Level 1 (4 points)

Confirming Lost Mode status for a lost iPhone

Lost mode was activated when the phone was lost/stolen. I then purchased a new iphone and updated from the cloud. Today, when I look at my old phone in find iphone; it doesn't seem to be in lost mode any longer. The Lost Mode is "OFF". When I try to "activate", it doesn't seem to do anything. How can I confirm it is truly in "lost mode"?

Posted on Nov 2, 2026 12:40 PM

3 replies

Chattanoogan

Level 8 (43,489 points)

Nov 2, 2026 12:51 PM in response to arlen197

Are you sure that you’re not inadvertently looking at your “new” phone ?

When restoring from a backup, the “old phone” name will often become the “new phone” name until you update it.

Update your phone’s name at:

Settings -> General -> About -> Name

Lawrence Finch

Level 10 (244,490 points)

Nov 2, 2026 5:45 PM in response to arlen197

Could this be what happened?

Beware of a common phishing scam: You may get a text or email from “Apple” or “Apple Security” (or sometimes “Police”) saying your phone has been found and to click on a link to see its location. This is NEVER from Apple or from law enforcement; it is from the thief or fence to steal your Apple ID and identity. Delete any such message without responding to it. Apple never gets involved in lost or stolen devices→Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams

arlen197 Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 2, 2026 5:35 PM in response to Chattanoogan

Fair, but no. I changed the name of my new phone. I can see both phones in the "find my device section". One with me, and the stolen one in a different state.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256387756