How to iCloud Lock my iPhone?

Question

How to iCloud Lock my iPhone?

I am trying to figure out how to completely lock my phone from being used in the future. I know that lost mode will enable a passcode, but that doesent mean much for a thief as you can easily just reinstall iOS with iTunes to bypass lost mode. I do know however that iCloud locks cannot be easily bypassed as iTunes will not reinstall iOS on a phone with an iCloud lock. My question is how do I enable an iCloud lock on my phone remotely via my computer so that the device can neither be accessed, iOS reinstalled or otherwise activated on a new network?

iPhone 6s, iOS 10.3.3

Posted on Jul 25, 2017 10:18 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

emmerywilshun

Level 1

14 points

Jul 25, 2017 10:47 PM in response to audiobahn1000

Hi audiobahn1000,

If your phone is restored and it is signed into your iCloud it will put the phone into activation lock. This means that whoever has your phone will need your Apple ID and password to bypass into the setup assistant. Furthermore if you put the phone into lost mode even when restored it will not bypass the activation lock or lost mode. The phone would essentially be rendered useless.

By being just singed into your iCloud no one is able to activate the device unless they have your information. Even with restoring the device through iTunes it would request your Apple ID and password before allowing another user to do anything with the phone.

Here is some more information on Find My iPhone Activation Lock:

Find My iPhone Activation Lock - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jul 25, 2017 10:28 PM in response to audiobahn1000

www.iCloud.com
Find iPhone
Select your device
Lost Mode

When the device is wiped and initialized, it will request the Apple ID and password, to be able to install it as a new device.

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201472

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