Losing anything is never fun, but a missing phone can start a whole world of problems. Since phones are essential tools in the modern world, we often rely on them for everything; communication, navigation, banking, keys, passwords, plane tickets, etc.
So when it goes missing, you might be lost on what to do next. We’re here to help.
Increase Recovery Chance with Lost Mode
Location services can not only improve the chances of return but can help you actively find the device–only if you’ve previously enabled the service, of course.
Apple: Find My iPhone
- Go to icloud.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Select Find My iPhone
- Search for a location if online
- Select the missing device and put it in lost mode
- Leave a message and number (not your number but a friend’s)
Android: Find My Device
- Go to android.com/find
- Sign in with your Google account
- Search for a location if online
- Select Secure Device
- Add a password or pin if you did not previously have one and leave a message and number (not your number but a friend’s)
Reduce Harm
Do not, I repeat, do not ever submit your password or account information.
Your phone is the key to tons of essential files, accounts, and secure data; they shouldn’t ever need your password to help return the device. Verifying ownership can be quickly done with the IMEI number, basically the phone’s serial number (we wrote a post about the IMEI here), with zero risks to you as an owner.
You’ve already checked out the lost and found, so that’s a good start, but check back regularly. Ensure your device is locked (you can add passwords using the location services steps above) and secured.
Otherwise, you’ll want to consider protecting other accounts on your devices, such as bank accounts, social media profiles, email accounts, and anything else you might do on your phone. Again never give out passwords.
Stay positive and keep in touch with the lost and found for your phone. We’ve helped return thousands, so there is still some hope.
But if you’re ready to move on:
- Secure and erase your device.
- Contact your carrier to set up a new sim card or number transfer – make sure to erase the device before you disconnect service.
- Fingers crossed you have a recent backup; recover your data to the new device after purchase.