Mark a missing iPhone as lost before choosing erase

Lost Mode is usually the first protective action when an iPhone is missing. It locks the device and can display contact information while keeping the Find My recovery path available. A remote erase may be appropriate later, but it changes what can be recovered or located.

Before you start​

Use another trusted Apple device or the Find Devices page on iCloud.com. Find My must have been enabled before the loss; note the missing phone's model and last known location.

Do it step by step​

1. Open Find My → Devices and select the exact iPhone. Read the time of the location, which may be old, rather than assuming the map is live.
2. Choose Lost Mode and follow the prompts. Add a contact method you can monitor, without publishing your home address or an account recovery code on the lock screen.
3. Confirm the device status is activated or pending. If it is offline, leave the request in place and document the displayed location and time for a carrier or police report.
4. From a separate trusted device, review your Apple Account sessions and any payment or banking apps that may be exposed. Contact the carrier about a stolen SIM or number if theft is likely.
5. Check the latest usable backup before considering erase. If erasing is necessary, follow Apple's Find My flow deliberately and keep the device on your Apple Account so Activation Lock continues to protect it.

Check the result​

Find My should show Lost Mode status, and your alternate phone or email should be reachable. Document what actions are pending if the iPhone has not connected.

If something goes wrong​

If Find My was off, remote Lost Mode cannot be enabled afterward. Use carrier and account-security routes. If you recover the iPhone, turn off Lost Mode using its passcode or the Find My control.

Know the limit​

Lost Mode and Activation Lock are different. Apple says remote erase keeps Activation Lock; availability of location after erase depends on software and connectivity. The official instructions set out both actions. Apple's Lost Mode instructions Apple's remote erase behavior