You can protect the information and data stored on your iPhone from prying eyes by simply pressing the power button located along the top of the device. If you have set a passcode, the screen will remain locked until the correct passcode is entered. If you have enabled the "Find My iPhone" feature of the device, you will be able to block access to the iPhone permanently if it is lost or stolen. This article explains how to lock (and unlock) an iPhone screen and how to enable "Lost Mode" remotely via iCloud.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Lock the Screen
Step 1. Locate the device's power button
It is located along the top of the iPhone.
Step 2. Press the "Power" button once
Make sure you simply press it and don't hold it down, as in the latter case the device will turn off.
Step 3. To unlock the screen and access the device, press the Home button located below the screen
When you need to access your iPhone by unlocking the screen, just press the Home button once. The device screen will light up showing a slider.
If you've activated your iPhone's Touch ID (it's the fingerprint reader), you'll need to place your finger on the Home button, but don't press it. This simple gesture will give you access to the iPhone by unlocking the screen
Step 4. Slide the slider displayed on the screen to the right
If you have not configured an unlock code, you will have immediate access to all the features of the device and the home screen will be displayed.
If, on the other hand, you have set a passcode, you will need to enter it when prompted to unlock the screen and be able to access the home screen
Method 2 of 2: Activate Lost Mode
Step 1. Visit the website https://www.icloud.com/find using an internet browser
If your iPhone has been lost or worse, it has been stolen, you can remotely lock it by activating "Lost Mode". You can do this by going to the "Find My iPhone" section of iCloud. By activating the "Lost Mode", the people who have stolen your iPhone or any malicious people who come into possession of it will not be able to access it, unless they know the respective security code.
- In order to activate the "Lost Mode" you must have previously activated the "Find my iPhone" function on the iOS device.
- If you're not sure if you've enabled the "Find My iPhone" feature, read on to find out how.
Step 2. Log in with your iCloud account by entering your username and password
Step 3. Select the "Find My iPhone" option
Step 4. Click on "All devices", then select the iPhone you want to block from the list that appears
If your iPhone is not listed in the menu that appeared, it means that the "Find My iPhone" feature has not been configured on the device in question.
Step 5. Select the "Lost Mode" or "Block" option
The precise name of this feature varies based on the version of the iOS operating system installed on the device.
Enabling "Lost Mode" will disable the use of any credit or debit card associated with the device via Apple Pay. As long as "Lost Mode" is active you will not be able to use the relevant payment cards to make purchases or payments through your Apple account
Step 6. Set a new security code if required
If you've already set up a passcode on your iPhone, you won't need to set up a new one. This step ensures that the iPhone is unusable for all people who do not know the unlock code.
Step 7. Provide a phone number where you can be reached (if requested)
This is a very useful step if you have lost your iPhone and hope that someone will find it and return it to you. The number where you can be found will be displayed on the device's lock screen.
- You will also be asked to enter a message. Again, what you write will be displayed on the iPhone lock screen along with the number entered.
- You can use the "Find My iPhone" feature to find the device's last known location if it is lost.
Step 8. As soon as you get your iPhone back, enter the security code
If you've forgotten your device passcode, you'll need to go to an Apple Service Center.
Advice
- Set up a passcode on your iPhone to keep the data it contains safe. Launch the Settings app, select the "Touch ID and Passcode" option, then choose the "Enable Passcode" option. Type in the new passcode, then enter it a second time to confirm it is correct when prompted.
- The iPhone screen will be locked automatically after a certain time of device inactivity. You can customize this time interval by starting the Settings app, selecting the "General" item, tapping the "Auto block" option and choosing the desired time interval from the list that appears.
