In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your iPhone 12 Pro Max Properly

Learn How To Lock Stolen Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Properly

When it comes to security in smartphones, Apple stands at the forefront. The Activation Lock is a robust barrier to preventing unauthorized access and device theft. Losing your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max can be a disturbing event, as accidents are inevitable. Taking prompt action to stop unauthorized data access becomes important. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to how to lock a stolen iPhone.

Part 1. Major Threats To Consider When iPhone Is Stolen

A lost iPhone can become susceptible to a myriad of threats. It could compromise your privacy, security, and personal data. Here are the reasons why learning how to lock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max when lost is essential:

Unauthorized Access to Personal Data: Thieves can exploit an unsecured Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max to gain unauthorized access to personal information. These include contacts, messages, emails, and photos.
**Financial Exploitation:**With access to your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, thieves may attempt to get stored payment methods.
Identity Theft: Stolen iPhones often contain a wealth of sensitive information. This makes them a prime target for identity theft.
Compromised Social Media Accounts: Using social media applications on your smartphone carries potential risks in the event of device loss. Unauthorized access to your social media accounts can lead to many problems, including misinformation and compromised privacy.

Part 2. Use Find My To Locate Stolen iPhone

On learning about how do I lock my stolen iPhone, Apple’s robust Find My feature emerges as a beacon of hope. It uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals to locate your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max accurately.

Key Scenarios Where Find My Works

Find My can be a source to track stolen iPhones, but certain scenarios are associated with its operations. To know more about these scenarios, this section continues the discussion further below:

iPhone Turned On:Find My can provide real-time location trackingwhen your stolen iPhone is still powered on and connected to the internet.
**iPhone Turned Off or In Airplane Mode:**The last known location before the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device was powered down or put in Airplane Mode is accessible, offering a starting point for recovery efforts.
**Offline Finding with Bluetooth:**The Find My service leverages Bluetooth technology to create a vast network of Apple devices. With these, it can securely help locate your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, even offline.
**Activation Lock Integration:**This service is also integrated with Activation Lock, adding an extra layer of security. The Activation Lock remains active if a thief attempts to erase your device.

How To Use Find My To Locate Your Stolen iPhone

Step 1. Access the Find My app on a trusted device and open it. If you can’t access one, use the iCloud website to access Find My service.

Step 2. After logging in, select the lost device, and you can see its last recorded location on the map.

Part 3. Using Lost Mode To Lock Stolen iPhone

Lost Mode locks the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device and allows users to showcase a personalized message on the screen. This can help greatly in the safe return of the smartphone. The following are the simple steps you need to follow to learn how to block stolen iPhone with Lost Mode:

Activating Lost Mode Using Your Smartphone

Step 1. Within the Find My app, tap “Devices” from the bottom toolbar and select your lost device. Now, scroll down to “Mark As Lost” and tap “Activate.”

Step 2. You will now be given a summary of the Lost Mode; tap “Continue” to proceed. On the following screen, add a phone number, tap “Next,” and add a message that will be displayed on the lost device.

Step 3. After adding a message, tap “Next” on the following screen and press “Activate” from the top right corner.

Activating Lost Mode Using iCloud Website

Step 1. Access the iCloud website via your computer’s web browser. Sign in using your Apple ID, continue to click the “Grid” icon in the top right corner, and select “Find My.”

Step 2. In Find My, add your Apple ID password again to access “All Devices.” Now, choose the lost device from the list of all devices in the top left corner. Then, click “Mark As Lost,” and the following pop-up Lost Mode prompt, tap “Next.”

Step 3. Now go on to add your phone number and tap “Next.” Follow it by providing the message you want to display and click “Activate” to enable Lost Mode.

Part 4. Can’t Find Stolen Phone? Erase iPhone Completely

When efforts to locate a stolen iPhone fail, the need to protect sensitive data intensifies. As a result, the option to erase the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device becomes a crucial step instead of how to lock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max when lost. Here’s how to protect against the potential misuse of your information by erasing your device via Find My:

Step 1. After accessing Find My service, choose the lost device from the list and click “Erase This Device.”

Step 2. Select “Continue” on the erased iPhone screen for the Find My app. Once you’ve added the number, press “Erase” in the top right corner and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the procedure.

Step 3. If using the iCloud website, tap “Erase This Device” and click “Next” on the upcoming prompt. You will be asked to enter the Apple ID password, after which you can use the on-screen guidelines to finish the process.

Part 5. Other Things To Do iPhone Is Stolen

There are additional measures you can take to enhance your overall security apart from understanding how do I lock my stolen iPhone. The following are some options you should utilize in case of device loss:

To Do List #1. Report to Police

If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is stolen, it is crucial to immediately inform your local law enforcement agency. It facilitates the recovery process and assists in combatting criminal activities. Provide essential details about your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, such as the Model, color, and IMEI number. Share information about your efforts to locate the stolen iPhone using Find My.

To Do List #2. Make an Insurance Claim With AppleCare

You can claim insurance if you have AppleCare+ coverage for your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for iPhone includes protection against theft and loss incidents. It offers up to two incidents of such coverage every 12 months.

To qualify for theft or loss coverage, it is necessary for Find My to be enabled on your device at the time it goes missing. Moreover, it should remain enabled alongside Lost Mode throughout the claims process.

To Do List #3. Remove iPhone From Trusted Devices (2FA)

After your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is stolen, it becomes essential to bolster the security of your online accounts. It is particularly essential for those safeguarded by Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which needs to be removed:

From iOS Device Settings

Step 1. Access Settings on an iOS device logged in with the same Apple ID as the lost one. Here, tap on your name on the following screen and scroll down.

Step 2. Simply select the misplaced device, and in the subsequent interface, press “Remove from Account” to eliminate it from the list of trusted devices.

From the Apple ID Website

Step 1. If you cannot reach a secure device, visit the http://appleid.apple.com website and sign in with the identical Apple ID.

Step 2. Once logged in, click “Devices” from the left side and select the lost device. To remove this device as a trusted device, click “Remove from Account.”

Part 6. Precautions To Take for Avoiding Losing iPhone

Users can proactively adopt specific measures to reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence. The following essential precautions are recommended while learning how to block your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max when stolen:

Precaution #1. Enable Find My on Device

Activating Find My increases the likelihood of recovering your device. Take the following steps to enable the Find My feature on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:

Step 1. On your iOS device, navigate to “Settings” and tap the Apple ID on the top. Now, scroll down and press “Find My” on the following screen.

Step 2. Next, tap “Find My iPhone,” on the ensuing window, toggle “Find My iPhone.” This will enable the Find My service on your device.

Precaution #2. Enable Separation Alerts on iPhone

Enabling “Separation Alerts” assists in preventing the loss of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max by alerting you when you distance yourself from it. Follow these steps to enable Separation Alerts on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:

Step 1. Navigate to and launch the Find My app on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. Select the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device from the “Devices” tab for which you want to enable separation alerts.

Step 2. From the available options, tap “Notify When Left Behind,” and on the following screen, toggle “Notify When Left Behind.” You can also add locations on this screen by tapping “New Location,” for which you don’t want to receive a left-behind notice.

Precaution #3. Enable 2FA on iPhone

Activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enhances the security of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. The mandatory secondary verification step makes 2FA crucial in securing your accounts. Follow these steps to enable 2FA on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:

Step 1. Access the Settings app on your iOS device and tap your name/Apple ID. Find and tap “Sign-In & Security” to proceed further.

Step 2. On the following screen, tap “Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.” Follow it by tapping “Continue” afterward, and use the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Bonus Tip. Find Stolen iPhone Back but Locked? Unlock With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Recovering your stolen iPhone successfully can be a joyous event. Yet, the frustration of discovering your device locked due to a forgotten password can be disheartening. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) offers a solution to regain access to your device. This robust tool is crafted to help users unlock various iOS screen lock scenarios.

It provides a hassle-free solution for those locked out of their devices. This powerful tool effortlessly removes various lock screens on iPhones and iPads. It can bypass the iCloud activation lock without the need for a password.

Key Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

If you are using iTunes for backup but have forgotten the iTunes backup encryption passcode, Dr.Fone can remove it without data loss.
This tool can remove Apple IDfrom your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPad if you have forgotten its password.
You can free up your device by removing MDMand carrier locks using Dr.Fone.

Steps To Unlock Your Locked iOS Device Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a comprehensive toolkit that addresses many iOS-related issues. It offers a user-friendly solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max with the help of the following steps:

Step 1. Launching Wondershare Dr.Fone and Accessing Toolbox

Once you have installed and launched Wondershare Dr.Fone, access the “Toolbox” tab. Click “Screen Unlock,” and on the following screen, choose “iOS.” Click “Unlock iOS Screen” on the following screen and link your iOS device to the computer.

Step 2. Entering Recovery Mode and Choosing System Version

The next step requires you to put your device in Recovery Mode, for which you can follow the instructions given on-screen. After your device is in Recovery Mode, Dr.Fone will display its “Model.” Now choose the appropriate “System Version” and click “Start.” Here, Dr.Fone will start downloading the required firmware. Once it is downloaded and verified, tap “Unlock Now.”

Step 3. Acknowledging Data Loss Warning and Initiating Unlock Process

To show your acknowledgment of the warning, enter the asked code, which is “000000.” Afterward, click “Unlock” to initiate the screen unlocking process. Once the process is complete, tap “Done” to conclude the procedure.

Conclusion

Knowing how to lock stolen iPhones is essential for safeguarding personal and sensitive data. Apple’s Find My empowers users to remotely locate, lock, and erase their lost devices. If you have recovered your stolen device but it is locked, Wondershare Dr.Fone emerges as the top choice to unlock it within minutes.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

How to Access Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max When You Forget the Passcode?

We all have secrets in our iPhone or some important financial or business data that we all wish to protect from unwanted access. For this, we set up a passcode. But what if Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode is forgotten by you? Well, you may now wonder how to perform Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode bypass, right? Worry no more! We’re right here to help you with the proven solutions for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode reset without iTunes or with it too. Let’s explore.

Part 1. Unlock Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max screen passcode in one click (unlock tool needed)

The first and the ultimate measure for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode removal in just a matter of a single click is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . With the help of this mighty tool, performing Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode reset is even easier than any other alternative. Not only it can perform Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode bypass, you can also make use of this tool to bypass lock screen of an Android smartphone too. Isn’t it amazing? Moreover, this powerful tool works effortlessly with the latest iOS 13 version and even with the most recent iPhone models as well. Here is the step by step tutorial on Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode bypass.

Step 1: Install and launch Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Get the tool Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) downloaded and installed over your computer system. Then establish a connection between your computer and iPhone.

Now, launch the tool and then opt for the “Unlock” tile from the main screen.

Step 2: Boot in Recovery/DFU mode

Next move that you need to perform is to opt for the correct mode, i.e. “Unlock iOS Screen”. Then, you’ll be prompted to boot your device in Recovery/DFU mode. The on-screen instructions will guide you on how to do it.

Step 3: Double-Check iPhone information

On the upcoming screen, you’ll be displayed the “Device Model” and most recent “System Version” which is compatible with your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. Simply, hit the “Start” button here.

Step 4: Perform Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode removal

Once, the software downloads the firmware automatically, you can then proceed to Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode reset. Hit the “Unlock Now” button over the next screen and in a short while you’ll be notified that Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode removal is completed.

safe & secure

Part 2. Restore an iTunes backup for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Here we’re going to be familiar with the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode reset using the renowned iOS data management tool, iTunes. But be sure that iTunes version installed over your computer is up to date or else unknown errors may crop up in between. Eventually, your all-new Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max may even get bricked. Think this is it? Well, here’s another problem with iTunes, you need to get your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max connected only to a pre-synced or pre-trusted computer. Or else, this tutorial won’t bring any good to you.

Step 1: First, get your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max connected to your PC. Then, launch the iTunes most recent version. It will automatically detect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. Once detected, tap the “Device” icon over the left top corner of iTunes.

Step 2: Then, hit the “Summary” option from the left panel and then you need to hit the “Restore iPhone” button. Confirm your actions by simply pushing the “Restore” button on the pop-up message and you’re done. Now, just wait for the process to complete.

Part 3. Restore Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max in recovery mode to remove screen passcode

If somehow, the above solution fails and you’re just not able to get Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode reset. You need to boot your device into recovery mode and then perform the factory reset. This would certainly wipe off everything from your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max including the passcode as well. Here are the steps involved in booting your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max in recovery mode.

First things first, power off your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max by pushing the “Side” button down along with either of the “Volume” button. Keep them pressed till you get to see “Power-off” slider over your screen. Now, simply drag it to power off your device.
Next, connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and your computer firmly with the help of an authentic cable. Please make sure to press and hold the “Side” button meanwhile.
Ensure not to let go the Side button till the recovery mode screen appears over your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Once the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device is booted in recovery mode, iTunes will throw a pop up message that “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode”. Simply, hit the “OK” button over the message and then push the “Restore iPhone” button followed by confirming your actions.

Part 4. Use “Find iPhone” from iCloud

The next pro tutorial for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode removal is via iCloud. For this, grad access to any computer available on your side. Or, you can also make use of any other smartphone device but ensure it must be connected to a WiFi network or have an active data pack. Moreover, the locked iPhone on which you’re going to perform Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max passcode reset should also have an active internet connection to make this tutorial work.

Note: Since we’re going to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max using Find My iPhone service of iCloud. It is important that “Find My iPhone” service was enabled beforehand over your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Step 1: Launch the browser over any other smartphone device or computer. Then, visit the official web page iCloud.com.

Step 2: Now, make use of same Apple account configured with your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max to sign in to iCloud. Then, opt for the “Find My iPhone” icon over the launch pad.

Step 3: Next, tap on the “All Devices” drop-down menu available over the top midsection and then select the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max that you wish to bypass the passcode off.

Step 4: Then, you’ll get to witness a pop-up window over your screen. Tap the “Erase iPhone” button over it and then confirm your actions. All the settings and data will be wiped off remotely from your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max now.

Step 5: Lastly, wait for the process to complete and upon completion set up your device as usual.

Part 5. How about Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max restrictions passcode?

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max restrictions is a vital setting that is used to lock down a set of functions of the iPhone. These iPhone restrictions are also known as Parental Controls. That implies one can make use of these settings to block or hide songs that have explicit lyrics/content or barring YouTube from running, etc.

It is vital to set up a 4 digit passcode if you want to use iPhone restriction settings. Now, if you somehow forgot the passcode that was set to make use of iPhone restrictions, you need to restore your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max with the help of iTunes to remove the previous passcode. But ensure not to restore an old backup of iPhone or else, the old passcode which you may not know will also get activated. Eventually, making your situation even worse.

Reset/Change Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max restrictions passcode

Now, in case you know the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max restrictions passcode and just wish to reset it. Then follow the streak of steps mentioned below.

Launch “Settings” of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and then get into “General” followed by “Restrictions”. Now, you’ll be asked to key in the current passcode.

Once you’ve entered the current passcode, hit on the “Disable Restrictions” and to confirm your actions, key in your passcode when prompted.

Lastly, hit on “Enable Restrictions”. You’ll be asked to set up a new passcode now. Do it and you’re done.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Asking for Passcode after iOS 17/14 Update, What to Do?

If you’ve recently updated your iOS iPhone and iPad to the iOS 17/14 operating system, you may notice a bit of a bug where the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max displays the passcode lock, even if you haven’t got a security code in place.

This obviously means you won’t be able to access your phone, and in many cases, you’re going to want to get back into your phone as quickly as possible. However, this may be easier said than done. Fortunately, today we’re going to go through multiple solutions to help you get your device working as it should!

Part 1. Don’t try passcodes blindly

One of the worst things you can do when faced with this situation is to enter passcodes blindly. Perhaps you’re trying random numbers and letters, or you’re trying passwords you’ve used in the past. If you get it wrong, you’re going to be locked out of your device for a long time.

The more times you get your code wrong, the longer you’ll be locked out, so avoid doing this at all costs, so make sure you move straight onto these approaches to get your phone working as quickly as possible.

Part 2. 5 ways to unlock iPhone after iOS 17/14 Update

2.1 Try a default passcode in your family

While we said, you shouldn’t type in random numbers to try and guess the password, of course, if you have a standard family passcode that you use across all iOS devices, perhaps an admin password or just something you use for everything, it can be well worth a try.

In reality, you get three attempts to put a passcode in before it locks you out, so try two passcodes that your family uses to see whether this will easily unlock your device. If you brought your device preowned and still have contact with the owner, they may have a passcode you can try.

2.2 Unlock iPhone with an unlock tool

The second approach you can take if you don’t know the passcode and can’t get it unlocked is to use a powerful software solution known as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . This Wondershare software application completely unlocks your phone, even if you don’t know the passcode.

This software is easy to use and incredibly simple, yet it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a quick way to get your iOS device back up and running with full access after an iOS 17/14 update, it doesn’t get much better than this. Here’s how it works;

Step 1. Download and install the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software to either your Mac or Windows PC and open it, so you’re on the homepage. Connect your iOS device to your computer using the USB cable and wait for the software to recognize your device.

When it does, close iTunes if it automatically opens and clicks the Screen Unlock option from the main menu.

Step 2. Click the Unlock iOS Screen option.

Step 3. You will now need to put your device in DFU mode, also known as Recovery Mode. Fortunately, this is easy thanks to the on-screen instructions where you will hold down the volume down and power button for a few seconds.

Step 4. Once Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) has detected your device in DFU Mode. You’ll be able to select which device you’re using and what firmware you want to be repaired; in this case, iOS 17/14.

Step 5. Once everything has been confirmed and you’re happy to continue, press the Unlock option. The program will do its thing, and when it’s done, the software will say you’re able to disconnect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and use it without a lock screen!

That’s how easy Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) makes the entire unlock process!

2.3 Restore an old backup from iTunes

Another key way that some users have found to unlock their device after an update is to restore their device to an older version, aiming to put your device back into a position where it didn’t have a lock screen.

It’s only possible to do this if you’ve backed up your iOS device in the past (which is why you’re encouraged to back up regularly), and it can all be done through the iTunes software on either your Mac or Windows computer. Here’s how it works;

Step 1. Ensure you’re running the latest version of iTunes and then connect your iOS device to your Mac or Windows computer using the official USB cable. This should automatically open the iTunes window.

Step 2. In iTunes, click the symbol representing your device and then click Summary. On this screen, you’ll be able to choose the Restore iPhone option at the top to begin the restoring process.

Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions where you’ll choose which backup file you want to use before iTunes, then restores your device. When the software has completed the process, you’ll be able to disconnect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and use it without a lock screen!

2.4 Restore in recovery mode

In some cases, restoring your device using just iTunes will not be good enough, and it won’t have the effect you’re looking for; in this case, restoring your device with no lock screen after an iOS 17/14 update.

If the above method of restoring your device via iTunes doesn’t work, or you haven’t got a backup file to load, you’ll need to restore your device using a move known as Recovery Mode, or DFU mode. This will hard reset your device and get it working to its full potential.

Here’s how to do it. (Note, the process will differ slightly depending on which model of iPhone you’re using).

Step 1. Press and hold the volume up button for about one second, and then switch and press the Volume Down button for the same amount of time. You can then hold the side button (on devices without a home button), and the following screen should appear after a few seconds.

Step 2. Now connect your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max to your computer with iTunes and wait for iTunes to open. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iTunes before connecting up your device. Also, make sure you’re using the official USB cable for the most stability.

Step 3. iTunes should automatically detect that your device is in Recovery Mode and automatically restore your device to a default state without a lock screen. Wait until this process is completed before disconnecting your device and using it as normal.

2.5 Use Find My iPhone feature in iCloud

The fifth and final approach you can take to removing a lock screen from your recently updated iPhone or iPad when faced with the iOS 17/14 glitch is taking advantage of the integrated Apple technology and features are known as Find My iPhone.

While this feature originally allows you to literally find your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max in the situation where it’s lost and offers many other security features to help ensure your device and data don’t fall into the wrong hands, you can also use it to remove your device unwanted lock screen.

Of course, this will only work if the Find My iPhone features have been enabled in the past, so make sure you’re using it to get it to work. Here’s how to use the feature to get your phone access back.

Step 1. From your computer, iPad, tablet, or mobile web browser, head over to iCloud.com and log into your iCloud account using the login in button at the top of the screen.

Step 2. Once signed in, scroll down the menu of features and select the Find iPhone feature. Click on the All Devices option at the top.

Step 3. From the list of devices connected to your account, click the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device name with the locked screen and then click the Erase option. This will clear everything from your device, much like the process we’ve spoken about in the methods above.

Leave the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device to erase, and once completed, you’ll be able to pick up and use your phone as normal without a lock screen. You should also now be able to update to iOS 17/14 without any problems!

Summary

And there you go, the five key ways you need to know when it comes to removing an unwanted lock screen from your iOS device after an iOS 17/14 update. We highly recommend the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) since the software makes the whole process incredibly easy, especially when managing any problems you may have on your iOS device!

iPhone Unlock

In 2024, Learn How To Lock Stolen Your iPhone 12 Pro Max Properly | Dr.fone