How to find your phone if you lost it. How to find your Android phone if it's lost or stolen

Mobile devices often get lost when left in crowded places. Cell phones often fall out of bags, pockets, or are simply stolen by intruders. How to find android? Using the system's functions, you can determine the location of the smartphone, block the device, and delete personal information.

How to find a lost Android phone through a computer

Modern communications simplify the search for an Android phone and make it possible to control a mobile phone from a distance. If the device disappears in the mountains, where there is no cellular communication, discharged and turned off, the ability to access the gadget is reduced to zero. How to find an Android phone? The likelihood of a device being quickly detected increases if it:

• is in the on state;
• has access to the Internet;
• equipped with a geolocation function.

How to find a turned off Android phone through a computer

The ability to find a lost device is significantly limited if the cell phone does not work. How to find a turned off Android phone through a computer? The service offered by Google will help with this - Android Device Manager. A prerequisite for using the service is constant access to the Internet or GPS navigation. A Google account is also required.

Google search for Android phone

Gadget owners usually create a Google account. Using your account, you can download games, updates, register on websites, and install useful applications. One of the functions of a Google account is to determine the location of stolen or lost smartphone, even if it is turned off. The system is equipped with a device manager. Enabling this feature makes it easier to determine the location of the device if it is stolen or lost in the future. Versions 5.0 and higher do not require such activation. This setting is enabled by default.

To find an Android phone using your Google account in the future, you need to activate the device manager. Your actions:

1. Go to settings.
2. Select the “Security” menu (in some versions this is the “Protection” section).
3. Click on "Device Administrators".
4. Check the box next to “Device Manager”.
5. Agree with the message that appears by clicking “activate”. The notification talks about the capabilities of Device Manager.

How to find a phone on Android? To do this, you need to follow the link www.google.com/android/devicemanager and activate your account, if this has not been done previously. Then the system itself will find the smartphone registered to this account. A control panel with suggestions will appear in front of the user further actions for cell phones – test call, blocking, deletion of personal data. In addition, the owner of the smartphone will see a map indicating the location of the gadget.

Android phone tracking software

Exist special programs, making it possible to remotely search for Android. They work in the same way as the Google device manager, but have features in terms of functions, interface, and other nuances. Tracking an Android phone in this way is possible using:

• Lost Android - the program is notable for the fact that after installation it appears in the list as Personal Notes and has a shortcut to an ordinary notepad. If your cell phone is stolen by criminals, they most likely will not realize that this application is on it.
• Lookout Security & Antivirus - in addition to tracking the location of the device, it provides full protection for the gadget from unwanted access, viruses, and spyware. It is possible to recover lost data.
• Where’s My Droid – controls the smartphone, makes it call itself, sends its coordinates to a given number. The Pro version allows you to take hidden pictures. The person holding the stolen gadget in his hands will not know that he is being photographed. The resulting images are then sent to the specified address.

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Sometimes careless handling or theft causes the loss of a smartphone. In this case, it is usually recommended to file a statement with the police. But few users know how to find a lost or stolen Android phone on their own.

Meanwhile, there are many possibilities for remote control of your smartphone, and if it is lost, its location can be found in a matter of minutes. Moreover, this can be done even if the gadget is turned off and the attacker has thrown away the SIM card. Here are some tips on how to find a switched off phone on Android.

Most Android smartphones come pre-installed with this useful program. It allows you to control your gadget remotely from another mobile device or home computer.

For android settings Device Manager needs to perform the following operations in the device settings:

• open the menu in the “Security” section;
• go to the “Administrators” section;
• familiarize yourself with the program’s functions and activate the “Find device” option.

Then you should go to . Using its functionality, you can determine the location of a missing device immediately after it is lost, but provided that the attackers or the person who accidentally found your phone do not reset or change the software settings.

In the first hours after loss, you still have a chance to find your smartphone using the program. To do this, you need to open the program on your computer, activate your Google account and select “Search for phone” in the menu.

By clicking on the “Find” icon, you can locate your locality the place where this moment there is a gadget. This program has another useful feature. If you accidentally lost mobile device at home, then activate the “Call” function, and after a while your smartphone will loudly announce itself.

The program also allows you to block the device and send a message to the finder.

The previous manager allows you to control your smartphone remotely, but has a limited set of functions. To find an Android phone through a computer, it is better to use full-fledged specialized software. Such a program is Lost Android.

By installing and activating the application, observing step by step instructions, you will get a powerful tool to control your smartphone. In addition to the options for determining the location of the loss via a GPS connection, the ability to block and format data, you will get a unique opportunity to take pictures using the cameras of the lost phone remotely. Thus, within a few minutes after the theft of the device, you can receive a portrait of the criminal to your email.

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Instructions for finding a phone via a computer.

Navigation

• A mobile phone today is not just a means of communication. For many, it is also a notebook, a photo album, a personal diary and a repository for all sorts of things. important information. Losing a mobile device can be a serious blow to its owner. In addition, many phones themselves cost a lot of money and with their help people manage their bank accounts, register electronic wallets on them and carry out various types of financial transactions
• It’s good if you lost your phone somewhere in the apartment. What if you dropped it on the way home or it was pulled out of your bag on public transport? All the information that you owned will fall into the hands of an attacker, and, take my word for it, he will try to use it to the maximum
• If you are sure that the phone is not in your pocket or has not rolled behind the sofa, then before you start searching, immediately call your mobile operator and block the SIM card. If it was connected to the phone bank card, then this will protect your funds on it
• If messages with passwords for accessing electronic wallets or other payment systems were saved on the phone, then blocking the SIM card will not help and you must immediately begin searching for the device. How? We will tell you about this in this article.

What is IMEI?

• IMEI ( International Mobile Equipment Identifier) ​​– international identifier of mobile equipment. If we talk in simple language, This serial number, with which you can track the location of your phone via satellite
• The number is individual for each phone and consists of 15 digits. Usually it is indicated on the box, battery and cover of the device, but you can also find it out if you enter the command on your phone *#06#

How to find a phone by IMEI?

• To begin with, it is worth noting that in order to search for a phone by satellite, it must have the data transfer function enabled. mobile communications or GPS. This is necessary for the phone to identify itself in the operator’s network or on the Internet. Even if the SIM card is removed, it is possible to track the location of the device
• The second point is that the operator legally does not have the right to provide you with information about the location of the device, even if you present them with a receipt, box and warranty card. So you should write a statement to law enforcement agencies, they will make a corresponding request and then the operator will provide them with access to the identifier database
• If for some reason you do not want to write a statement to the police, then there are several ways to do it yourself, but none of them gives you any guarantee of success. Even through law enforcement agencies, finding a phone by ID is extremely problematic, because if an attacker understands the software, he can easily change the identification number, which will make searching for the device a useless task

How to find a phone by IMEI yourself through a computer?

• As mentioned above, finding a mobile device yourself through an identification number is almost impossible for a number of reasons:

1. You do not have access to the necessary databases and equipment, which can only be provided by a cellular operator and only at the request of special services;
2. someone who finds or steals a phone can change the IMEI by flashing the device;
3. all online services, individuals, programs and applications for changing numbers are fraudulent;

• But don't despair ahead of time. If your smartphone has a licensed software iOS or Android, you have a chance to track your phone's location in real time

How to find iPhone via iCloud?

• It’s worth noting right away that this method will only suit you if you have previously enabled the corresponding option on your device. To do this, you must go to settings and in the iCloud section enable the “Find my iPhone” function
• If the function is active, then we proceed directly to searching for the device through the computer. To do this, go to the official iCloud website, log in to your account and select your device in the list
• For a positive result, your gadget must be connected to the Internet. If there is no green dot on the map that shows the device, it means that it does not currently have access to the Internet. Try again after some time

How to find an Android phone using Google?

• Now the majority mobile companies, such as Samsung, HTC, fly and others, release their products based on Android. This operating system was developed by Google and has the same function as the iPhone, which allows you to track the location of the device through your account.
• If you have lost your Android device, log into your Google account on the official website, select your device and its approximate location will be displayed on the map
• To track, your device must have access to geodata. If the phone is outside the reach of a mobile network, Wi-Fi points, or is turned off, it will not be possible to track it
• In conclusion, it is worth saying that in addition to tracking your phone, you can turn off the device through iCloud and Google accounts, submit sound signal or delete all data from it

Video: How to find a stolen or lost phone?

The theft or loss of a phone is a problem familiar to many, albeit only from the stories of friends. Just a couple of years ago there was no way to track a device's location, but modern technologies allow you to find even a stolen smartphone. There is a specific procedure to follow to find lost phone.

It is possible that you suddenly realize that your smartphone is not in your pocket, and then the state of shock and panic gives way to a convulsive thought process aimed at searching for the device. First, it is recommended to find a way and call it. It happens that it is left in some other place, and the owner begins to panic, believing that a theft has occurred. If the device actually fell out somewhere, it could have been picked up. With the help of a call, it is quite possible to count on a quick return.

You can send an SMS requesting the return of your smartphone for a reward. Naturally, no one wants to pay for their own gadget, but often this is the only option to return the valuable information contained in it. If the device is inexpensive and is used primarily for calls, you can restore the SIM card and then purchase a new one. There are others capable of finding a lost phone that are worth knowing about. It all depends on the operating system used.

If your iPhone iOS is lost

This will only be possible after activating the corresponding option in it. It is recommended to take care of this in advance by enabling this function. Of course, you need to create an iCloud account and link your iPhone to it. This is done in the smartphone settings.

The device turns on the “Find iPhone” function. If your iPhone is already linked to your iCloud account, then strangers will not be able to do anything with it even after flashing it, since they will need your email address and password. In this case, you can return the gadget if you send a message promising a reward.

For remote control For your iPhone, go to iClod.com and then enter the Find My iPhone app. Everything is displayed there Apple devices associated with the account. The application with the same name is also equipped with a similar set of functions.

If you have entered the program, and in the interface you see that the gadget is online, then there are several options for action. You can see the current location of the device. If he is at home, then the site starts playing a melody to quickly find him. Otherwise, the lost mode is activated, which limits access to data for unauthorized persons, and all movements of the device will be displayed on the map.

Having realized that it is impossible to return your smartphone, you should use the “Erase iPhone (all data)” functions on it so that they do not end up in the hands of third parties.

IN iOS versions 7 and higher, it is impossible to bypass Activation Lock mode. It is recommended to update your device as soon as possible so that attackers will not be able to do anything with it other than sell it for spare parts or return it to the owner for a reward.

If you lost your Android phone

This system makes it possible to search for a gadget on the card, block it, or delete all data stored on it, even from a memory card. In addition, the user can make a call to it if using a different SIM card. All this requires that the device has an Internet connection, and your account must be used in the system. The service can only operate if the desired function is activated in the settings. To do this, you need to go to Settings – Security – Administrators and activate “Android Device Manager” (Android Remote Control). Without doing this, you will receive absolutely no help from the service.

Compared to iOS, Android is a less secure system. An attacker has the opportunity to reflash the device, after which Android Device Manager becomes useless. This option will be necessary if you realize that your phone is lost somewhere at home, or you dropped it in the city and someone found it. There is not only a web version, but also an application of the same name that runs exclusively on Android.

New flagship devices from leading companies come with new system data and device protection, which allows you to block the device until charging is complete, that is, the phone becomes a brick and does not allow an attacker to turn off or reflash the smartphone

If your phone on Windows Phone (Windows 10 Mobile) is lost

There are several points here, each of which is responsible for certain actions.

The first provides faster connection to services. This is necessary so that the system communicates with the device not using SMS messages, but using push notifications.

The second option allows you to save your location at a certain frequency. In this case, you will be able to track the movement of the gadget if you managed to sell it. In addition, if it is not in the access zone, or the battery runs out, you can find out the location of the gadget at the last moment of saving. It is possible that he is still there.

If you need to find a lost phone, you need to visit a special website where, after selecting a device, a map with its approximate location is shown. Windows Phone also has remote control functions that are identical to those in other systems. You can block the device, make a call to it, or erase all data.

Actions if you are unable to find your phone number on your own

The police file a report of theft. You should receive a document indicating that the application has been accepted, and you should also keep copies of all documents submitted to the authorities.

You should block the SIM card, this is done at the operator’s office. An active number is an opportunity for an attacker to call anywhere, and you will pay such expenses. The operator is also able to track the location of the smartphone, but only the investigation has the right to submit a request for this. A private person will be denied such a request.

Find a lost phone by IMEI

The process of searching for a smartphone by IMEI is implemented in several stages. After submitting a request to the police with a package of documents on your smartphone, they form a request mobile operators, including IMEI. Representatives of the company look for it in their databases, and also find out the current owner of the SIM card that is currently used in it. All data goes to law enforcement agencies, where the investigation takes place.

Police representatives are looking for the owner of the currently used SIM card in order to find the current user of the device. The police use this method only in exceptional cases when finding a phone is very important.

These days it's hard to find anyone who doesn't have a cell phone. Now mobile phone not only a means of communication, but also a repository of very important and valuable information. These are not only phone numbers and photos, but also various applications with which you can manage your bank account or e-wallet. Therefore, losing your electronic gadget can be a real problem. How to find a lost phone and protect yourself from this in the future?

What to do if you lost your phone

There are several ways to find a lost phone, it depends primarily on how and where you lost it.

If you lost your phone at home

If you have lost your phone in your apartment, then consider yourself lucky, because in such circumstances the chances of finding a mobile device are much higher than in other cases.

The easiest way is to call your number from another phone, but this method is only suitable if the gadget is turned on.

If you know that you have it turned off, then the following search methods will do:

1. Remember where and when you last held a phone in your hands, and what you did next after that. Go through the entire route first, performing the same actions, while simultaneously looking around. You could have dropped it behind the sofa, left it on a shelf and put something on top, or even put it in the refrigerator by mistake, this happens.
2. Consider even the most unusual options at first glance. After all, you can, holding a phone in one hand and a banana skin in the other, get distracted and accidentally throw something in the trash that wasn’t what you planned.
3. Ask those who were in the apartment with you at the time of your disappearance if they took your phone to call. Perhaps they moved your cell phone to another location or simply forgot to return it. If you have children, then look into their toys, children are very attracted to modern gadgets and they always reach for them with their little hands.
4. Combine the search process with spring cleaning very useful, it will help you explore more thoroughly all the hidden places that you would not have thought to check. As a result, you will not only find your loss, but also make your home cleaner, and, perhaps, find something else that was lost earlier.
5. Use a flashlight to check areas that are not getting enough light. For example, under the sofa or behind the closet.
6. If you know you have an alarm set on your device, it's more likely to go off even if your phone is turned off. Make sure that by the appointed time there is silence in the apartment, listen carefully and follow the sound.

Video on how to find a phone

If you lost your phone on the street or in public place

Of course, your chances of finding a phone in such a situation are much lower than in the first case, but it’s still worth a try.

Try to locate the place where you might have lost your phone. Remember where you last used it, if you usually carry your phone in your bag, you might have dropped it when you took something out of it. Your memories will help to significantly narrow down the search area.

You can post advertisements along your route, where you report your situation and promise to pay a reward to the person who finds your cell phone. It is much more convenient to receive a reward for your find than to try to sell a phone without documents.

Finding a switched off phone is very difficult; you will increase your chances of success if you install one of the applications on your phone in advance that will help you find your smartphone. One such application is Signal Flare, it will help if the phone turns off due to a low battery. As soon as the system signals that the battery is low, the application starts recording the location of the gadget, it uses GPS and a Wi-Fi network signal.

If your phone is stolen

In this case, it is very important to act quickly; the easiest way to find a thief is without delay. Contact the police department in the area where the theft occurred. Write a statement, indicate a description of the suspect, if there is one, tell the time and place where the loss was discovered.

Please provide the number in your application IMEI your device. This individual identification number is assigned to each smartphone; you can find it on a sticker that is located under the battery in the phone or on the box of your device. IMEI consists of fifteen digits, it includes the phone model number, country of origin and individual code. This number remains unchanged even if you change the SIM card.

You can download special software in advance, which, using your phone’s IMEI number, will notify you via SMS to the selected number that the SIM card has been changed in your device and will send you a new phone number.

Under a court order, your cell phone carrier can provide law enforcement with information using your phone ID number that includes information about the time of calls, their duration and, most importantly, the location of the mobile device in relation to the nearest telephone tower. Such information is stored in the server memory billing.

In theory, everything sounds easy and simple, but in practice you will encounter problems detecting your phone using this method.

1. Firstly, thousands of phones are lost and stolen every day in cities, and law enforcement agencies are in no hurry to open a case in each of these cases. Perhaps they will dissuade you from writing a statement, hinting that the chances of finding the loss are very low.
2. Secondly, cellular operators are not always cooperative; without a court order, you may be refused to provide billing data, citing legislative framework, which does not regulate the work process in such cases.
3. Thirdly, a request from law enforcement agencies to provide data can take a very long time to process; during this time, an attacker can already change the IMEI number by reloading the software on the phone, which makes it impossible to further identify it in the operator’s database.

How to protect yourself from lost or stolen phone

It is impossible to protect yourself 100% from the possibility of losing your phone, but you can minimize this likelihood by following simple rules and recommendations.

• Always keep your phone in the same place. If you carry a bag, then allocate a separate internal pocket for your mobile phone, preferably with a zipper. This way you will get used to having your phone there all the time and will immediately notice if it is missing. At home, keep your phone on your phone, for example. bedside table or in any other place so that you always know where your favorite gadget is.
• There are headsets that notify the owner that the mobile device to which they are connected has moved more than five meters away. This signal will help you not to leave your phone in the office or on a table in a cafe; it will also inform you that your phone may have been stolen, and right now the thief is running away.
• During rush hour, public transport is crowded with a lot of people, everyone stands very close to each other and in such a situation it is almost impossible to feel that your phone is being pulled out. To protect yourself from this, use headphones, turn on your favorite music on your phone, this will not only brighten up your trip, but also suddenly turning off the song will be a signal that someone has stolen your cell phone.
• Add a keychain to your phone that is specially designed to help you find your missing item in your home or office. There are several principles of operation of such devices, some begin to emit a sound in response to clapping or whistling, while others respond to a signal from a transmitter that you can keep in your wallet or bag.

Losing your phone has always been an unpleasant event, but with the advancement of technology, it can be a solvable problem. It is best to worry about the likelihood of such an incident in advance: install special programs designed to help find the loss; set a password when unlocking so that attackers cannot use your phone; save all important data to cloud storage so that you can always use it.