If you have access to another iOS device, this is the simplest way to use Lost Mode. We've found that Find My iPhone's functionality is greatly reduced or not even accessible from mobile browsers on iOS and Android, so you'll have to stick with a desktop browser if you're not using the iOS app.

You can use the iOS app on your iPad or a friend's iPhone, or you can visit the web app in a desktop browser on a computer you have access to via. To set this message remotely with Lost Mode, you're going to need to open Find My iPhone. In those cases, you'll need to use Find My iPhone's other tools, but if you think a less sinful person can locate it first, Lost Mode works great. If it was stolen, it's likely the thief won't care about your pleas for a safe return, and all it will do is cause them to power down the iPhone so it can't be tracked, at least, until they figure out what to do with it. Of course, there are cases where a message and contact info won't be enough to retrieve your iPhone.

Don't Miss: How to Set Up Find My iPhone to Protect Your Devices.

If the business found it, you'll likely get it back without opening up your wallet, while some people might expect a finder's reward of sorts. Using the Lost Mode feature in Apple's Find My iPhone, you'll be able to remotely set a message on the lock screen with your contact information, so that good samaritan will be able to call you at the number you specify. But that potential do-gooder won't know to contact you, and that's where Find My iPhone's 'Lost Mode' comes in handy. You may as well kiss that iPhone goodbye, right? Not yet, as long as the right person gets their hands on it first. So, you're on the way back from a restaurant and realize you left your iPhone there, but you're late for a meeting and can't go back yet.

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