How to find a lost Android phone using Google. How to find a lost phone

Read what to do in a hopeless situation, how to find a lost phone if it is turned off. Is it possible? And how to protect yourself from an unpleasant situation.

Often, having lost a smartphone, we part with gigabytes of various kinds of files that may contain personal information, logins and passwords. Today, a mobile phone is no longer just a means of communication, but a very multifunctional device.

But this article will not talk about the capabilities of a smartphone, but about how to find a lost phone if it is turned off. Now there are many services that are developed specifically to determine the location of Android devices, but none of them can work with the device turned off. What to do in such an unpleasant situation?

Lost phone - how to find it if it is turned off: search your pockets

It often happens that users, noticing that the smartphone is not in its proper place, begin to panic out of nowhere. For example, you put your phone in one pocket, but check it in another, more familiar one. Has it happened? Immediately, not very pleasant thoughts come into my head. So, the first piece of advice if you think you have lost your smartphone:

Take a good look at all the places where you usually put your gadget. It wouldn’t hurt to make sure it didn’t fall somewhere. In general, we carefully examine every possible place of his stay.

As I have personally verified, in most cases the phone is simply not where it usually is. That's it - the missing person case is solved. Another the simplest advice– call the lost phone. So, at least make sure whether it is turned on or not. Finally, remember where you were in Lately, When last time took out a smartphone. This will at least reduce the search area.

How to find a lost phone at home. An alarm clock will help!

From banal advice to search your pockets, which you probably guessed yourself, we move on to more effective means. As we noted at the beginning, locating a turned off phone is complicated by the fact that most tools designed for this purpose simply do not work when the device is not turned off. What's interesting is that the alarm clock doesn't stop it.

Smartphone manufacturers and software developers thought, why don’t smartphones turn off on their own at night, and wake up in the morning with the first rays of the sun and wake up the owner.

The feature turned out to be really useful: the smartphone does not receive notifications at night that would force the user to wake up, and does not run out of charge, but turns on on its own in the morning. A similar function is implemented in many phones. It is she who can help find a switched off smartphone.

It is clear that automatic activation must be activated on the device. As a rule, you can find the option in the additional settings of your smartphone. You set the time at which the smartphone will turn off and on. Set an alarm.

Those who use the function can simply wait for the specified turn-on time.

Mobile operators and police will help you find your lost phone

Often, if a smartphone is lost while it is turned off, all the user can do is search the location. It's unfortunate, but there's nothing else we can do on our own unless you use the auto-on feature or some kind of GPS tracking fob. But the police department or salon can help solve the problem cellular communication.

It’s worth noting right away that employees of structures and employees of communication stores are reluctant to do this.

The first, as crime chronicles show, are not always able to catch maniacs and murderers, but you will come to them with a statement about a missing, and most importantly, a switched off smartphone. Of course, if the statement indicates not the loss, but the theft of the device, then this will oblige the investigators to accept it.

However, as statistics again show, there is not much hope for success. Every day, hundreds, if not thousands, of users unwillingly part with their gadgets, which then find a new owner. The police simply will not search for missing or stolen phones.

Will operators help you find your lost phone? mobile communications?

Operators are especially not eager to try their luck in finding your switched off smartphone. Although, it is quite doable.

Mobile operators today have tools that can find a lost phone, or even a disconnected one. By sending a signal to the SIM card, they can determine the approximate location of the gadget. But, again, the police can force the operator to carry out this kind of operation; they are not obliged to help the ordinary user.

Let's say you are one of the people who are 100% confident in their abilities. You know that either the police or the employees of a cell phone store will help you find your turned off smartphone. What is needed for this:

1. IMEI (a unique number assigned to each phone, usually indicated under the device’s battery, can be found by typing *#06#; IMEI is also indicated on the box in which the gadget was delivered);
2. passport;
3. the agreement you entered into when purchasing the SIM card.

With this we go to the police station or a cell phone store. Naturally, we fill out a statement according to which an attempt will be made to find your switched off smartphone. As a rule, the search process takes some time: both the police and cell phone stores send a request to the operator, who is already trying to track the phone.

We also note that if your smartphone is found in the apartment, there is a high risk of receiving a fine. Still, the police spent time and resources searching for your phone.

Plan ahead! What will help you find a switched off smartphone?

Providing your phone with a tool in advance that will help you find it in the future is the best solution. However, who will think about this before they lose their gadget?! So, firstly, an excellent device that will allow you not only to find, but also not to lose, is.

Yes, yes, the same ones that the market is flooded with today. We are interested in two functions in them - searching for a smartphone and warning about a disconnection. In the first case, we can activate a loud sound notification from the watch on the phone, which will “squeal” until you press the button.

Naturally, the option only works when the smartphone is turned on and is within the range of the Smart Watch.

A more interesting function of smartwatches for users who often forget their smartphone in cafes or guests will be a warning about a disconnection. That is, when you move about 15-20 meters away from the smartphone, the watch and the phone itself will begin to vibrate and make a sound.

Smartwatches with these functions are inexpensive, and, in addition, are equipped with other useful options, for example, receiving notifications, remote control smartphone and others. With them, you won’t have to look for a switched off smartphone - you will be protected from losing your electronic friend.

GPS trackers will help in the search

Do you prefer Smart Watch to regular watches? Then we will attach a tracking device to your phone. It's about o various kinds, the location of which can be tracked by satellite, for example, from a computer. Such devices are inexpensive, come in various designs, work for a long time on one charge (or battery) and will definitely help you find your lost phone, even if it is turned off.

You can find a GPS key fob interesting shape, which will not arouse suspicion if your smartphone is stolen. Agree, not everyone will realize that a dangling thing can send information about its location. We’ve already talked about it once, check it out if you’re interested.

Protect your data

Whatever one may say, it is very difficult to find a lost phone outside the home that is also turned off. And sometimes it’s not really necessary. Now, who wants to run from office to office at the police station, trying to file an application to find a phone for 3,000 rubles?

Just a waste of time and nerves. Today, the market allows you to purchase a sophisticated smartphone for a relatively small amount, and users often care not about the gadget itself, but about what it stores in the depths of its memory.

To prevent the finder from gaining access to your files and passwords, you need to worry about security in advance:

• First of all, the passwords are ours. best friend. Set a PIN code that the phone will request when turned on. It's unlikely that you reboot your device every day, so you won't have to enter it often. A simple action, but very difficult to access the device. We also recommend using a screen lock password, which will protect your turned-on smartphone from unauthorized access.

Many modern smartphones have a fingerprint scanner, although many users do not use it. We recommend using it - without your fingerprint, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to guess the password.

• Secondly, synchronization. Very, very useful feature which is neglected by many. IN Android smartphones As a rule, Google services are used for synchronization, combining a lot of data in a single account. In case of theft or loss of a gadget, this same account will help you block or delete all data from your smartphone. By the way, services can help you find Android phone, unless it's actually turned off. Read more about the issue of synchronization and remote monitoring of a smartphone using Google services.

Conclusion

As you can see, today there are not many ways to find a lost phone that is also turned off. If a device is lost outside the home, then the chance of finding it tends to zero.

However, there are quite a lot of means that will prevent loss and help in the search, if you take care of them in advance. Small keychain or smart watch will save your nerves and wallet. And passwords and synchronization will protect your personal information.

You were stolen mobile phone? Not the best news. Both at home and abroad, you should try to return the device as soon as possible. Modern phones and smartphones are found using a built-in or preinstalled program that allows you to track the device. Such applications have different level practicality. In some cases, it is necessary that your device is turned on and connected to the Internet. You can also find a phone the old fashioned way - just call or text and arrange a return.

Steps

How to return a missing phone

Call the phone. If you have lost a regular phone (not a smartphone) from which you cannot connect to the Internet, then you will not be able to track the device online. A different approach needs to be taken. Start calling your number. If you are lucky, the thief may answer your call. If the phone simply fell out of your pocket (in a taxi or on the subway), the person who found it can arrange a meeting with you to return it.

• If the call is answered, say, “Hello, my name is [your name]. You have my mobile phone. He is very important to me. I would like to return the device. We can meet?"

1. Write a message. Even if the call is not answered, try writing a message. Perhaps the thief will change his mind and decide to return the phone to the owner. Send a short message: indicate a number where you can be contacted and ask to return the device. If you deem it appropriate, you can offer a reward.

   • To do this, you will need another mobile phone. Reach out to a friend. If you are far from friends and family, then try asking a stranger with a polite request.

2. Be careful if you arrange to meet. If the person (who stole or accidentally found the phone) agrees to meet you and return the device, then take precautions. Arrange to meet in a crowded place such as a central square or a busy bus stop during daylight hours. Try not to go to the meeting alone. Go to such a meeting with a friend (for company and for safety reasons). Ask a friend to take a cell phone with you so you can call the police if necessary.

   • Take every possible precaution, even if the person's tone seems friendly enough, when you communicate over the phone or via text.

   How to notify authorities and your telecom operator

   1. Contact authorities. If you contact the police about your lost phone, they will be able to provide you with limited assistance in locating your device. Call the police on a non-emergency number. The branch employee will ask you serial number devices. On a smartphone, the serial number can be the Android ID, which is indicated under the battery (if it is removable). Android ID is a series of numbers preceded by an “IMEI” (International Mobile Equipment Identifier).

      • When contacting the police, say something like this: “Hello, I believe my phone was stolen. I noticed it was missing about 10 minutes ago near the library.”

   2. Notify the operator. If a call to your phone remains unanswered, call your mobile operator and report your phone as stolen. The company may be able to locate your device using GPS navigation.

      • If a GPS search is not possible or is unsuccessful, ask your operator to suspend service for your phone. This way, a thief won't be able to use your number and you won't have to pay potentially large bills for calls.

   3. Try looking for a phone number. Try to remember where you noticed the phone was missing and return to that place. Perhaps the thief suddenly changed his mind and dumped your device near the site of the theft.

      • Follow your route to reverse direction and keep calling your number.

   How to track a stolen phone

   1. Enable apps to track your smartphone's location. On the iPhone, this program is called “Find My iPhone,” and on Android devices- “Find device”. The program will track the location of the phone and transmit the relevant information to cloud storage. First of all, you need to set up this function when you purchase the phone (you won’t be able to activate the search after it’s lost).

   2. Turn on Lost Mode. This mode can be enabled remotely: log into your iCloud or Google account and activate this feature. If you enable Lost Mode, the owner of your device will not be able to log into your account and access smartphone data and applications.

      • If you managed to return the phone, then enter a special passcode on the home screen of your smartphone to disable the lost mode.
      • Even iPhone device or Android is offline (no network connection), it can still be locked remotely. To do this, you will need to log into your account on the site. All changes will take effect the next time your device connects to the Internet.

It's no secret that the best remedy searching for a lost phone - calling from another number. The melody set for the call will play, which will make finding the device much easier. But what if the device is turned off or lost outside the home? Let's look at 5 common problems of how to find a phone if it is lost, turned off or stolen.

How to find a lost phone if it is turned on, there is no sound, and there is an active Internet connection

Important! This method only works if you have a pre-entered Google account.

If you have an active wired or wireless connection, Google technology will help you find your smartphone by searching for the device, which displays the charge and the name of the connected device. Wi-Fi networks. There is also a “Ring” button to send sound, even in a silent state. To display your phone on the map, you must first activate geolocation.

Instructions:

1. Open device search page. If necessary, enter your account password.
2. Select a device from the list if 2 or more devices are connected to your account.
3. Opposite the phone name, click on the “Call” or “Find” button. The last button allows you to view the location of the phone on the map, and also, if necessary, erase data.

How to find a phone if it is turned on, there is no sound, there is no Internet connection

In this case, an alarm clock will come to the rescue, provided it is pre-activated and goes off at a given time. In silent mode, when the alarm goes off, the user-set melody and volume level play.

If the alarm is not set, PLNET, OM-TEL, etc. services can report the location of the phone. Search services are paid, but according to the services, finding the exact location of the phone will not be difficult.

How to find a phone if it is turned on, there is no sound, there is no connection to the Internet, an antivirus with an anti-theft function is installed

In articles with, applications with protection against theft or loss are presented. Some programs allow you to remotely control your phone via SMS commands - sound a signal, turn on GPS or mobile data transfer.

Leader in in this direction is "Cerberus". The program allows you to set the location of the phone, take a photo from the camera, etc. And if you have root rights, the program will not allow you to turn off the device and will continue to function when you reset the settings and change SIM cards.

How to find a switched off phone

When turned off, only the alarm clock will help you find your phone. Because to perform a pre-specified event, you need to turn on the phone, which happens when the alarm clock turns on. And by the sound of the melody it is not difficult to find the device.

How to find a stolen or lost phone outside the home

In the absence of an alarm clock, applications for remote control, etc., finding a phone is problematic. Only a cellular operator can help, since it has tools for tracking the SIM card in the phone even when it is turned off. At the same time, the operator’s interest in searching for a phone is low.

If your phone is stolen or the device is lost outside your home, the last option to find your phone is to contact law enforcement agencies. Based on a report of a missing phone, law enforcement officers can contact the operator for help in searching. At the same time, the search is not carried out so quickly, due to the huge number of applicants arriving daily.

Sometimes it is possible to find a lost phone, but after 3-6 or 12 months from the date of filing the application. If it turns out that the phone accidentally fell behind a nightstand or bed at home, it is quite possible to receive a fine for falsely reporting it as missing.

Conclusion

If your phone is lost at home, start by searching for possible or last places stay. Use Internet search if the device is connected to a network, or remote control if the function is preconfigured. If you are sure that the phone is lost or stolen, then contact the operator or law enforcement agencies for help.

Mobile devices often get lost when left in crowded places. Cell phones often fall out of bags, pockets, or are simply stolen by intruders. How to find android? Using the system's functions, you can determine the location of the smartphone, block the device, and delete personal information.

How to find a lost Android phone through a computer

Modern communications simplify the search for an Android phone and make it possible to control a mobile phone from a distance. If the device disappears in the mountains, where there is no cellular communication, runs out of power and turns off, the ability to access the gadget is reduced to zero. How to find an Android phone? The likelihood of a device being quickly detected increases if it:

• is in the on state;
• has access to the Internet;
• equipped with a geolocation function.

How to find a turned off Android phone through a computer

The ability to find a lost device is significantly limited if the cell phone does not work. How to find a turned off Android phone through a computer? A service offered by Google, Android Device Manager, will help with this. A prerequisite for using the service is constant access to the Internet or GPS navigation. A Google account is also required.

Google search for Android phone

Gadget owners usually create a Google account. Using your account, you can download games, updates, register on websites, and install useful applications. One of the functions of a Google account is to determine the location of a stolen or lost smartphone, even if it is turned off. The system is equipped with a device manager. Enabling this feature makes it easier to determine the location of the device if it is stolen or lost in the future. Versions 5.0 and higher do not require such activation. This setting is enabled by default.

To find an Android phone using your Google account in the future, you need to activate the device manager. Your actions:

How to find a phone on Android? To do this, you need to follow the link www.google.com/android/devicemanager and activate your account, if this has not been done previously. Then the system itself will find the smartphone registered to this account. The user will see a control panel with suggestions for further actions regarding the cell phone - test call, blocking, deleting personal data. In addition, the owner of the smartphone will see a map indicating the location of the gadget.

Android phone tracking software

There are special programs that make remote search for Android possible. They work in the same way as the Google device manager, but have features in terms of functions, interface, and other nuances. Tracking an Android phone in this way is possible using:

• Lost Android - the program is notable for the fact that after installation it appears in the list as Personal Notes and has a shortcut to an ordinary notepad. If your cell phone is stolen by criminals, they most likely will not realize that this application is on it.
• Lookout Security & Antivirus - in addition to tracking the location of the device, it provides full protection for the gadget from unwanted access, viruses, and spyware. It is possible to recover lost data.
• Where’s My Droid – controls the smartphone, makes it call itself, sends its coordinates to a given number. The Pro version allows you to take hidden pictures. The person holding the stolen gadget in his hands will not know that he is being photographed. The resulting images are then sent to the specified address.

Video: Android remote control

Losing an Android phone is unpleasant. Even more unpleasant if the phone is stolen. In this article, we will talk about applications that will help you block your Android device in case of loss, remotely delete information from it, or even give “attackers” a short message with information.

Here it is necessary to make a reservation that most applications for finding a lost tablet or phone only work if the device has an Internet connection. In addition, in order to find a lost Android phone, the geolocation search functions, location determination, and the remote system control function must be activated on the device.

So, let's begin. The easiest way to find a lost Android phone is through Google. If your phone or tablet is linked to your Google account, simply go to google.com/android/devicemanager and enter your Google account login information.

Next, you will be asked to choose from three actions: determine the location of the device on the map, make the phone ring (this is useful for those who lose their phone within the apartment), or, if you are absolutely sure that the phone was stolen (and Google map confirms this) , you can use the function to delete data from the phone memory.

But, there is a possibility that the data from the flash card will not be deleted (Google will warn you about this). It all depends on the phone model, and it may work out.

This feature can also be successfully used by parents to get information on where to find a child with your (or his) phone.

One of the most interesting additional applications for finding a lost Android phone is Android Lost. Downloading the program is simple, it is free, without any registration. In addition, the icon on the desktop will not give itself away, as it is called Personal Notes.

Is it possible to find an Android phone? Of course, in the event of loss or disappearance, we act in the same way as in the first case: go to the website androidlost.com and enter the Google entry. On the Control tab, you can control the phone - make it ring or vibrate.

You can also determine the geographical location of your Android phone using GPS data (even if the search on the phone is turned off) or the mobile network of the SIM card. If the SIM card has been changed and geolocation is completely disabled (for example, the device is turned off), you can try to set the location where the phone was last active.

From your computer, you can view all messages in your Android phone, send a new message from an already lost phone, or display some kind of message on the monitor.

But the most useful thing, especially for those whose phone is actually stolen, is the ability to get a photo of the attacker through the front camera.

It is enough to send a message to the phone, the answer to which will be OK, something that does not arouse suspicion among the robber. For example, a message pops up stating that the lost phone has an update for such and such an application. The criminal clicks OK, and the camera receives his photo.

Modern mobile devices are quite high-tech and their operation is unthinkable without the use of the Internet. The most popular Android mobile platform from Google was no exception. Considering the fact that very a large number of people use smartphones on Android, it is not surprising that the question often arises, how can find a lost or stolen phone or remotely erase information on it.

How to activate phone search on Android

The function of finding a lost phone appeared in Android in 2014 and it works for all users without exception by default. The only necessary condition is creating a Google account and entering information about it in the device itself. You can create a Google account both on your phone and on your PC. I wrote how to do this on a computer. A mailbox in the Gmail service is your Google account.

To check how phone search works, go to link and enter the password for your account. If location detection is turned on on your phone (I usually turn it off to save battery power), then you can see the location of your phone on the map.

Google map

Using your Google account, you can not only see the location of your phone, but also see when it was last connected to the Internet, and also activate a sound signal on your phone ( Call) and remotely clear the smartphone’s memory (run the process of a full reset on Android).

remote dialing or blocking

The ringing function is relevant if you have actually lost your device and cannot find it, for example in an apartment or somewhere else. The sound signal will help you locate its location by ear.

How to remotely lock a phone and delete all data from it?

You can block your phone and delete data as a last resort if you know for sure that it has fallen into the wrong hands and you do not want private information - SMS, photos, WhatsApp correspondence, etc. - to be read by a third party.

In order to be able to remotely clear the smartphone’s memory, you must in advance give permission to do this in the phone settings. This is usually done in the section “Security” – “Device” – “Administrators”

On my phone it looks like this:

After I allowed remote control of Android in the phone settings, then in the section DeviceManager another “Block” option has appeared

Now I can remotely lock my smartphone if it is lost or stolen. In the lock settings, you can set a password, the text that will be displayed, for example, “return the phone to the address. Moscow, Chistoprudny Blvd., 2-16” and indicate a phone number to contact you.

This is what my phone screen looks like when I remotely locked it:

The screen will not be unlocked until you enter the password correctly.

If you log in remotely clear smartphone contents Keep in mind that the data on the card may not be deleted (but this is not certain). The likelihood of deletion or not deletion depends on the specific version of Android and phone model.

Conclusion

This method of finding a lost or stolen phone is not a panacea. It is enough to do a HardReset on your smartphone and completely clear the memory, including Google accounts and other things, and the phone will return to working condition. This search method is designed for completely banal cases - the phone really got lost, for example in the grass, room, garden, etc.

There are cases when people found other people's phones and continued to use them without changing anything. for example, this is how it is described.

In this regard, the protection of Apple devices has been made much more serious; if you lost your iPhone, and the “find my phone” function was active on it, then through icloud you can completely “ brick" device. That's why stealing an iPhone is completely pointless, because you simply won't be able to sell it or use it for its intended purpose.

Many owners of mobile gadgets ask the question of how to find a lost Android phone. Sometimes you simply lost it at home, but in other cases it could have been stolen. Don't despair, as there are ways to find a lost Android phone from a computer. Users can resort to the functionality, as well as use other third-party programs.

Finding a phone using Google

The developer of this operating system has provided the ability to find your Android mobile devices if they are lost. However, to do this, remote control must be activated on the phone, and you must also be logged into your Google account. If you have not yet done this on your smartphone, then be sure to activate this function, since only it will subsequently help you find your phone via the Internet on your PC. To enable remote discovery, follow these steps:

1. Go to the general settings of your gadget.
2. Find the Security submenu and then enter it.
3. Scroll down to Device Administrators. Go to this point.
4. Check the box next to “remote control”.

This completes the settings on the smartphone. Now that your phone has been stolen, it can be found. Please note that the stolen Android phone must be turned on. A switched off phone cannot be tracked using this system. To determine where your mobile phone may be located, you need to do the following:

Users also have access to the “Call” function. You can not only find a stolen phone, but also block the device or completely erase data from it. If you delete the data, attackers will not be able to use accounts and other information contained in the phone's memory. If someone has found your phone, you can send them a message using the Block feature.

What should I do if I lost my phone? First of all, use the service from Google, as this is the easiest and most convenient way to search for a mobile phone. To find it, the smartphone must be turned on and connected to the Internet. Otherwise, the service will show the time and place of the last detection.

We use additional software

One of the ways to find a stolen gadget is to install special programs that inherently provide an analogue of the service described above. The official Play Market store and the Internet offer dozens of applications that will quickly find a lost smartphone. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Talklog

The company of the same name has developed a special application that allows you not only to determine the location of the phone, but also to track calls and SMS messages. To do this, you need to go to the official website of the developers and then create an account. On the “add device” tab you will be given a unique link to download the application.

1. Install and run the program on your smartphone. Be sure to allow your location to be determined.
2. Restart your smartphone.
3. Go to your personal account on the official Talklog website, and then find the “Location” tab.
4. The system will provide the coordinates of your phone. The program determines the location of the smartphone using GPS and GSM data.

The only significant drawback of this application is that it is paid, but during the first 12 hours the user has access to absolutely all the functionality of the program.

This program is almost identical to the one described above, with the exception that it is absolutely free. Don't know how to find your phone? Then download the application to your device, and allow administration of it. So you can go to the official website of the program, where you need to log in through your Google account.

Let's figure out now how to track a device? Select "Get Location" from the list of commands. After this, a map with the location of the smartphone will appear on the screen.

The application has huge functionality, which includes:

• smartphone blocking;
• creating a sound or vibration signal;
• reading recent conversations;
• the ability to take a photo using the front or rear camera;
• read Wi-Fi connection data and much more.

For the program to work, the phone must be within network coverage and turned on.

Where's My Droid

An alternative application with fairly wide functionality. The user will also have to install it on his smartphone, after which it will be possible to perform various manipulations with the remote phone or computer lost device. The developer company's website has a convenient interface that will allow you to take a picture of the camera, send a signal to your phone, or determine your location.

An additional advantage is that the developers are constantly improving the application and also adding new features to it.

Avast Anti-Theft

One of the most popular programs that allows you to protect your phone is Avast Anti-Theft. Key Feature is that once installed and configured it is almost impossible to track. It is not displayed anywhere except in the list of installed programs. The attacker will not even realize that he is being monitored.

The developers have also created a convenient and intuitive web interface where you can perform such a variety of actions as call, send a message, erase all data and much more.

The search is carried out through Google maps. It is possible to enable satellite map, and also track the route of the phone when moving.

The applications described are an excellent answer to the question of how to find a stolen phone.

If all else fails

How to find a lost Android phone if all search methods through a computer are ineffective is an equally popular question. Here you need to contact either your telecom operator or law enforcement agencies. They have everything necessary equipment, which will allow you to track your device almost anywhere. You must have a really compelling reason to contact law enforcement.

Pre-prepare documents for purchasing the gadget, which should also contain IMEI - the unique identification number of your smartphone. Be sure to take the box and receipt from the store with you. All this will serve as proof that you are the owner of the lost device.

Instructions for finding a phone via a computer.

Navigation

• A mobile phone today is not just a means of communication. For many, it is also a notebook, a photo album, a personal diary and a repository for all sorts of things. important information. Losing a mobile device can be a serious blow to its owner. In addition, many phones themselves cost a lot of money and with their help people manage their bank accounts, register electronic wallets on them and carry out various types of financial transactions
• It’s good if you lost your phone somewhere in the apartment. What if you dropped it on the way home or it was pulled out of your bag in public transport? All the information that you owned will fall into the hands of an attacker, and, take my word for it, he will try to use it to the maximum
• If you are sure that the phone is not in your pocket or has not rolled behind the sofa, then before you start searching, immediately call your mobile operator and block the SIM card. If it was connected to the phone bank card, then this will protect your funds on it
• If messages with passwords for accessing electronic wallets or other payment systems were saved on the phone, then blocking the SIM card will not help and you must immediately begin searching for the device. How? We will tell you about this in this article.

What is IMEI?

• IMEI ( International Mobile Equipment Identifier) ​​– international identifier of mobile equipment. If we talk in simple language, this is a serial number that can be used to track the location of the phone via satellite
• The number is individual for each phone and consists of 15 digits. Usually it is indicated on the box, battery and cover of the device, but you can also find it out if you enter the command on your phone *#06#

How to find a phone by IMEI?

• To begin with, it is worth noting that in order to search for a phone by satellite, it must have the mobile data transfer or GPS function enabled. This is necessary for the phone to identify itself in the operator’s network or on the Internet. Even if the SIM card is removed, it is possible to track the location of the device
• The second point is that the operator legally does not have the right to provide you with information about the location of the device, even if you present them with a receipt, box and warranty card. So you should write a statement to law enforcement agencies, they will make a corresponding request and then the operator will provide them with access to the identifier database
• If for some reason you do not want to write a statement to the police, then there are several ways to do it yourself, but none of them gives you any guarantee of success. Even through law enforcement agencies, finding a phone by ID is extremely problematic, because if an attacker understands the software, he can easily change the identification number, which will make searching for the device a useless task

How to find a phone by IMEI yourself through a computer?

• As mentioned above, find mobile device independently through an identification number is almost impossible for a number of reasons:

1. You do not have access to the necessary databases and equipment, which can only be provided by a cellular operator and only at the request of special services;
2. someone who finds or steals a phone can change the IMEI by flashing the device;
3. all online services, individuals, programs and applications for changing numbers are fraudulent;

• But don't despair ahead of time. If your smartphone has a licensed software iOS or Android, you have a chance to track your phone's location in real time

How to find iPhone via iCloud?

• It’s worth noting right away that this method will only suit you if you have previously enabled the corresponding option on your device. To do this, you must go to settings and in the iCloud section enable the “Find my iPhone” function
• If the function is active, then we proceed directly to searching for the device through the computer. To do this, go to the official iCloud website, log in to your account and select your device in the list
• For a positive result, your gadget must be connected to the Internet. If there is no green dot on the map that shows the device, it means it is this moment, does not have access to the Internet. Try again after some time

How to find an Android phone using Google?

• Now most mobile companies, such as Samsung, HTC, fly and others, release their products based on Android. This operating system developed by Google and it has the same function as in the iPhone, which allows you to track the location of the device through your account
• If you have lost your Android device, log into your Google account on the official website, select your device and its approximate location will be displayed on the map
• To track, your device must have access to geodata. If the phone is out of range mobile network, Wi-Fi points or is turned off, it will not be possible to track it
• In conclusion, it is worth saying that in addition to tracking the phone, through Accounts iCloud and Google can turn off the device, sound an alarm, or erase all data from it

Video: How to find a stolen or lost phone?