> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getprimo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Locking devices

> Remotely lock a managed Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, or iPadOS device from the dashboard to prevent unauthorized access when a device is lost or an employee is offboarded.

Remote lock immediately prevents access to a managed device without erasing its data. Use it when a device is temporarily lost or misplaced, or as a first step before deciding whether to wipe.

## Platform compatibility

| macOS | Windows | Linux | iOS / iPadOS | Android |
| ----- | ------- | ----- | ------------ | ------- |
| ✅     | ✅       | ✅     | ✅            | ❌       |

## How to lock a device

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Devices and open the device details page" />

  <Step title="Click Actions > Lock" />

  <Step title="Confirm the action" />
</Steps>

The device will lock at the screen level — the employee will be prompted for their credentials (or a recovery PIN on macOS) before regaining access.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="macOS">
    On macOS, the screen displays a PIN code.

    **To unlock the device:**

    * Enter the **6-digit PIN** displayed in the dashboard at the time the lock was triggered.
    * Once unlocked, the device returns to normal operation — no data is lost.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    On Windows, remote lock triggers a screen lock equivalent to pressing **Windows + L**. The device is immediately locked and requires the user's Windows credentials to unlock.

    **To unlock the device:**

    * An admin needs to enter their Windows password or PIN.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Linux">
    On Linux, remote lock sends a script via the FleetDM agent that locks the screen session. The exact behavior depends on the desktop environment in use.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="iOS / iPadOS">
    On iOS and iPadOS, locking a device enables **Lost Mode**. The device displays a custom message and phone number on the lock screen, and its location is tracked.

    Lost Mode is available on supervised devices with MDM turned on.

    **To unlock the device:**

    * Go to **Devices**, open the device details page, and click **Actions > Unlock**.
    * The device exits Lost Mode and returns to normal operation.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Related articles

* [Wiping devices](/mdm/guides/wiping-devices)
* [Activation Lock bypass](/mdm/guides/activation-lock-bypass)