How to Find a Lost Phone - steps

To locate a lost phone, you can use the native services provided by Google and Apple, or you can use third-party applications.

For All Devices

To find your phone, the first step is to call it. You don't necessarily need another smartphone handy; you can use a tablet, laptop, or computer. Special online services can do this for free; just enter your number on the website. The call will be made automatically. This method works for devices running any operating system.

What to Do if You've Lost an Android Phone

On any device synced with a Google account—such as a PC or laptop—open a browser and search for "how to find a lost phone" in the Google search bar. Alternatively, you can go directly to the service using the provided link. A map will open, showing the location where the phone was last connected to the network. A notification will also appear on the phone saying, "Someone is looking for this device."

• You can call the lost phone for up to 5 minutes, during which the ringtone will be at maximum volume, even if the phone is on silent mode.
• You can lock the device using your PIN code, password, or pattern lock. Additionally, you can send a message to be displayed on the screen—useful if the phone is found by someone other than a thief, such as a café waiter where it was left.
• You can also erase all data from the phone by selecting "Erase Device" (though you won't be able to recover the data). This will disable the "Find Device" function, but you won't have to worry about exposing sensitive personal information.

The options mentioned above are available under several mandatory conditions: the phone must be turned on, linked to a Google account, connected to the network, and available in Google Play. Additionally, the "Location" and "Find Device" functions must be activated in the phone settings.

If the Phone is Turned Off

If the lost Android phone is turned off, it can still be tracked using Google Maps: go to the left upper tab and select "Timeline" — then choose the search period. Note: this option only works if "Location History" and "Sending of Geo Data" are enabled in Google Maps settings.

Apps to Find an Android Phone

Google offers a dedicated app called Find My Device. Samsung and Xiaomi also have their own apps: Find My Mobile and Mi Cloud, respectively. Third-party options include Lost Android and Cerberus. The search function is also integrated into many antivirus apps like Avast Mobile Security, AVG AntiVirus, Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus.

How to find a lost iPhone?

Apple also has a web service and app for finding iOS and Mac OS devices called "Find My." You can call the lost iPhone, enable "Lost Mode," or erase all data remotely.

Enabling "Lost Mode" will lock the phone, preventing Apple Pay transactions. You can also send a message with your contact information to the device screen.

All these actions are possible only after enabling the "Find iPhone" and "Location" functions in the device settings. Otherwise, it's recommended to change the password for the Apple ID account immediately after losing the iPhone to protect personal data on the device.

In addition to iPhones, the "Find My" service can locate iPads, Mac computers, AirPods, and Apple Watch.

If the iPhone is Turned Off

"Lost Mode," which locks the device, can be activated even if the iPhone is turned off. Once the phone is turned on, it will be immediately locked.

What to Do if Your Phone is Stolen

If you suspect your phone has been stolen, it's best to contact the police. First, record the IMEI number of the phone (found on the device box and warranty card) and find the contract with the mobile operator. With this information, go to the local police station to file a report of the lost phone. The police will then send a request to the operator, who can track the phone by IMEI, even if the thief uses a different SIM card.

Mandatory Actions for New Phone Owners

• Activate the "Find Device" function and location tracking.
• Protect the phone with a password or Touch ID.
• Record the IMEI number of the device.
• Keep the contract with the operator saved.