you want to unlock your device? Call us, we’ll make an agreement” and his contacts.
The first reaction is panic, the second is what, maybe, really, call and pay, because the tablet is expensive, and the data on it is important... However, cooperation with an attacker is a risky business, because there is a guarantee that after you pay, The iPad will be unlocked, no - after all, there are no honest scammers.
Disabling lost mode activated by scammers: pitfalls
Are you asking if there is another way? We answer - yes! It consists in reset iPad in recovery mode via iTunes. However, keep in mind that when an i-device is restored through iTunes in lost mode, the so-called activation lock is turned on.
That is, When iTunes finishes restoring, Lost Mode will turn off, but Activation Lock will turn on instead.
To disable this blocking, you will need to do the initial iPad setup(the initial setup menu will automatically appear on the device screen after recovery), specify the password for the Apple ID, and after entering it, you can again fully own the tablet.
Tell me, why such difficulties? These are not difficulties, but high-quality protection, because if with using iTunes it was possible to reset the lost mode without consequences such as blocking activation, it would not have cost a thief anything to pull it off, but protection with using Apple ID makes such a trick impossible (unless, of course, you come across a very tough thief who can steal both the device and hack the Apple ID).
And one more digression - before starting the recovery procedure, make sure that your Apple ID password is the same. After all, it is possible that attackers hacked your email, which was specified during registration, and changed your password.
Try logging into your iCloud.com account, if it works, it means the password is the same. However, you still need to change it just in case, but before modifying the Apple ID access code, first change the email password specified when registering it - extra insurance has never hurt anyone.
Disabling lost mode activated by scammers: instructions for action
So, here’s what you need to do if scammers have blocked your iPad:
By the way! iTunes recovery mode will help not only if scammers have blocked your Apple iPad and you don't know what to do. This method is also an excellent answer to the question of how to unlock an iPad if you forgot the password you set when activating the lost mode. This happens - the device was stolen, the user turned on the lost mode, time passed, no one returned the tablet, and then suddenly it was found, and the user no longer remembers the installed code.
Consequences of restoring an iPad via iTunes
You, of course, understand that with such a “hard” recovery using iTunes, all data from the tablet will be deleted, but if you really store it on it important information, you, of course, have created before backups and at the same initial setup you will have the option to restore your iPad as new or restore data from an iCloud/iTunes copy.
Why you shouldn't brute-force your code
Many users who did not bother to create a backup in time, not wanting to lose all the data after the second step of the above instructions, go to iCloud.com, disable the lost mode, and then try to brute force the unlock code specified by the attacker. We do not recommend doing this. After the 6th unsuccessful attempt, the tablet will be blocked for a minute, after the next unsuccessful attempt - for an even longer time, after 10 errors, it will be blocked completely. You can start brute force again only by resetting the password counter via iTunes, which will take quite a bit of time. After that you can make 10 more attempts, then you will have to reset the counter again.
A precaution that will save a lot of time and valuable data
And in the end - an interesting fact - the described type of fraud with the activation of the lost mode is not at all scary for those who have installed the screen unlock code. Remember, in the instructions for enabling the mode, we wrote that if you use this code, will it be automatically specified as the code to turn off the lost mode? Thus, it turns out that the fraudster will not be asked to enter new code, and the situation will turn out to be very funny - the attacker, of course, will block your gadget, but only with a password that is well known to you.
Let's summarize
The “Find iPad” option perfectly protects the tablet from attacks by “mobile” thieves, but it attracts another category of scammers. However, users who use a screen unlock code are reliably protected from it. Although, even if you do not use such a password, you still have the opportunity to disable the lost mode enabled by the attackers if you still have access to your Apple ID and the email used to change it. Well, as a last resort, there is always a cordial support service from the Apple giant - the main thing is that you have a box and a receipt that will prove that the device belongs to you.
Lost your brand new iPhone as a result of theft? Don’t rush to get upset, because you can install a block on your device through the iCloud service. Using the ID number, you can easily log in to the cloud.
Next you will need to go to the iPhone search thread. By clicking on the drop-down list, you need to select an iOS device - iPhone or iPad. The location of the item will be displayed on the map as a green dot. If this is exactly the case, consider yourself lucky. The device is turned on and registered on the network. If the dot is red, the device has been offline for at least 12 hours.
If the Lost Mode window pops up, enter the password characters. If it was set earlier, the system will automatically install it on the iPhone.
If the missing device contains valuable or very personal information, you can erase it. For this purpose, resort to a special section. But you shouldn’t rush to click, because once the operation is completed, you won’t be able to find the item on the map. Here act depending on your goals.
Before you go out with your iOS device for the first time, you need to set the settings correctly. And you should start by activating the search option. It is located along the iOS - iCloud settings path.
There is also a section for the latest geolocation. Make sure it is active. After this, even when it is turned off, it will be possible to determine the current geographic location of the device.
Try to remember the password characters for the ID number and always keep them close to your phone. But if something suddenly happens that you forget it, immediately go to the Apple company’s online resource. There you will have to answer the questions and change the symbols to new ones.
Activate the search option
It’s great if you have access to setting the block via Touch ID. Then you can eliminate restrictions by fingerprinting, that is, using fingerprints.
Activating password symbols is easy, you need to go through the following sections: settings - password - password protection - go to the option to enable the password.
You can also erase information by entering the wrong characters ten times.
Turn on lost mode
- Via iCloud from a PC/laptop with a network connection.
- From another iOS device.
You can enable lost mode in the web or iOS application on the network. It is only possible for devices running OS 5.0 and older. But for flashing older versions of iPhones, this option is not available.
From any PC/laptop, go to the “cloud” resource on the network, and then to the iPhone search section. Next you need to sign in with your Apple account. It is indicated in the “cloud” settings in the accounts sub-item.
Next, in the menu of my devices (at the top in the central part), a device variation is selected. In the information window, you need to click on the lost section. Then you need to enter a four-character password twice to set the block.
Afterwards it is driven in phone number, where to call to return the phone and click next. The number will be displayed on the display on which the unit is located. If your device is lost or stolen and you can make calls from it, you can call the number you specified from its locked display.
- The iPhone has a password block.
- Your SMS will appear on the display with the unit.
- The display will show a number where you can make a call even from a smartphone with a unit.
- In the window with a picture of the device you can find a message about the lost mode.
- An SMS will be sent to the e-mail used when registering the ID number to enable the lost option on the device.
- The activation block on the device will turn on.
- When you connect your iPhone to iTunes, a warning SMS will pop up informing you that the mode has been enabled, and that the system will block all actions with the device. The blocking will remain in effect until you remove it.
If the device is not connected to the network during the operation in question, a request to activate this mode will pop up in the cloud. If you connect to the network, the request is instantly implemented.
But not only iCloud can help you, you can resort to another gadget to complete the process. One important condition is that you need a network, just like the way to lock an iPhone via iCloud.
To apply a block to a stolen iPhone, you need to launch the search application and log into your Apple account by entering your username and password characters. You should select the gadget on which you want to place a block and click on the action subsection. Next, click on Lost Mode and turn it on.
Enter the characters of the password, phone number, SMS text and click on the “Done” element. A lock symbol will appear in the all devices section. The results for the device will be 100% the same as when interacting with the “cloud”.
Disable lost mode
This operation is much simpler than turning it on. Moreover, three methods are available:
- Directly from the device with the block.
- From the cloud in the browser.
- From the search menu in iOS.
The simplest method of disconnecting is directly from the device with the block. You just need to enter the correct characters for the lock password. After this, the block will be removed from the device, and the lost mode will become inactive.
To turn it off via the “cloud” you need to do almost 100% identical steps as when turning it on. In the my devices section, select a device and click on the lost mode sub-item. Next, click on the line to exit this mode. The request is confirmed.
As a result, the lost option will be disabled, and the SMS and phone number will disappear from the screen with the block. But the password characters will not be reset. To remove the block from the device, you will need to enter a password, after which it will be set as the iPhone lock code. You can disable the mode from the search software on another iOS device. The steps will be similar.
The lost option is a great feature, but it can also become a problem for the iPhone owner. It turns out that a locked device does not allow you to change the password remotely. That is, if the lock password characters were specified in the device settings, but they were accidentally forgotten, it is not possible to disable the emergency mode. But you can go a little further than the lock screen.
In such a situation, the recovery operation from Recovery Mode or DFU mode. Entering the device into both modes is not difficult. iTunes will recognize the gadget and prompt you to perform the operation. Once the process is complete, set the values for the gadget as new. But this is provided that you are its legal owner and have an ID account from which the lost mode was activated.
If you have become a victim of your brand new iPhone being stolen, then as soon as you notice this, you need to act immediately. You need to visit the iCloud website and block your stolen iPhone. Using the Apple ID you have, you need to log in to iCloud.com.
Your next action is to go to the “Find iPhone” branch. By clicking on the drop-down menu, you select an iPhone or iPad (this depends on what was stolen from you). On the map of the area that appears, the location of the turned on device should be displayed as a green dot. This means you're in luck - your iPhone is turned on and registered online. If the dot is red, then he has been offline for at least a day.
After this, a window such as Lost Mode appears, and you must specify a password in it. If a password has not been set before, the system automatically installs it on the device.
When a stolen gadget contains important or simply personal information, it can be removed from it. There is a special menu for this. But there is no need to rush to click on it, since immediately after deleting the information, the device will not be able to be tracked on the map. It's up to your discretion.
What you need to do to be able to block a stolen iPhone
Before you go out with your iPhone for the first time, you need to set everything up correctly. You need to start by activating an option such as “Find iPhone”, located along the path: settings - iOS - iCloud. There is also such a menu item as “Last geoposition”. You need to make sure it is active. By activating this item, you can track the geolocation of the device when it is turned off.
You can’t keep your ID next to your phone. If you suddenly forgot it, you need to immediately visit the Apple website, answer the questions asked and change this password.
It's great if you can take advantage of the ability to block using Touch ID. This will allow you to remove the lock using fingerprinting, which means using a fingerprint. Activating a password can be done simply: Settings, Password, Password protection, switching to Enable password mode. It is possible to activate the process of deleting information after 10 incorrect password entries.
Turn on iPhone Lost Mode
To activate the lost mode, you can use 2 methods:
- in iCloud from any computer, tablet or smartphone with an Internet connection;
- from another iOS device.
Lost mode can be enabled in the web or iOS application; it is available only for devices that directly work under iOS control 5.0 and higher. But for iPhone firmware older versions this function not available.
From any computer or tablet, or even smartphone, in a web browser, you need to go to the website icloud.com and go to the Find iPhone application, log in with the Apple ID specified in the device settings “Settings -> iCloud -> Account”.
Next, in the My Devices menu (located at the top center), select the device model. In the window with information about the device, you need to click on “Lost Mode”. Then you must enter the 4-digit lock password twice.
After this, you enter a phone number that you can call to return the phone and click “Next”. The number will be displayed on the screen of the device that is locked with a password. If you have lost or stolen your iPhone, from which you can make calls, you can call the phone number you specified from its locked screen.
- the phone will be locked with a password;
- Your message will appear on the lock screen;
- the specified phone number will be displayed on the lock screen, which you can call even from a locked iPhone;
- in the image window of this device you can see the inscription “Lost mode”;
- a message will be sent to the email that was used to register the Apple ID that the device has entered lost mode;
- Activation lock is activated on the iPhone;
- When you connect your iPhone to iTunes, a warning will appear that the device has entered Lost Mode and actions with it have been blocked.
If the iPhone is not connected to the Internet when Lost Mode is activated, iCloud will prompt you to activate this mode. When you connect your iPhone to the Internet, the request will be executed immediately.
Lost mode is activated not only through iCloud, it can also be done from another device, the only requirement is that there must be an Internet connection.
In order to block a stolen device you need: on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad you need to launch the Find My iPhone application and log in with your Apple ID and password. You need to select the device you want to block and click on “Actions”. Next, click on “Lost Mode” and turn it on.
Enter your password, phone number, message text and click “Done.” An image of a lock will appear in the All Devices menu. The consequences for the device will be the same as when the mode was activated from iCloud.
Disabling Lost Mode
Lost mode is much easier to turn off than it is to turn on; there are 3 ways to do this:
- from the locked device itself;
- from iCloud in a web browser;
- from the Find iPhone menu in iOS.
The easiest and fastest way to disable the mode is to disconnect from a locked device. You just need to enter the lock password correctly. After this, the device is unlocked and the lost mode is deactivated.
To disable Lost Mode via iCloud, you need to do almost all the steps identical to the process of enabling this mode. In the “My Devices” menu, select the device on which Lost Mode has been activated and click on “Lost Mode”. Next, you need to click on “Exit Lost Mode” and confirm the request.
As a result, Lost Mode will be disabled, and the message and phone number will disappear from the locked screen, but the password will not be reset; you need to enter the password to unlock the device. After that given password will be set as a device lock code. You can disable Lost Mode from the Find iPhone app on another iOS device. Moreover, the procedure is similar.
Lost mode is a wonderful feature, but it can become an obstacle for both criminals and legitimate owners. It turns out that it is impossible to change the lock password remotely, i.e. If a lock password was specified in the device settings and was accidentally forgotten, then disabling the emergency mode is possible, but it becomes impossible to get beyond the lock screen.
In this situation, restoring the iPhone from Recovery Mode or DFU mode comes to the rescue. It is possible to enter an iPhone into any of these modes from any state; iTunes can recognize the device in recovery mode and offer to restore it. After the restoration process, set up your iPhone as new. But this is if you are the legal owner and you have an account Apple entry ID from where the lost mode was enabled.
Mobile phones in modern world- These are universal devices that offer a variety of capabilities. Today, smartphones can handle a huge number of operations. Gaining special attention iPhone phones. They stand out for their originality and variety of options. Apple phones have a so-called lost mode. This is extremely useful feature, which will be useful to everyone. We have to figure out how the iPhone's "lost mode" works. What do owners of these phones need to know about it?
Definition
First we need to find out what we are talking about. What is "lost mode"? For what purposes is it used?
The option being studied is one of the ways to ensure the safety of a lost or stolen iPhone. Apple gadgets have a “Find iPhone” option. It allows you to determine the location of a particular device. “Lost mode” is one of the components of the operation, which not everyone knows about.
This option allows you to:
- Set a password for the screen lock if the combination has not been initialized previously. You don't need a phone.
- Display any message on the device display. If “lost mode” is enabled, then by default a message will appear on the phone indicating the loss of the device with a request to call the owner back.
Accordingly, the mode being studied is an excellent assistant when searching for a lost phone. The message displayed on the display can be changed by the subscriber at his discretion. But how does the iPhone's "lost mode" work?
Principle of operation
Everything is very simple. As soon as the option is activated (we will discuss how to do this later), the iPhone screen will be locked. It can only be unlocked using the password specified when the mode was turned on. In addition, a message with the specified text will appear on the display. No one else will be able to use the phone.
Need to remove "lost mode"? How to unlock the device in this case? Must use iPhone restoration or flashing the gadget. However, it will not be possible to completely get rid of the activated option. The first time you turn on your Apple phone, a message will appear on the screen stating that operating system is in "lost mode". To remove it, you must be authorized using your AppleID profile.
The interesting thing is that there is no way to unlock the device when the “lost mode” is turned on. Doesn't help in this case Apple support. iPhone 6, like any other Apple phone, will require an AppleID. IN service centers They won’t help either - the employees will tell you that you need profile data to unlock. Neither receipts nor documents for the phone allow you to regain access to the device.
Now it’s clear how the mode works lost iPhone. If you can’t remember the data from Apple ID, you can:
- throw away your mobile phone;
- return the device for spare parts.
Today, Lost Mode cannot be removed without a password and AppleID login. Everyone needs to remember this.
Enabling the option
How to enable "lost mode"? iPhone allows you to bring your idea to life in several ways. Namely:
- using iCloud;
- through the application from the AppStore "Find iPhone".
Let's focus on the first option. It is used in practice most often. This is due to the fact that with such activation there is no need to use the lost device.
So, to enable “lost mode”, you will need:
- Turn on your computer or any other device with Internet access. The operation is faster on a PC.
- Connect to the Internet. In your browser, go to icloud.com.
- Sign in using Apple ID.
- Click on the icon with the radar picture. It's labeled "Find iPhone".
- Select the desired device from the list that appears.
- On the right side of the window, click on the “Lost Mode” button.
- Enter a password to lock the screen. If it has been installed previously, you can go straight to writing the message shown on the display.
That's all. Lost Mode will now be activated on mobile phone. It is important to note that it will only take effect if the iPhone is turned on and connected to the Internet. Otherwise, “lost mode” is activated immediately after accessing the World Wide Web.
Reasons for self-shutdown
These are the opportunities Apple offers. The iPhone 6 (and any other Apple device) will be completely protected from use if it is lost. However, sometimes all the proposed actions need to be done several times. "Lost Mode" turns off automatically under certain circumstances.
Why does this happen? Most often, this happens if the person who found the phone sets a four-digit lock code on the display before turning on Lost Mode. In this case, you just need to format the device.
How to do it? You need to click on the "Erase" button in the "Find iPhone" mode. Next, enter your Apple ID data and the operation is confirmed. There are no further options for the development of events. This is the only way a person can protect their personal information.
Disabling the option
It's clear how "lost mode" works. iPhone allows you to turn it off. To do this, you need to use the lost gadget directly. In addition, the person will need a code or data from the Apple ID profile.
Through technical support It is possible to disable Lost Mode in exceptional cases. To do this, you need to have various information about the gadget. For example:
- data on the purchase of the device (date, place);
- checks and receipts;
- information written in the account;
- answers to security questions;
- backup mail.
As already mentioned, such a scenario is practically impossible to implement. If the unlock code is known, it is entered on the device, after which Lost Mode is reset. Or the subscriber enters data from the Apple ID (when formatting the device). Nothing difficult or special!
Is the mode enabled?
It's clear how the iPhone's "lost mode" works. Is there any way to find out if this option is enabled? For example, if we are talking about buying a device from someone else.
In this case, you can only verify by personally examining the phone. If the subscriber only knows serial number device, there is no way to verify that “lost mode” is disabled. At least it's free.
Today, owners of Apple devices are offered the use of paid verification services. Most often these are scammers. Therefore, there is no way to check for Lost Mode on an iPhone without directly inspecting it.