Police how to find a lost smartphone. What to do if you lost your Android phone and how to find it faster

Has your mobile phone been stolen? 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 the operator mobile communications and report your phone theft. 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 account iCloud or Google 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.

Modern people practically never let go of their gadgets. Phones have taken on many functions, because in addition to standard calls and messages, they can be used to create photographs, communicate in social networks, plan events. What can we say about the standard functions of a calendar, calculator, alarm clock, etc.? Losing a gadget can turn into a real tragedy for a person. Fortunately, each smartphone has its own unique code and if lost or stolen, you can track its location even online, so how can you find a phone by IMEI?

What is IMEI

This is an abbreviation that stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier, which translated into Russian means “international mobile equipment identifier.” It is a unique number for each mobile in GSM format. When connected, the code is automatically sent to your mobile operator. If another SIM card is inserted into a stolen smartphone and at least one call is made, law enforcement agencies They will be able to punch the phone using IMEI, find out who the card is registered to and seize the device.

Code assignment algorithms are constantly changing. The structure itself underwent changes in 2004. Initially, the code consisted of 14 digits, now it consists of 15. Today it has following structure: "AA-BBBBBB-CC-D", where:

• “AA” and “BBBBBB” are placement type codes (TAC) and are associated with the manufacturer and specific model of the device. For example, for iPhone 5 owners, the TAC code looks like this: 01-332700, and for Samsung Galaxy S2 – 35-853704.
• “SS” is a unique serial number, supplied exclusively by the manufacturer.
• “D” is a check digit for checking the entire line.

How to find out the IMEI of a phone

Code data is traditionally stored in four places: on the packaging, under the device’s battery, in the warranty card and in the gadget’s firmware. On most devices, to retrieve it, you need to enter the code combination *#06# on the dialing screen and press call. You can use regular surfing through the device settings. Below are several options for popular manufacturers and operating systems:

• iOS (iPhone, iPad): Settings > General > About phone.
• Android: Settings > About phone.
• Older Sony and Sony Ericsson models: * right * left left * left *.
• Blackberry, new Sony Ericsson models: Settings > Status.

Is it possible to find a phone by IMEI

Using the code, you can find the gadget in several ways. It is difficult to change IMEI without outside intervention. This is illegal in some regions, so you can be sure that using the code you will accurately determine the location of the gadget. If you are not interested in returning the device, but do not want others to have access to your data, then contact your cellular network company to block your smartphone and extend the block to other mobile operators.

Find a phone by IMEI

You can find out the coordinates of a lost smartphone yourself using special services on the Internet, through various applications and programs for the Android and iOS operating systems of Apple devices. In case of mobile theft, it is better to contact law enforcement agencies, write a statement and indicate the unique IMEI identification number.

Google

People often wonder how to find a phone by IMEI via satellite for free. Finding a smartphone via a GPS satellite is a cinematic fiction, in real life this is not feasible. You can track your phone by IMEI via the Internet if the mobile is linked to Google account:

1. Go to Personal Area Google account.
2. On the main page, find the “Search for phone” option, click “Proceed”.
3. Select the device, after which the approximate location of the smartphone will be displayed on the map.

To find an iPhone by IMEI, you need to connect the iCloud service and activate the “Find iPhone” option. If your smartphone is lost, to determine its location, you need to go to icloud.com and enter your access data: password and Apple ID. Using the service, you can see not only where the smartphone is located, but also how it moves. You can also block your iPhone on the site.

Airdroid app

If the question of how to find a phone by IMEI yourself is still relevant, then use an analogue of a Google account - the Airdroid application, it can be installed from the gallery Google Play. The program implements remote control of the device, the ability to completely clear and block data. If stolen, an attacker can take control of the application.

Lost Android program

Another program for finding a phone by IMEI is called “Lost Android”. The application is more powerful. You can install from Google Play. List of several remote features implemented in Lost Android:

• search for a device on the map;
• lock/unlock;
• viewing and copying data (contacts, messages, photos);
• turning on/off the sound signal, vibration, screen;
• SIM card replacement notifications.

Statement to the police

Law enforcement agencies are tracking lost gadgets. If a smartphone has been stolen, you must contact the police and write a statement. You need to specify the IMEI code in it. After the request, employees will send a request to your operator mobile network. Unfortunately, the police respond very slowly to this type of complaint. In addition, operators cellular communication They often refuse to block the phone until the fact of theft is officially confirmed.

Video

Let's look at how to find a phone through a Google account in a few minutes.

For such cases, the company has created the Find My Phone service, with which you can quickly find out the location of your smartphone.

Let's take a closer look at what you need to work with the site and how.

Contents:

Today, the theft or even short-term loss of a gadget has serious consequences. Many people store all their personal data, phone numbers, passwords, important correspondence and photos in it.

In addition, an outsider who has Android in their hands will be able to quickly reset the lock password.

Using the resource, users can track all smartphones linked to their account, view their position on the map, and even influence their operation.

What does it take for successful tracking?

Before proceeding with the search procedure, you should pay attention to what conditions must be met.

First of all, to remotely detect a smartphone, a number of functions must be activated on it:

• Connecting to the Device Manager service;
• GPS module;
• Internet connection (2G, 3G or Wi-Fi networks).

No installation required third party applications, however, it is necessary to check the correctness.

Follow the instructions to connect Device Manager:

• Go to the main menu;
• Now click on the item “ Google Settings" - do not confuse with regular settings. The application is standard and installed on all Android;

• In the window that opens, select the “Services” tab, and then click on Android Device Manager. This way you can allow a remote resource to access information for blocking or deletion;
• Activate the "Remotely Locate Device" slider. And also, allow remote memory erasing.

For the site to work, you will also need to activate localization services. You can do this as follows:

• Go to settings;
• Opens a tab "Location" and in the window that opens, check the box next to the card operation item;
• Open the tab "Location Access" and enable the function of regularly receiving information about the location of the device. To do this, just activate the corresponding slider.

You only need to follow the above steps once to seamlessly use Device Finder anywhere in the world.

Please note that the ability to find a device is only available for gadgets with firmware version 2.2 and higher. Gadgets with older Android will appear in your account, but you won't be able to connect to them.

Tracking

Your efforts will be successful if all the above requirements and settings are met. To search for a smartphone, go to link and do the following:

• Log in using your account details;
• View the list of available devices (left top part windows) and click on the desired name;
• Wait until you go to the Find page of the gadget and click on the arrow to update the information;
• The service will automatically detect and indicate the point on the map.

You can call your smartphone – the gadget will start beeping for 5 minutes. During this time, you will be able to determine his location if the map indicates that he is somewhere nearby.

Allows you to restrict access to its content. This will keep your data safe from potential hackers.

Function "Erase data" allows you to get rid of all content. Use it if you can’t find your phone, but don’t want your files to fall into the hands of strangers.

How to findSamsung

If you are a user of the line, in addition to the standard search service from Google, you can also use third party service Find My Mobile.

This resource is also linked to the account information, thus creating an account in the Samsung system. This action is performed automatically during the page binding stage.

Essentially, it works exactly the same as its Google counterpart, only it is a more advanced version of the online assistant. Location data is first read from Google.

Also, users can block it.

Using this function, you can increase the chances of returning the gadget, because the person who found it will not be able to unlock it, and by calling him from a trusted phone, you can agree on the return of the item.

To do this, follow the instructions:

• Go to the site and log in using your Google username and password. If you changed your online login at the account linking stage, enter other input information;
• After successful authorization, the tracking all devices window will appear. To select a gadget, click on it in the upper left part of the web page;
• Now in the main menu, click on the item “Locate My Phone”;
• Wait for the map to load and click on “Locate mobile” and “Start Tracking” above it;
• After a few seconds, a mark indicating the estimated location of the device will appear on the map.

Other service functions:

• Send a message or call;
• Location by sound. If you lost your phone at home, click on the “Ring My Phone” button so that the gadget starts beeping;
• Data cleaning– with this function you can quickly clear your smartphone of all user information. No one will be able to use your correspondence, photos, recordings and other information;
• Lock– setting an access key to a smartphone remotely.

A special feature of Samsung's extended service is that it not only works with all data, but also the ability to track the movement of the gadget in real time (the information is automatically updated every 15 minutes).

Remember! You can find your Samsung device using the standard method from Google, so don’t be upset if for some reason the service cannot detect your gadget.

This is done as follows:

• Go to settings, then go to the “Security” menu (on some versions “Protection”), then click on “Device Administrators” appearance which is shown in Figure No. 1.

• The “Device Administrators” section contains a single item called “Device Manager”. There is a checkbox next to it. Actually, all the user needs to do is check that box and exit the settings. However, after the checkbox is checked, a message will appear, the appearance of which is shown in Figure No. 2.

This message talks about what this very “Device Manager” can do, and specifically:

1. Delete all data from the device;
2. Change passwords on it;
3. Block your phone.

You just need to agree to this message by clicking on the “Activate” button.

Note: On all versions of Android, starting from 5.0, all the above settings do not need to be done. In them, the device manager is enabled by default.

By the way, this is the only case when a stolen or lost phone on the Android platform can be found without any actions performed even before its loss - if it has the version operating system 5.0 or higher. In all other cases, it is simply impossible to find him without the help of law enforcement agencies.

That's all. The process of connecting the phone, in fact, to the tracking service is completed. Now you can try to find out the location of the device. To do this, you need to follow the automatic device tracking link, which looks like this: www.google.com/android/devicemanager. Of course, you will need to log in there, if this has not been done earlier. After this, the system itself, automatically, will find the phone that is registered to this account. Again, in order for the phone to be linked to a Google account, you need to log in to Google once. The appearance of the window itself is quite classic for such programs.

In Figure 3, the main control panel is highlighted. As you can see, it has three buttons that allow you to make a test call to the phone, block it, or clear all data from the device. To carry out one of these actions, you just need to click on the appropriate button. In addition, this window has a map where you can see the real location of the phone. Even if it is now turned off, the system will show the location where the phone was the last time it connected to the Internet. Thus, we can say that Google services are simply indispensable help if you have lost your phone. They allow you to track the location of the device via a computer in a matter of minutes.

Method number 2. Using pre-installed programs

In general, there are quite a lot of all kinds of programs that help in finding a lost phone via the Internet. All of them perform the same function as Google’s “Device Manager,” namely, displaying the device’s location on a map, but each has its own unique features in terms of functionality, interface, or other nuances. Therefore, below is a list of the most popular programs for finding a phone or other device on the Android platform via the Internet:

Lost Android

This program is interesting, first of all, because attackers really know little about it, and even if the phone ends up in their hands, they are unlikely to realize that such a program is on it. Accordingly, they will not understand that the owner may know where in this moment his device is located. And all thanks to the fact that in the list of Lost Android programs it is displayed simply as Personal Notes and has a shortcut to a regular notepad. Accordingly, the attacker will think that this is just some kind of notebook and nothing more.

On the official website of this program (http://www.androidlost.com/) you can find a download link and full instructions by use. To start using Lost Android, you must also log in to Google using the button highlighted in Figure 4.

Lost Android features are:

1. Find out the location of the phone;
2. Give a sound signal (for example, a siren);
3. Make the device vibrate;
4. Send an email about an incorrectly entered PIN code;
5. Send the location of the device by email.

Lookout Security & Antivirus

Here we're talking about about a complete system for protecting your phone from unauthorized access, viruses and spyware, and from other various threats. In addition, standard functions for such programs are available, such as location detection, sound notification and device locking. Among the features, it is worth noting an unusual interface that will appeal to high-tech lovers, as well as the ability to recover data from a phone that was in the hands of attackers. In general, it is also a very useful application if you have lost your phone.

By the way, the Lookout Security & Antivirus application is often included in the TOP of the best on Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout&hl=ru), and the rating of 4.5 says a lot !

Where's My Droid

Everything here is based on sending an SMS message with a special syntax. So, using special codes, you can make the phone ring itself or send its coordinates to a given phone. IN Pro version It is also possible to take hidden photos. This means that the person holding the device in his hands will not even know that he is being photographed at that moment, and the resulting photos are sent to the specified email. Download link – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alienmanfc6.wheresmyandroid&hl=ru.

All these programs allow you to find your phone through your computer.

Method No. 3. Law enforcement

So, if you have an Android version less than 5.0 on your phone and you have not installed any special programs before, there is only one way left, which is to contact the police. There you just need to write a missing person report mobile phone. It is possible that law enforcement officers will be able to recognize your device by IMEI, that is, a unique identifier that every phone has.

Advice for those who have not yet lost their phone. Write down your ID somewhere so that law enforcement officers can later recognize your device by IMEI. To find it out, you just need to dial *#06# on your phone.

The application will need to indicate all the phone information. To prove that you are its owner, take with you a box, a receipt from the store, or any other documents and things that may indicate this.

Below you can clearly see how a phone search occurs using standard Android services connected to Google.

The theft or loss of a phone is a problem familiar to many, albeit only from the stories of friends. Just a couple of years ago there was no way to track a device's location, but modern technologies allow you to find even a stolen smartphone. There is a certain procedure to follow to find a lost phone.

It is possible that you suddenly realize that your smartphone is not in your pocket, and then the state of shock and panic gives way to a convulsive thought process aimed at searching for the device. First, it is recommended to find a way and call it. It happens that it is left in some other place, and the owner begins to panic, believing that a theft has occurred. If the device really fell out somewhere, then it could be picked up. With the help of a call, it is quite possible to count on a quick return.

You can send an SMS requesting the return of your smartphone for a reward. Naturally, no one wants to pay for their own gadget, but often this is the only option to return the valuable information contained in it. If the device is inexpensive and is used primarily for calls, you can restore the SIM card and then purchase a new one. There are others capable of finding a lost phone that are worth knowing about. It all depends on the operating system used.

If your iPhone iOS is lost

Apple smartphones are very popular among criminals because they are very expensive, and even when they are sold for spare parts, the profit is quite significant. However, the company showed concern for its customers by creating a special service aimed at finding the device or blocking it so that an outsider could not do anything with it.

This will only be possible after activating the corresponding option in it. It is recommended to take care of this in advance by enabling this function. Of course, you need to create an iCloud account and link your iPhone to it. This is done in the smartphone settings.

The device turns on the “Find iPhone” function. If your iPhone is already linked to your iCloud account, then strangers will not be able to do anything with it even after flashing it, since they will need your email address and password. In this case, you can return the gadget if you send a message promising a reward.

To remotely control your iPhone, go to iClod.com and then enter the Find My iPhone application. All Apple devices associated with the account are displayed there. The application with the same name is also equipped with a similar set of functions.

If you have entered the program, and in the interface you see that the gadget is online, then there are several options for action. You can see the current location of the device. If he is at home, then the site starts playing a melody to quickly find him. Otherwise, the lost mode is activated, which limits access to data for unauthorized persons, and all movements of the device will be displayed on the map.

Having realized that it is impossible to return your smartphone, you should use the “Erase iPhone (all data)” functions on it so that they do not end up in the hands of third parties.

In iOS 7 and above, there is no way to bypass Activation Lock. It is recommended to update your device as soon as possible so that attackers will not be able to do anything with it other than sell it for spare parts or return it to the owner for a reward.

If you lost your Android phone

For a long time, the Android system lacked the ability to track a gadget at all. Now the OS itself is equipped with a convenient search option - this is Android Device Manager, which makes it possible to control remotely if you are connected to a Google account. It was implemented using the website.

This system makes it possible to search for a gadget on the card, block it, or delete all data stored on it, even from a memory card. In addition, the user can make a call to it if using a different SIM card. All this requires that the device has an Internet connection, and your account must be used in the system. The service can only operate if the desired function is activated in the settings. To do this, go to Settings – Security – Administrators and activate “Android Device Manager” ( Remote control Android). Without doing this, you will receive absolutely no help from the service.

Compared to iOS, Android is a less secure system. An attacker has the opportunity to reflash the device, after which Android Device Manager becomes useless. This option will be necessary if you realize that your phone is lost somewhere at home, or you dropped it in the city and someone found it. There is not only a web version, but also an application of the same name that runs exclusively on Android.

New flagship devices from leading companies come with new system data and device protection, which allows you to block the device until charging is complete, that is, the phone becomes a brick and does not allow an attacker to turn off or reflash the smartphone

If your phone on Windows Phone (Windows 10 Mobile) is lost

Controlled gadgets Windows Phone, also have own system, which allows you to find the device. It can only function if you are signed in to your Microsoft account. By default, the option is deactivated to save battery power, so it needs to be activated. It can be found in the system settings; for this, the “Search for phone” item is opened, and then both options available there are activated.

There are several points here, each of which is responsible for certain actions.

The first provides faster connection to services. This is necessary so that the system communicates with the device not using SMS messages, but using push notifications.

The second option allows you to save your location at a certain frequency. In this case, you will be able to track the movement of the gadget if you managed to sell it. In addition, if it is not in the access zone, or the battery runs out, you can find out the location of the gadget at the last moment of saving. It is possible that he is still there.

If you need to find a lost phone, you need to visit a special website where, after selecting a device, a map with its approximate location is shown. Windows Phone also has remote control functions that are identical to those in other systems. You can block the device, make a call to it, or erase all data.

Actions if you are unable to find your phone number on your own

If you cannot find your lost phone using the above methods, then there is only one way - contacting the police. You should collect evidence that this is your smartphone. The box and documents from it will come in handy. When making a purchase using a card, you can contact the seller to restore documents indicating ownership. All information that helps identify the device will be useful. You can save your location data if you were able to obtain it. If you yourself were unable to find the device from friends or in a cafe, then all this information will be very useful to law enforcement agencies.

The police file a report of theft. You should receive a document indicating that the application has been accepted, and you should also keep copies of all documents submitted to the authorities.

You should block the SIM card, this is done at the operator’s office. An active number is an opportunity for an attacker to call anywhere, and you will pay such expenses. The operator is also able to track the location of the smartphone, but only the investigation has the right to submit a request for this. A private person will be denied such a request.

Find a lost phone by IMEI

IMEI is a unique identification number. It includes 15 digits, which do not change in any way when connecting another telephone number. IMEI is entered into the device’s memory, and it does not seem possible to change it. It is tied to the device itself, and in the cellular network it is used as one of the equipment identifiers. If the device has support for two SIM cards, then there will be two IMEI. It is designed to track the device and lock it remotely if it is stolen or lost.

The process of searching for a smartphone by IMEI is implemented in several stages. After submitting a request to the police with a package of documents on your smartphone, they form a request mobile operators, including IMEI. Representatives of the company look for it in their databases, and also find out the current owner of the SIM card that is currently used in it. All data goes to law enforcement agencies, where the investigation takes place.

Police representatives are looking for the owner of the currently used SIM card in order to find the current user of the device. The police use this method only in exceptional cases when finding a phone is very important.