It is quite difficult when your smartphone is gone since this device contains valuable and confidential information. Fortunately, there are built-in features for locating and locking the device available for both iPhone and Android phones.
Nowadays, all smartphones have GPS trackers, which mean that it is possible to monitor the location of the phone as long as it is connected to the Internet. However, even in case the phone is offline, you may still manage to see its last location.
Tracking an iPhone
Those who have an iPhone must use the Find My application that provides an opportunity to easily manage and locate the device remotely.
- Key Features of Find My Application
- viewing the phone’s location on the map
- using a sound feature that enables locating the phone if it is near you
- locking the device
- receiving notifications about finding the phone
- deleting all data from the phone remotely
- sending an alert if the device is left somewhere.
All these functions are accessible to you via other Apple devices or through logging into your account.
Setting Up the Find My Application on iPhone
In order to effectively manage your phone:
- open the Settings application
- tap on your name
- choose Find My iPhone
- switch on Find My iPhone and Find My network features
- switch on Send Last Location
- make sure that Location Services are active.
With all these features, it becomes possible to track the phone even when it is not working or has weak battery life.
What Should I Do If my iPhone is Lost?
In case you lose your phone, take such actions:
- open Find My application on other devices
- select your phone among all device
- see the phone’s location on the map
- use the Play Sound function if you think that your phone is nearby
- switch on Lost Mode to lock the phone
- add a contact message that appears on the screen.
As a last resort, you may remotely erase the data from your phone and try to find it again as the tracking system will continue to work with the new OS version.
How to Locate Your Android Phone?
In the case of an Android phone, Find My Device function is available.
Basic Requirements for Tracking Your Android Phone
First of all, to enable tracking, make sure that:
- the phone uses a Google account
- the location is active
- Find My Device is switched on
it has power and is connected to the Wi-Fi or mobile network.
With all these requirements met, tracking will become an easy task.
Steps to Locate an Android Device
- go to the website of Find My Device
- sign in via your Google account
- select the device
- view the location on the map.
You may see the exact current location or last location in case the phone is offline.
Actions That Are Available
Once you locate your device, here is what you can do:
- Play sound feature will make the device ring loud even on silent mode
- you can lock the device
- Finally, you can erase the phone.
What Happens If Your Device Is Offline?
If the phone does not work or is not connected to the Internet, then:
- you may still see its last location tracking
- will start when it becomes active special programs
- may locate the phone through nearby devices.
Additional Tips for Recovering the Device
Here are some useful tips that may increase your chances of recovering your device:
- enabling tracking services in advance
- making sure your device has enough power
- using strong passwords/biometric access
- storing data securely
- acting fast if the phone is missing.
When to Remotely Erase the Phone?
If the phone is lost and you do not expect to recover it soon, then remote deletion of data is a safe choice.
