SkieLost mode step 2: what contact message should I show on the lock screen?
Write a short message with who owns the device and a phone number to call, and Skie shows it on the locked screen. Keep it plain and helpful, such as the school's name and the office number. Do not include student names, home addresses or anything you would not want a stranger to read.
Most lost devices are lost by accident, not stolen. A tablet left in a taxi is often returned by the driver if there is an easy way to call someone. The contact message is that easy way.
When you start lost mode, you are asked for a message. Whatever you write appears on the lock screen, together with a way to dial the number you give where the device allows it. Keep it to the essentials. Who it belongs to, for example the name of the school or company. A number that someone will answer. A short line such as please call to return this device.
What to leave out matters more. Do not put the student's name, class, home address or anything that identifies the child. The lock screen can be read by anyone who picks up the device. Use the organisation's name and the office number, not a personal mobile, unless the person has agreed.
You can update the message while the device is in lost mode, for example to change a number or to add that a reward is offered. The device picks up the change on its next sync. Skie does not take photos of whoever has the device or listen to anything, so the message and the tracking are the only things that reach the finder or the dashboard.
Practical tip: agree a standard message with your head office and keep it in your incident plan. Previous step: locking the device. Next: tracking.
- Name of the organisation and a number to call
- No student names or home addresses
- Can be edited while in lost mode
- No photos or audio are taken