How to Find a Stolen Cell Phone

Finding out your phone has been lost or stolen can be a stressful experience. Photos, files, passwords, and even banking information can be stolen in a matter of moments.

Fortunately, whether you own an iPhone or Android device, there are steps you can take to help you recover your device and protect your data.

Here’s what you need to know:

Tracking Features

For iPhone: Apple’s “Find My” feature lets users track their iPhone, iPad, and other Apple-related electronics. The app will play a sound on a lost or stolen device to help locate it. It can remotely locate the device and even display a message to contact the owner.

Apple also rolled out an update to its iOS operating system with a feature called Stolen Device Protection. The new setting is included in the latest version of iOS, 17.3.

Stolen Device Protection monitors the user’s “known locations,” such as their home or workplace, and adds additional security measures that should be bypassed if someone tries to use the device for certain purposes while it’s away from those locations.

Once you have enabled stolen device protection, you will need to scan your phone using Face ID or Touch ID to confirm that the person is the rightful owner.

To activate it, scroll down to “Face ID & Passcode” or “Touch ID & Passcode” and enter your passcode. Scroll down and you’ll see Device Theft Protection, where you can follow the instructions to activate the feature.

For Android:Google’s “Find My Device” app or website allows users to locate their phone using GPS, remotely lock it, or wipe it if necessary.

Data recovery

For iPhone: Apple’s iCloud stores personal information from your devices and keeps it up to date. You can access your photos, files, and more from any web browser, and changes are synced across your iPhone and other devices.

For Android:Most devices can be backed up to a Google Drive account, where all your information can be stored, including contacts, passwords, apps, and more.

Advice for law enforcement

Law enforcement agencies recommend that people who own a stolen device report any incidents immediately.

The more information you can provide, the better. The IMEI number — a unique 15-digit identification number — can be found in Settings and can be helpful in recovery efforts. It’s important to write this number down beforehand, and it can also be found on the device’s original packaging.

Guarantees

For iPhone:AppleCare+, Apple’s extended warranty, includes Theft and Loss Protection, providing coverage for up to two theft or loss incidents within a 12-month period.

For Android: Whether theft or loss insurance is offered depends on the company’s warranty policy. Among Android companies, SamsungCare+ does not cover lost or stolen devices.

It is important for device users to regularly back up their data to the cloud or a computer, set strong passwords, and notify their carrier if their device is stolen to prevent unauthorized use of their phone.

With files from Associated Press