Tips and tricks for finding your lost mobile
So, you come home after a pleasant evening with your friends, but with dismay, you realize that something is missing. After checking your jeans and coat pockets, you finally understand: your mobile has been lost. No matter how hard you try and how much you ask yourself the question “How can I find my phone”, you cannot remember exactly where you left it. Do not worry. This happens to almost everyone throughout their life. And if attempts to reach the phone are in vain, then it’s time to kill the big guns.
How to find the lost Android mobile
When your smartphone does not have a passcode or pattern unlock, then there is a chance that someone will take over your data. The good news is that this type of phone has a built-in service from Google. It helps its users both in searching for lost mobile and in managing it remotely. First of all, you will need to block it from intruders in case of a lack of protection.
It would be best if you started by entering this website. It allows its users to find, lock, or even erase their Android phone, tablet, or Wear OS watch. Therefore, we should thank the developers who cared about us when we turned on a new phone by forcing, registering or logging into Google Account. After authorization, the Find My Device function is enabled automatically. Unfortunately, there are circumstances when this method may be useless.
What problems may arise with finding lost Android phone :
- The phone is turned off or has no access to a Google account;
- There is no Internet connection and visibility on Google Play;
- The location is turned off.
After entering the website and your account, as well as accepting the terms of use, you will receive a message on the lost phone that someone is searching for it. Then you will be given a choice in three steps — dialing, blocking, data clearing. You can also see the approximate location of the phone. If after blocking no one answers the call, then you can try to call the nearby establishments, if you were there not so long ago.Besides the standard application, you can pre-install others upon request “find my mobile”. You can go to the Google Play store to look up such apps.
How to find the lost iPhone
The phone search method is very similar to Android. Only now, Find my device acts in the role of the savior application. The only difference is that the application might be turned on and off. Let’s consider these two options in more detail.
How to find the lost iPhone when the program is on
Find my device program has data on the location of the mobile. It also has a number of other functions. To take advantage, we will tell you about them in more detail:
- First of all, to use another Apple device, which will need to log on to this website. After choosing a device, you can see its location on the map;
- In addition, an audible signal is at your disposal. It can be turned on when the phone is near you. This will help you find it faster;
- You can also remotely lock your phone using a password. After blocking, access to Apple Pay services will be limited, so you don’t have to worry about your savings;
- The site allows you to post a message like “If you found my mobile, please call here”, which can speed up the search;
- If your iPhone has the AppleCare + extension, then you also have the ability to file a claim for theft or loss of your mobile;
- Remember, does Family Sharing turn on? This will simplify the task, and you will just need to log into iCloud with your Apple ID.
How to find the lost iPhone when the program is off
Unfortunately, in this case, it will not be possible to determine the geolocation of the phone. But you can protect your privacy with simple steps:
- You can change your Apple ID password. This will limit access to any data on iCloud, as well as the possible use of other services on your missing phone;
- It won’t be superfluous to change passwords for other accounts on the Internet. This applies to important messengers, social networks, emails, and so on;
- Seek help from law enforcement. They will ask you to provide the serial number of your iPhone, so it’s worth knowing it in advance;
- Notify your wireless carrier. It will help disable your account and restrict the functionality of using your mobile;
- You should also remove the device when it no longer belongs to you, is lost or stolen.
Don’t forget that the iPhone also has other mobile tracking apps, but you need to install them beforehand.
What if I can’t find my mobile?
It so happens that the standard methods cannot help to find the lost phone. Mobile search apps may work, but not always. Due to unforeseen circumstances, you could simply turn them off. Or it could be an attacker who did that. But there are solutions for this case too.
How to find my mobile with IMEI?
Thousands of smartphones are released every day, but this does not interfere with them from possessing a unique identifier, which consists of a secret code in the form of 15 characters. This code carries the well-known but cryptic abbreviation IMEI, which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a kind of phone print that cannot be changed (this fact plays into the hands) and consists of:
- 6 digits at the beginning, which are the encoding according to the international classifier Type Approval Code for a specific mobile model. The first two digits indicate the country of manufacture;
- 7 and 8 digits are the encryption of the country in which the device was assembled completely;
- Digits 9 through 14 are the unique serial number of the phone;
- The last digit is the backup number.
Its location is inside the gadget, directly behind the battery. This IMEI tracker can decide the situation of any device that is connected with a versatile hardware personality. Therefore, it should be written down in advance. Sometimes it is located on the back cover as a sticker with a manufacturer’s code. You can also enter * # 06 # when dialing a mobile, which will help you display it on display. Don’t worry if you didn’t have time to write it down before the theft; there is always another option. Look at the packaging from the phone or in the warranty card.
Can I find a lost phone by IMEI when it is turned off?
The answer is yes, and no. The fact is that you need an active GPS on the phone for this. In other words, works data transmission, with the help of which all the necessary information will be available via IMEI. Some ill-wishers think that they can get rid of the persecution thanks to the discarded sim card. But this is not true because, with the included GPS, the ability to transmit information will still be preserved. If the phone would always be turned off, you will not be able to find it. Just contact law enforcement to speed up the search process and protect yourself from scammers who promise you fast searches. And also to your operator, who will temporarily block the phone.
Lost and found websites
There are sites with a free registration that help their users find lost items. One of these is Lostify. It will help you find your phone even if it is turned off. And yet, doubts about using this service may overcome you, but we will immediately dispel them once and for all:
- Firstly, all methods are acceptable. The more effort you put in, the more likely you will get a positive result. Moreover, the site is looking for the phone instead of you;
- Secondly, it is very easy on Lostify to post an announcement of the missing item. With just a few clicks and without leaving your home, you can make an ad that can be seen in more than 100 countries;
- Thirdly, the search engine filter will help you sort the results, highlighting the most relevant to your description. The system also notifies you as soon as a match is found, which is very convenient.
How do I find my phone with Lostify?
You will need to go through a quick registration with an existing account, such as Google or Facebook. You will see “Report a lost item” located above the search bar in the first window. After clicking on this phrase, you need to select the type of item that was lost. Next, you must enter the IMEI number, brand, and distinctive color of the phone. After that, you specify the characteristics of last seen, like data country, city, etc. That will help narrow down your searches.
Last bits of advice to find your mobile phone
Once you’ve lost your phone, it’s important to calm down. Yes, this case may incur new costs. But besides, it will also jeopardize your personal data. Therefore, you need to stop wasting time on experiences and start acting so as not to worsen the situation. After all, someone can access your banking information and other passwords. Therefore, hesitation is not the best option. Find the IMEI code rapidly and lock your phone using one of the above methods. In the end, use our tips and tricks to the fullest, and the find will be not long in coming.