Without a phone, we feel lost, confused, and weak. Is there any hope of re-encountering a lost or stolen phone?
Have you ever had that feeling of drowning while walking when you didn’t feel the phone in your pocket? In a panic, I started searching all the hidden pockets in your pants, jacket, and bag. If you are lucky, then at that moment you will remember that you forgot about her in the car or at home. But what users fear most can happen. You lost your phone or someone stole it from you. The data and the devices themselves are valuable to unprepared owners. The phone is a storehouse of great sentimental values.
The moment you find yourself disconnected from your device, your thoughts will start racing. where is he? Will I get it back? Will a searcher or thief be able to access the content on the phone, including photos, videos, and messages? In the event of theft, the chances of the phone being reunited are minimal, because the unprepared are ready for any of your search attempts. In the event of a loss, the success of the discovery increases slightly, but only if you have prepared for a possible scenario in advance.
What preventative measures do we recommend?
It won’t take you long to go through the settings and turn on some features. Trust us, in case you lose, you’ll be grateful that you took 5 minutes to connect to settings.
Use all available security features and methods to lock your phone. This is the biggest service you can do and the biggest obstacle to thieves. If you are already a victim of theft, at least make sure that the unprepared will not have the easy task of hacking your phone. We recommend using the phone lock function with password, pattern and fingerprint. Some users avoid using these features because they are annoying, as they have to type in a password or pattern every time they use it. In this case, ask yourself what is worse. Do you have to type in a password every time, or does a thief have instant access to your most private information?
However, we do not recommend unlocking the phone through face recognition, as the technology has many shortcomings in some devices. Although biometric technology has improved, a lack of preparation can fool some devices with something as simple as a photo of your face.
Lost phone? Turn on Google Find My Device
Whenever you sign in to your Android device with a Google account, Find My Device is turned on automatically. Google’s free service is the first line of defense you’ll use if your phone ever sinks. This will allow you to track it, lock it and delete data as well remotely.
Make sure Find My Device is enabled on your Android phone. Go to Settings and then the Security & Location tab > Find My Device. If you do not have this option, use the custom search engine in the settings. You’ll likely find it under Google > Security > Find My Device. Most manufacturers also have their own features dedicated to finding lost devices.
Apple devices also have their own version of Find My Device, which can be supplemented with handy AirTag transmitters to help you find your device faster. You have the following search options: Show location, play audio, mark device as missing, delete remotely, notify me when device is found, and more.
Also write down your phone’s identification number (IMEI). If the thief tries to sell the phone online, you can use the code to check if your phone is stolen. You can find the IMEI code in “Settings” on the “About” tab. Store your number in a safe place.
What about phone insurance?
Some believe that insurance is a waste of money, while for others it is a necessary supplement. Whatever your situation, the truth is that there is no better feeling than that in case of theft or loss, you can get a replacement by filing an insurance claim. In addition to compensation for theft and loss, some insurances also cover accidental damage and, in rare cases, extend the warranty period.
For help, what should I do if the phone is stolen or lost?
Before you start to panic, first call or text the lost phone. Sometimes you think you’ve lost your phone, but it’s actually hiding under a car seat or in a hole between couch cushions.
If you turned on the Find My Device feature before the loss, you can use the features already mentioned. Android users use google.com/android/find. Sign in with the same Google account on the lost device. You will have several options:
- If the location is on and the device is on, you will be able to follow it on the map.
- Play a sound to help you find your device if it’s nearby.
- Locking a device allows you to lock or delete data remotely. You will also be able to display the number and any message of whoever is looking for you on the home screen.
Apple users visit icloud.com/find. The process is very similar, sign in with your Apple account and locate the lost device. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find the device via the last registered website, with audio playing, with the help of AirTag transmitters and the like.
The next step is to notify the operator who will disable the SIM card or services on your smartphone. The finder or thief will not be able to use the phone. Even though most mobile phone packages offer a large amount of data (100GB or more) and unlimited calls and messages, you still probably don’t want anyone calling your contacts or sending them malicious messages. You may request termination of services by phone or at the physical location of the service provider.
If you think your case is hopeless and you have dealt with it, the last step is to delete all data. This will ensure that your photos and clips remain your exclusive property. You can do this at the links listed above. You cannot undo the deletion. We recommend that you have a plan ready to back up your phone. This way, you will be able to get all your files back if you find or change a phone.
What else do you want to do?
- Log out of all remote accounts (social networks, bank ().
- Change passwords for all accounts.
- If you use your device to pay, contact your bank.
- Keep a close eye on all accounts of suspicious activity after they are lost or stolen.
For more similar tips and tricks, visit our online tricks and tips section.