How to Track a Lost or Stolen Phone
How to Track a Lost or Stolen Phone
If your phone is lost or stolen – unfortunately, it happens a lot more often than you wish it did – some tools can help get the device and data back.
Getting your phone lost or stolen is a thing that most of us have gone through. But luckily, there are ways to trace your phone and perhaps get it back! The answer to that question is both “Sure” and YES — read this article on the topic where we will cover how you track a lost or stolen phone.
For Android Devices
1. Use Find My Device
Google gives you a few ways to find your lost Android phone with the Find My Device service. Here’s how to use it:
Find My Device – Navigate to Google’s Find My Device in a web browser or download the Find My You can also find out about this article.
Log in: Log into the Google account associated with your missing phone.
Find My Phone: It will try to find your phone on a map. The location of the phone will be displayed if it is turned on and connected to WIFI or mobile data.
More choices: Ring your phone, set it to lock with a message, or erase it if there is little hope of recovery
2. Use Google Timeline
If Find My Device is not working, you can also try using Google Timeline which gives the history of your device location.
Check Google Maps Timeline: Unless you’ve turned them off, Google will have been tracking your location – and if not yours (like mine), then some other person with a handset has probably had their movements monitored; just sign into the page using the same account linked to your phone.
View Timeline Recent Places Check directly where your mobile has been recently.
For iPhone Devices
1. Use Find My iPhone
Find My iPhone is the main way to track a lost iPhone. Here’s how to use it:
Go to iCloud: Visit iCloud.com or via the Find My app from another Apple device.
SIGN IN: Sign in with your Apple ID.
Find My Phone: This will show you the location of your phone on a map (if it is on and connected to the internet).
More: You can play a sound, enter Lost Mode, or erase the phone.
2. Use Family Sharing
You can use your Family Sharing device to find an iPhone for them.
Launch Find My App: Have your family member launch and open the Find My app.
Choose Your Device: Tap on your lost device to check its location.
Universal Tips for Both Android & iPhone
1. Contact Your Carrier
If you lose it Report the Loss: Let your carrier know that your phone was lost or stolen. They can help find it or use the ability to disable lost devices.
2. Use IMEI Number
Just Check Your Box or Carrier, IMEI Number: You can find the original box of your phone and check that. Unboxing is not possible? Properly!! Give this number to the police if you report a theft.
3. Report to the Police
What to do if the phone is stolen in brief: After your smartphone gets lost or (theft case, which you may even have a suspicion that there was), then one solution… report everything about this event with its Police IMEI and any other data tracking.
4. Monitor Accounts and Data
Security Is A Must: You can easily change your passwords of personal online accounts specifically the account on which you have logged in via smartphone, to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor The Accounts: Ensure to keep an eye on all your accounts for any strange behavior or anomalous activity.
Conclusion
No one can judge you if your device has been lost or stolen, but with the help of some tools and quick action, you have a good chance of recovery. Be sure that tracking features are turned on your phone, and take some steps to protect your data just in case. Reporting the theft to authorities and your carrier can be a key step in having it recovered if stolen.
Facts