Endpoint Services, Jamf Pro, Putting an iOS/iPadOS Device in Lost Mode

This article describes how to use Jamf Pro to enable Lost Mode on a lost or stolen iOS/iPadOS device.

Systems

Jamf Pro Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

Intended Audience

University of Illinois IT Pros leveraging Technology Services Endpoint Service Jamf Pro UEM for iOS/iPadOS management

Actions

General Information

Jamf Pro offers the ability to enable Lost Mode for an iOS or iPadOS device that has gone missing or is suspected to be stolen. Lost Mode is supported on supervised devices on iOS 9.3+ and all iPadOS versions.

Putting a device in Lost Mode will lock the device and present a custom message and phone number on the lock screen. An additional option to request device location may be used to enable location services on the device and obtain its current location. The device will remain locked until Lost Mode is disabled by an admin in the Jamf Pro console; it can't be disabled by the end user.

After Lost Mode is disabled, the device will return to normal functionality.

If you suspect that a device has been stolen, please report it to the University of Illinois Police Department.

Additional information can be found here: Reporting Lost or Stolen Electronic Devices.

When to Enable Lost Mode

You should enable Lost Mode if you suspect that a device has been stolen. But you can also use Lost Mode to determine the current location of a device that has simply been lost or misplaced.

How to Enable Lost Mode

To enable Lost Mode:

  • In the Jamf Pro console, navigate to Devices > Search Inventory. Here, search for the device you wish to enable Lost mode on.
  • In the Management tab, find the button labeled "Enable Lost Mode". This will only be offered as an option for supervised devices on iOS 9.3+ and all iPadOS versions.

Image visually shows the location of the Management tab and the Lost Mode button on an example machine.

  • Enter the message, phone number, and footnote you want to be displayed on the device.

Image shows the options available after selecting enable lost mode.

  • After Lost Mode has been enabled, you will see an additional option to "Request device location" (see below). Selecting this option will forcibly turn on location services, even if currently disabled on the device, and will request an immediate location sample from the device when it next connects to a cellular or wireless network.
  • To disable Lost Mode, return to the Management tab and select "Disable Lost Mode".

Requesting Location Data

While Jamf Pro collects device geolocation data for devices in Lost Mode, this information is only disclosed to campus IT professionals upon request and when specific criteria are met. Please refer to this KB article for additional information: Endpoint Services, Jamf Pro, Requesting Location Data.


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Keywords:
eps mdm jamf pro endpoint ipados ios "jamf pro" TechS-EPS-Jamf uem lost mode stolen security 
Doc ID:
153629
Owned by:
Jacob A. in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2025-07-21
Updated:
2025-08-15
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services