The situation when people lose their smartphones is quite stressful, but if they follow certain actions, the chances of finding it will be higher. This guide will explain how to locate a lost/stolen iPhone or an Android phone using in-built as well as other features for data protection and retrieval of the lost device.
For iPhone Users
1. Use Find My iPhone
Find My iPhone is one of the useful features offered by Apple to help find lost devices.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open Find My app: On another Apple device such as on an iPad or a friend's iPhone or go to www. iCloud. com and log in with the Apple ID.
- Select your device: Launch the Find My app and then on the “Devices” tab, you will find your lost iPhone there on the screen.
- Track your phone: The map will display where your iPhone is if it is active and connected which the internet. If the device is currently offline, the last known location is displayed and the location will update as soon as the device becomes online.
- Mark as Lost: Activate this mode to lock your device at the passcode from a distance. You can also set a message on the lock screen with your phone number intending to offer a certain amount of money to whoever returns your device or simply ask for its return.
- Erase iPhone: However, if you think that your iPhone will not be recovered by any means, you can go for the option of wiping out all the data to avoid it being used by any other person. Please, note that this action is permanent, and tracking will be disabled, which should be done only in extreme cases.
2. Contact Your Carrier
Report the stolen items to your carrier. It can block your SIM card so no one can make calls, send texts, or use data on your number. There can also be some carriers to help in tracking the device using their services.
3. Report to the Police
Give the police your phone’s IMEI number and any other particulars that you can give. Service police may help get an oral statement and a police report can be of aid to you trying to reclaim your gadget.
For Android Users
1. Use Find My Device
Google has an offering that can be used to locate lost Android devices and the service is called as Find My Device.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open Find My Device: Go to android on another device or visit. One click to com/find and sign in with your Google account.
- Select your device: If your device is switched on and connected with net; you will be able to locate your device on map.
- Secure your device: You can either make the sound to help find it if its close by, lock the device, where it will display a message of your finding and phone number, or erase it.
- Erase Device: If you have concluded that phone is not going to be recovered then make sure that all your data on it is deleted. This action is irreversable and will turn off tracking.
2. Contact Your Carrier
Inform your carrier to deactivate your SIM card and contribute to halting theft of your telephone line. They also may have other features of tracking or services can help to find your telephone.
3. Report to the Police
When reporting your phone to the police, ensure that you share your phone’s IMEI number and such characteristics. While a police report is unlikely to help much in actually getting your device recovered, it is beneficial in insurance cases.
General Tips for Both iPhone and Android Users
Use Third-Party Apps
Namely, today, there are many third-party applications that provide additional tracking and security capabilities. Some popular options include:
- Prey: Offers tracking device, protecting data and recovering your lost data.
- Cerberus: Remotely controls and has additional security options such as making the thief’s photograph.
- Lookout: Consists of protection against viruses, the creation of a backup, and tracking one’s device.
Regularly Back Up Data
To have your contacts’ information, your messages or any other important data safe in case your phone is unrecoverable, backup data frequently to cloud services such as iCloud for iPhone, or Google Drive for Android.
Enable Security Features
Ensure that your phone has all the security features on at all the times. It is recommended to create a password, face recognition, or fingerprint to avoid other people accessing your data.
Stay Aware of Scams
Beware of phishing attempts that send messages to assist in regaining possession of the stolen/seized item. Do not trust anyone who tries to contact you or offer their services, stick to official services only.
Conclusion
To track a stolen smartphone, methods like with Find My iPhone or Find My Device, contacting the smartphone carrier, or going to the police can be used. Make backup for your files and apply security measures such as passwords and fingerprints to increase the possibility of retrieving your property.
