Jakesaturn
Level 1 (4 points)
iPhone

Q: Does lost mode work on iPhone that no longer has service?

My iPhone was stolen and at the time I attempted to activate lost mode the phone was turned off or placed in airplane mode. The phone is password protected so I'm not worried about it being used necessarily. My question is if I remove cell service from the phone (as I need to purchase a replacement for that number at this point) will lost mode still activate next time the phone is powered on if it doesn't have cellular service anymore?

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.3

Posted on Mar 26, 2016 2:16 PM

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Jakesaturn

Q: Does lost mode work on iPhone that no longer has service?

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  • by Fin N,

    Fin N Fin N Mar 26, 2016 2:22 PM in response to Jakesaturn
    Level 1 (107 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 26, 2016 2:22 PM in response to Jakesaturn

    No, I don't think so. If it does not have service, the phone won't go into lost mode unless it is turned back on or airplane mode is disabled.

  • by ManSinha,

    ManSinha ManSinha Mar 26, 2016 2:22 PM in response to Jakesaturn
    Level 6 (10,262 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 26, 2016 2:22 PM in response to Jakesaturn

    Even if you remove cell service - the person with the phone may try inserting a new SIM or may have it in a WiFi zone - any of that - will enable the Lost command to get to the phone and lock it

    Sorry about your loss

  • by Jakesaturn,

    Jakesaturn Jakesaturn Mar 26, 2016 2:35 PM in response to ManSinha
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 26, 2016 2:35 PM in response to ManSinha

    So at this point you guys don't think there is any reason for me to hold out on going to the phone store and picking out a new iPhone? I will continue to leave the stolen one on my iCloud account just in case someone wants to return it.

  • by ManSinha,Helpful

    ManSinha ManSinha Mar 26, 2016 2:41 PM in response to Jakesaturn
    Level 6 (10,262 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 26, 2016 2:41 PM in response to Jakesaturn

    Jakesaturn wrote:

     

    So at this point you guys don't think there is any reason for me to hold out on going to the phone store and picking out a new iPhone? I will continue to leave the stolen one on my iCloud account just in case someone wants to return it.

    Be very careful with that - we have had people who have received emails and when they clicked on it - it took them to a phishing site designed very close to the Manage Apple ID site - once they entered their credentials - their phones disappeared from iCloud - meaning that the thief had gotten the username and password.

     

    I would inform the authorities and have them assist in recovery of the phone and yes - If you would like - get a new phone

     

    But leaving the phone in Lost Mode with a message requesting call back if found may not be a bad idea - just do not enter the Apple ID credentials into any email or text message sent to you

  • by javaliga,

    javaliga javaliga Mar 26, 2016 2:50 PM in response to Jakesaturn
    Level 4 (3,810 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 26, 2016 2:50 PM in response to Jakesaturn

    Just follow these steps including step 3 (except maybe step 5):

     

    If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

     

    There is no good reason for holding out on going to the phone store and picking out a new iPhone.

     

    And as ManSinha said don't respond to any email phishing scams.