Have you lost your phone? Almost everyone has experienced the panic of reaching for their pocket and finding it empty. Many of us have found it after a few minutes of searching. But a few unlucky ones will find their frantic searching efforts to be fruitless.
You might begin to imagine your life without a phone - you’d feel completely naked. Or maybe you’re calculating the cost of a new phone to replace the one you just lost. Before you jump to conclusions though, why not read through this article first?
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to find your missing phone. If it’s an iPhone or Android, chances are the software you’ll need to hunt it down cooked into it already.
Apple and Google work to find your phone through the account associated with your devices. Are you an Android user? This is your Google account. Use an iPhone - this will be your iCloud account.
Both accounts allow you to remotely lock and wipe your phone, cause it to ring, and allow you to set up special messages to alert whoever finds it.
The bad news is that these features only really work as well as your phone’s battery. If your phone dies, you’ll have about as much luck finding your lost phone as you do your keys, wallet, or anything else you really need that you might lose.
Android allows you to take advantage of Google’s service for managing and finding your phone remotely - “Find My Device.” This should be built directly into your smartphone. If you’re running Android 2.3 or later, you should be able to utilize this service.
To begin using the service, simply type “where is my phone” into Google, which will cause the service to start searching for your smartphone, using Wi-Fi or GPS to hunt your device down.
To find your lost iPhone, use Apple’s native service “Find my iPhone.” It comes pre-installed on every iOS device and will display your missing phone on a map to allow you to locate and manage it.
To use this service, log onto iCloud and open up “Find my iPhone.” Your phone will be located on a map and you’ll also have the ability to play a sound on your device, send a message to your phone, or erase the phone’s contents.
If you’ve got Windows 8.1 or later, you’re in luck - you can use the lost phone feature built into your system. Visit the Microsoft devices page to see a list of your Microsoft phones and tablets, then use the location feature to track down your device.
From this service, you can lock your cell phone or wipe the device clean.
These devices don’t usually include their own tracking apps or services, but you can sign up for a third-party service to track down your phone or send it a message. However, this might cost money.
If your phone is lost, it may very well be in the hands of a would-be criminal. Your first course of action is to change your passwords and revoke your logins.
If you have smartphone insurance, file a police report - providers will often require this, and you may need one simply to deactivate an online account.
These days, realizing you are suddenly without your phone can leave you feeling naked. Just keep calm, follow these tips, and if all else fails, secure as many sensitive data as you can.
Are you dealing with a phone you have on your person that is broken in some way? A third-party smartphone repair store may be able to save you some heartache. Just be sure not to lose it on the way out!
You might like to read- What is Causing my iPhone Screen to Crack and How to Fix It?
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to find your missing phone. If it’s an iPhone or Android, chances are the software you’ll need to hunt it down cooked into it already.
Apple and Google work to find your phone through the account associated with your devices. Are you an Android user? This is your Google account. Use an iPhone - this will be your iCloud account.
Both accounts allow you to remotely lock and wipe your phone, cause it to ring, and allow you to set up special messages to alert whoever finds it.
The bad news is that these features only really work as well as your phone’s battery. If your phone dies, you’ll have about as much luck finding your lost phone as you do your keys, wallet, or anything else you really need that you might lose.
How to Find a Lost Android
Android allows you to take advantage of Google’s service for managing and finding your phone remotely - “Find My Device.” This should be built directly into your smartphone. If you’re running Android 2.3 or later, you should be able to utilize this service.
To begin using the service, simply type “where is my phone” into Google, which will cause the service to start searching for your smartphone, using Wi-Fi or GPS to hunt your device down.
How to Find a Lost iPhone
To find your lost iPhone, use Apple’s native service “Find my iPhone.” It comes pre-installed on every iOS device and will display your missing phone on a map to allow you to locate and manage it.
To use this service, log onto iCloud and open up “Find my iPhone.” Your phone will be located on a map and you’ll also have the ability to play a sound on your device, send a message to your phone, or erase the phone’s contents.
How to Find a Lost Windows Phone
If you’ve got Windows 8.1 or later, you’re in luck - you can use the lost phone feature built into your system. Visit the Microsoft devices page to see a list of your Microsoft phones and tablets, then use the location feature to track down your device.
From this service, you can lock your cell phone or wipe the device clean.
How to Find a Lost Blackberry
These devices don’t usually include their own tracking apps or services, but you can sign up for a third-party service to track down your phone or send it a message. However, this might cost money.
Some Basic Detection Methods in Case All Else Fails
- Have you tried retracing your steps? Remember all of the places you have been that day and check each one.
- Call or text your phone. If your phone is really lost and someone else has it, they’ll probably answer if they intend to return your phone.
- If you have given up all hope, call your wireless carrier and let them know your phone is missing - they might offer a GPS locating service. If not, request that they suspend service to your phone to avoid any fraudulent charges being made in your name.
- Prepare for the next time you lose your phone - you might just be one of those people who always lose their phone.
Your Phone is Lost for Good - Now What?
If your phone is lost, it may very well be in the hands of a would-be criminal. Your first course of action is to change your passwords and revoke your logins.
- Cancel any credit or debit cards registered to the app store of your device.
- Start with the passwords that matter the most - like email, bank accounts, Facebook and Cloud accounts.
- Secure your financial and personal information first.
If you have smartphone insurance, file a police report - providers will often require this, and you may need one simply to deactivate an online account.
How to Prevent this from Happening Again
- Jot down your new phone’s serial number when you first purchase it. Write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you ever lose your phone, you’ll be able to report your serial number to your wireless provider and the police.
- Register your phone online. There are some online services that allow you to register your cell phone with the website.
- Have a System. Keep your phone in the same place at home, like your nightstand where you charge it. When your phone is with you, give it a designated pocket and always check it before you get up to leave.
These days, realizing you are suddenly without your phone can leave you feeling naked. Just keep calm, follow these tips, and if all else fails, secure as many sensitive data as you can.
Are you dealing with a phone you have on your person that is broken in some way? A third-party smartphone repair store may be able to save you some heartache. Just be sure not to lose it on the way out!
Author’s Bio:
Jacob Bell is an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer. As Hawaiian resident, he loves beaches and bathing in the sun. That's where he finds his inspiration to author in-depth guides that teach E-commerce store owners ways to manage, grow and scale their business. In a former life, Jacob co-founded an iPhone repair company which generates 6-figures in annual revenue through its website and retail.
You might like to read- What is Causing my iPhone Screen to Crack and How to Fix It?