So you’ve lost your android phone. It happens to everyone. It was just in your pocket a while ago, and now it’s gone, forgotten between the seats of your couch, or misplaced somewhere during your busy day. Maybe it’s just in the pockets of your other coat, or maybe it’s already in the hands of someone who found it on the sidewalk. Either way, all you want is to somehow get it back.
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Track your Android
If your lost phone happens to be an Android smartphone, than you’ll be pleased to know that Android not only has Google’s own service for finding and managing your device remotely, but also a list of third-party apps which make it easier for you to locate your smartphone. The easiest to use is Google’s own Android Device Manager, which is built into your smartphone through Google Play Services.
You don’t need to have this app installed in your device for it to work. Just go to the page and sign in with the Google account that you used to sign in to your Android device. The last location of your device will be shown to you down to an accuracy of about 20 meters. It will also tell how far the device is from you, and the last time it was online.
On this page, you can also lock the device so that others cannot access it. You can make it ring to make it easier for you to locate if it is nearby. Or as a last resort, you can erase all the data you have on the device to prevent identity theft or loss of any important info.
There are also other third party apps available that you can remotely install to help you find your phone. These include Lookout Plan B and Cerberus Anti-theft, which are both great apps and they allow a number of additional features which help you out in finding your phone.
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Secure your Accounts
Secondly, you need to make sure that your accounts remain secure. Most people have their emails, social networks, messaging groups all on their Android device. Once you lose your device, it is imperative that you secure them by logging in via another device and changing their passwords. This includes your main Google account.
By changing your main Google password, any unauthorized person handling your phone will not receive access to your personal accounts, contacts, apps and other info. Changing your Google password will not affect your efforts to locate your device.
You also need to unlink your accounts from your lost device in order to stop the sync process on your phone. For example, if you use Dropbox on your Android, unlink this device from your account via the website by going to the account’s security page, then finding your device and clicking the ‘x’ button. You will have to do this for all the services that you have linked to your device one by one.
One way to free yourselves from this complex process is to install third-party apps like Social Media Vault. It allows you to use all your social media accounts via just one interface, and saves you from the trouble of downloading separate social media applications. Social Media Vault also registers any hacking attempts made to enter the app by taking a picture of the alleged hacker.
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Pre-cautionary measures
To make sure that the risk of losing your phone is less, you need to follow some pre-cautionary measures. These would also help you in safeguarding your precious data.
First of all, you should always keep your data connection on. Your phone needs always to be connected to the internet so that you can locate it or control it via services like Android Device Manager. You also need to make sure that your phone’s tracking location is on.
Secondly, you need to make sure that your data is always protected. For this, you need to keep a powerful passcode. The pattern lock provides you with the lowest level of security. Then comes the camera lock, then PIN lock and finally the password lock.
It would help if you would keep a data security application installed in your phone and keep your precious data in it. The best data security application for me is Folder Lock Advanced. You can hide and protect private pictures, videos, audios, documents, etc. in this application. You can also lock your personal apps, social media accounts and your banking information with the Folder Lock Advanced application.
Lastly, you need to back-up your data at all intervals. The best and easiest way to back-up your data is to store it on a cloud server. Dropbox and Google Drive provide you with the service of string your data on a cloud server. Folder Lock Advanced also gives you the option to store your private data on a cloud server.
See More: Using social media apps without installing their apps on your devices!
Important Steps To Do Immediately If Lose Your Phone
1. Contact your wireless provider to suspend service to your phone.
2. Contact your local police station to report the loss.
3. Change your passwords for any accounts linked to your phone.
4. Contact your bank to inform them about the loss of your phone.
5. Use a tracking app (e.g. Find My iPhone) to locate your phone.
If My Phone Is Stolen And Turned Off?
If your phone is stolen and turned off, you may not be able to locate it using Find My iPhone. However, you can contact your local law enforcement and report the theft. They may be able to help you locate your phone if it is turned on.
What Do Thieves Do With Stolen Phones?
Thieves may use stolen phones to make calls, access personal information, or even sell the device on the black market. They may also use the device to commit fraud or other crimes as soon as possible.
Is It Better To Report A Phone Stolen Or Lost?
It is usually better to report a phone stolen rather than lost, as this may help law enforcement to locate the device and apprehend the thief. In some cases, reporting a lost phone may be necessary if it is not possible to report it stolen.
Where Is My Android Backed Up?
Your Android device is typically backed up to your Google account. You can access the backup by going to the Google Drive app, tapping the menu button, and selecting “Backups.” From there, you should be able to see a list of your backed up files.
How Do I Get Everything Back On My Phone?
If you have backed up your Android device to your Google account, you can easily restore your data. To do this, go to the Google Drive app, tap the menu button, and select “Restore.” Then, select the backup you want to restore and follow the on-screen instructions. Depending on the size of your backup, it may take some time to restore everything.
How Do I Recover My Android Phone?
If your Android phone has been lost or stolen, there are a few steps you can take to try and recover it.
1. Contact your carrier: If your phone is still active, your carrier might be able to help you locate it. Contact them and provide them with the IMEI number of your device, as well as any other information they may need.
2. Use Android Device Manager: Android Device Manager is a Google service that can help you locate and lock your phone.
Can A Phone Be Traced If Its Turned Off?
No, it is not possible to trace a phone if it is turned off. When a phone is turned off, it becomes untraceable and cannot be tracked.
Do Police Help Stolen Phones?
Yes, police can help with stolen phones. They can investigate the theft, trace the phone using its IMEI number, and help to recover it.
How Do Police Find Stolen Phones?
Police typically use a variety of methods to find stolen phones. These include using the phone’s IMEI number to trace its location, using the phone’s GPS signal to locate it, and using facial recognition software to identify the thief. They may also use information from the phone’s service provider to help locate it.
Can Someone Access My Data On Stolen Phone?
Yes, it is possible for someone to access your data on a stolen phone. It is important to take precautions to protect your data, such as setting a strong password and enabling remote wiping.
How Long Does Police Take To Find A Lost Phone?
The time it takes the police to find a lost phone depends on the resources they have available, the location of the phone, and the type of phone. In some cases, the police may be able to locate the phone in a matter of hours, while in other cases it may take days or weeks.
Do Stolen Phones Get Blocked?
Yes, stolen phones can be blocked. Most carriers will block a stolen phone from making calls, sending texts, and accessing the internet. This is done to prevent the thief from using the phone and to protect the owner’s data. Additionally, some phones have tracking features that can be used to locate the stolen device.
Simplest Way To Protect Data When Device Is Lost Or Stolen
The simplest way to protect your data when your device is lost or stolen is to enable remote wiping. This is a feature that allows you to erase all data from your device remotely, even if it is no longer in your possession. You can also use a password or biometric authentication to protect your device.
Can A Stolen Phone Be Unlocked And Used?
Yes, a stolen phone can be unlocked and used, but it is not recommended. If the phone is unlocked, the thief can access your personal information, contacts, and data. It is best to contact your carrier and report the phone stolen, so they can blacklist the device and prevent it from being used.