Mobile phones get lost quite often - they fall out of pockets and bags, and other users simply leave them in some place, suffering from forgetfulness. If you are afraid of losing your smartphone, check out our review. In it we will tell you how to find a lost Android phone through a computer using the basic capabilities of the operating system Google Android and third party programs.
Google Android Remote Control
After losing a mobile phone, users ask themselves: I lost my Android phone, how can I find it via the Internet? Modern communication capabilities really make it possible to quickly find a lost device. But for this the following conditions must be met:
- The device must be turned on;
- The device must be connected to the Internet;
- Geolocation must be enabled on your phone.
Thus, if you lost your phone somewhere in the mountains where it doesn't work cellular, or his battery died and his phone turned off, then it will be impossible to find him via the Internet. If the loss occurred in the city, you can count on finding it. Since basic capabilities work over the network, you need to make sure that mobile Internet is activated on your phone in advance - fortunately, tariffs are now very low.
If the phone is online, then the chances of finding it will be quite high. Therefore, the presence of mobile Internet when using basic capabilities is mandatory. Determining coordinates via GPS leads to rapid battery drain. That's why you need to activate tower location on your phone mobile operators . In urban areas, especially on the street, the accuracy will be sufficient to quickly find a lost device. If you don't want to lose it forever, keep geolocation turned on.
In order to find a lost phone on Android, you need to activate the remote control function in advance. This is done very simply - go to the “Settings - Security - Device Administrators” menu and check the box next to the “Android Remote Management” item. Now your device is ready for remote search. You will also have the following options:
- Remote wipe of the phone (it is reset to factory state);
- Remote blocking telephone;
- Activation of the sound signal.
If geolocation is turned off, you can activate a sound signal and determine the location of the phone by it (relevant if you lose your phone at home or in the office). Remote locking will be an obstacle for those who found your phone and wants to dig into it. As for cleaning, everything is clear without comment.
Please note that an attacker will be able to use even a locked phone - for this, a general reset is done through the service menu at startup. If you have some important data stored on your smartphone and you can’t find it because geolocation was accidentally disabled, perform a remote wipe.
Now, if you want to find a phone on Android, you need to visit the “Remote” page Android management" by the address https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager. Here we agree to the terms of the agreement and wait for the system to determine the location of the phone. Here you will also see buttons for ringing, remote blocking and remote cleaning.
Using third party programs
How to find your Android phone if you lost it and can’t find it? As we have already said, for this you need to make sure that remote control of the operating system is enabled on the device. But what to do if using the mobile Internet is undesirable? In this case need to take advantage third party programs controlled via SMS or calls.
There are a lot of such programs:
- Avast! Mobile Security – combines an antivirus and a phone search engine;
- WatchDroid is a good program for finding a phone;
- Pray Anti Theft;
- Kaspersky Internet (Mobile) Security;
- Where's My Droid;
- Plan B is an excellent program with decent functionality;
- Android Lost Free and many others.
The anti-theft function is available in almost all antivirus programs. Therefore, you can combine phone preparation with installation antivirus program. What can phone search programs for Android do? They can flash the screen, activate GPS modules for precise search, turn on a sound alert, track coordinates and display them on a map, perform remote blocking and remote erasing, monitor calls and SMS, install additional software, broadcast ambient sound through a microphone, enable Internet access via SMS commands.
Thus, you can easily find your lost phone using the above options. If the search is unsuccessful, then you will have the opportunity to remotely block the device or wipe it.
Don't forget to install and test specified programs in advance. If you don't do this, finding your lost phone will be extremely difficult.
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 with 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:
- Open device search page. If necessary, enter your account password.
- Select a device from the list if 2 or more devices are connected to your account.
- 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 transmission data.
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 the phone is stolen or the device is lost outside the home, the last option to find the 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 daily incoming huge amount applicants.
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.
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).
There is no need to install third-party applications, but it is necessary to check the correctness.
Follow the instructions to connect Device Manager:
- Go to the main menu;
- Now click on the “Google Settings” item - do not confuse it 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 attackers.
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 ruler, in addition to standard service To search from Google, you can also use the third-party Find My Mobile service.
This resource is also tied to account information, thus creating account on 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.
Today, the loss of a mobile device is quite common and does not surprise anyone. The phone may fall out of your pocket, remain lying on a bench in the park, or, having slipped past the pocket of your bag, get lost in the grass of the lawn.
In the article:
If you are afraid of losing your gadget running the Android operating system or have already encountered such a serious problem, carefully read our article. Mobile assistant Tarif-online.ru will tell you in detail how to find a lost Android phone on the Internet or via a computer using proprietary Google software. We will also touch upon important point with searching for a smartphone or tablet in a situation where it is turned off.
Remote control of a lost phone via the Internet
A wide mobile coverage area allows you to quickly detect a device both in the city and outside it. Even if the user lost his phone in the forest while picking mushrooms, or dropped his gadget on the bank of a river far from the city limits, if there is cellular communication there, it is always possible to calculate the coordinates of the device via the Internet.
It is very important that the device functionally meets the following requirements:
- device on state;
- availability of Internet access;
- active status of the geolocation option.
Let us remind you once again that you can find a phone via the Internet only if the mobile phone is in the operator’s coverage area, since coordinates are determined via GPS using an active cellular communication channel.
It is a mistake to perceive and evaluate the Internet solely from the point of view of entertainment, communication on social networks or downloading media content. First of all, it is a universal communication line connecting the gadget, its owner and operator. Therefore, you should try to choose a tariff with mobile Internet and activate the “Locations by cell towers” function on Android in advance. . This mode It uses battery power quite economically and, if necessary, allows you to determine the coordinates of the phone through the exchange of signals between the GSM module of the device and receiving devices located on the cell towers closest to it.
Location accuracy mobile device quite high, especially in the city. Searching by geolocation via a computer allows you to determine not only the street on which the device is located, but also its specific area or house.
To be able to find a smartphone running Android using Google services, you need to enable the option in it in a timely manner remote control. To do this, you need to perform the following steps in the device menu:
- go to “Settings” and open the “Security” folder;
- activate the “Device Administrators” section;
- check the checkbox next to the “Android Remote Control” option and, if necessary, save the changes.
As a result of these manipulations, the subscriber receives the following options for remote control of his gadget:
- radical clearing of phone memory with the ability to reset the operating system to factory settings;
- blocking access to the device for third parties;
- turning on a sound signal to detect the device.
Even if the geolocation function is turned off, but you approximately know where the phone was lost, activating a continuous signal will greatly simplify the search.
Important! Remote blocking of access to a mobile phone can be removed by another person if he uses a general reset in the gadget’s service menu when turning it on or when rebooting the operating system. You must clearly understand this and, if you store confidential information on your phone that should not fall into the wrong hands, it is best to immediately complete cleaning device memory.
If all the conditions for setting up the gadget were initially met, organizing a search for an Android phone will not be difficult. To do this you need:
In order for the user to be sure to find his gadget, he needs to move to the specified point, activate the “Ring” option and, focusing on the sound, determine the location of the device.
Finding a phone using special programs
There are a sufficient number of specialized applications that provide a comprehensive search for a smartphone even without using services mobile Internet. This software is pre-installed on the device and controlled using calls or SMS messages.
To the most popular and effective programs search engines include:
- “Where’s My Droid” – allows you to track your gadget using SMS with a code word or the functionality of the Commander online service.
- “WatchDroid” – provides the owner with the coordinates of the device, protects against SIM card replacement and allows you to erase data.
- “Kaspersky Antivirus & Security” - guarantees the blocking of viruses, dangerous applications, links, sites and contains the “Anti-thief” utility for searching for a phone.
- “Lost Android” – allows you to search for a phone using GPS or the network, remotely locks the device and erases data from the SD card.
- "Avast Antivirus & Protection" - provides protection against viruses, malware and spyware software, helps you find your lost phone through an online location service.
- “Pray Anti Theft” – has extensive GPS and Wi-Fi triangulation functionality for detecting a mobile phone on a geolocation map. Allows you to remotely control Android and receive photo reports from the device’s camera.
You should not despair in a situation where you did not have time to install any of the above programs on your lost phone. It is possible to remotely install the “Plan B” utility into the device’s memory. To do this, you need to log in to your account at Android Market, select the “Plan B – Track Lost Phone” program and install it on your phone, following the service prompts. The coordinates of the device's location will be sent to the e-mail address specified during registration. In addition, the mobile phone’s geodata will be available on the website of the “Plan B-Backup” utility.
Finding a turned off Android mobile phone
Solving the question of how to find a switched off phone also involves using a computer and the Android Device Manager geolocation service we have already described. In order to be able to track a mobile phone on Google maps, it is necessary that permanent access to the global network is activated on it or the GPS navigation option is turned on.
In a situation where there is no high chance of quickly finding a lost gadget, and the owner is sure that the device is already in a disabled state or has fallen into third hands, you need to use an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) search. This numeric identifier is unique for each device, integrated into the factory settings, indicated on the case and in the accompanying documentation of the phone. Each user can also find out the IMEI of their device using the command prompt *#06#.
It is necessary to understand that the mechanism for searching for a disabled Android phone involves the owner writing a statement to the police. After filing an application, law enforcement agencies must carry out the necessary investigative and operational activities and submit a request to providers to track the phone by IMEI. Even if a device has a new SIM card installed, telecommunications companies still have the opportunity to uniquely identify the gadget on the network and determine its location.
In addition, the phone owner has the opportunity to enter the wanted IMEI into the LoSToleN unified database of serial numbers and mobile equipment identifiers and try to return the device for a fee.
Finally
Internet assistant site hopes that this review was useful for you and suggested a convenient algorithm for both setting up your phone in case of loss and organizing a search for an already lost mobile phone.
If you find your gadget in a place unfamiliar to you, where you definitely could not have lost it, you need to avoid rash actions and try to return your smartphone or tablet yourself. Here it is advisable to take the help of the police or friends who can act as witnesses in the event of any incidents with third parties.
The cell phone boom is a thing of the past. Today even schoolchildren have pipes. Mobile phone serves not only as a means of communication, but also stores important data. This includes phone numbers, photographs, management programs bank accounts or electronic wallets. Therefore, if you lose your gadget, you can find big problem. However, in some situations it is possible to find the phone even when it is turned off.
If your phone is lost
There are two options for solving the problem of a lost phone: Buy a new one and forget about it after being sad for a couple of weeks (this is what they do most often), or pull yourself together and use possible ways find a mobile phone. After all, applications can be installed on it to log into various accounts. It's not only social media, but also banks and electronic wallets. You need to act quickly. If search attempts were not made immediately, most likely you will not find your loss. According to statistics, the device can be found in the first 10–15 days. Then it is almost impossible to do this. No more than 30 percent of mobile devices are returned.
Ways to search for a mobile phone
Losing a mobile device is an unpleasant event. Therefore, try to prepare in advance for this incident. Install possible programs to help you find your device. Password protect your phone. Keep your data in cloud storage. Do not throw away the documents and the device box. They will be useful if you contact the police.
There are three ways to find a switched off phone:
- It’s good to search the place of the loss, walk along the route where you definitely were with the phone;
- search by SIM card subscriber number;
- if the phone is somewhere nearby, but the search did not help, and you know that you set the alarm clock. Just wait for the signal.
All other methods only work on devices that are turned on.
Search via computer
Telecom operators offer the Locator service to track phones with the consent of their owners. Since you are the owner, this will not be a problem for you.
Search by IMEI
The method is suitable for phones with a GPS receiver on any operating system. Download the program for your device and install. Register on the website of this program. Now your phone will be constantly tracked by satellite, and the data will be recorded on the website. The IMEI code is a number that is located on the box and under the battery on the phone body. You can find it by dialing *#06#.
How to find a device by phone number
Mobile operators can send signals to a switched off device. If the attacker did not remove your SIM card, then you will know where the phone is. To do this, contact your telecom operator.
Looking for the address
At the address you will only find the subscriber number of the SIM card or landline phone, not a mobile handset.
Built-in search function
In different operating systems It provides a device search using the built-in function and the Internet. The smartphone must be turned on.
How to determine location using Google account
This method is only suitable for smartphones running Android OS. By using Google account You can not only determine the location of the phone, but also lock the device and erase data. To do this, the following conditions must be met:
- the phone is connected to the Internet;
- installed Google app. In this case, the Find My Device feature is enabled by default;
- the gadget is displayed on Google Play;
- included remote control Android Device Manager. It is located in the security settings;
- geodata transmission is activated.
To find your phone, do the following:
- On your computer, go to android.com/find. To find a gadget using a tablet or other smartphone, open the “Find Device” application in it and log in to your account.
- If you're tied different devices, select your lost phone among them.
- The map in your account shows where the device is currently located. If the current location is not determined, then you will see the last one found. The information provided is approximate.
- Once you have determined the location of the smartphone, you can immediately select an action:
- ring. The phone will beep for five minutes. The function also works when the sound is turned off;
- block. You can also lock the screen and display text with a phone number on it;
- clear. All data except the SD card is deleted. After cleaning, you can no longer use the “Find device” option.
Search function for iOS
iPhones are searched similarly to Androids.
- In Settings, turn on Find My iPhone.
- Register with icloud and link your device.
- Go to the application on icloud.com.
- Select your smartphone. If it is enabled, you will see it on the map. You will have access to the same actions as on Android. If your phone is lost at home, select a sound signal. Well, if it was stolen, then turn on the lost mode. The thief will no longer be able to use the device, and you will see the movement of the phone on the map. You can erase all data so that no one can use it again.
Search feature for Windows Phone
Enable the Find My Phone function in the system settings and link your device to your account on the Microsoft website. Here you need to check both boxes: for faster connection and saving the phone’s position at intervals.
If your phone goes offline, you'll see its last location. Next, similar to previous devices, look at the map and select necessary actions to make a call, lock or clean your smartphone.
Search with apps
If you don’t want to use the Internet when searching for a phone, you can turn to programs that are controlled by messages or calls. These are antivirus and search applications:
- Avast! Mobile Security;
- Kaspersky Internet (Mobile) Security;
- WatchDroid;
- Pray Anti Theft;
- Where's My Droid;
- Plan B;
- Android Lost Free.
These programs flash, emit sound signals, track the location and show it on the map, allow you to remotely control the phone, take pictures from the camera, and broadcast the sound surrounding the lost device. As a last resort, you can lock and wipe the device.
Software from Lookout is very popular. It is designed for different operating systems. The Signal Flare program received new feature for Android, which records the device’s coordinates a few seconds before the battery is completely discharged.
other methods
In case of loss cell phone contact the police. But only if you are sure that the device was not lost at your home. Otherwise, if discovered, you will have to pay a fine. To contact law enforcement agencies, prepare documents for your phone number and personal passport.
When the phone cannot be found
A mobile phone cannot be found if the SIM card or battery has been removed from it and reflashed to change the IMEI code. If a device gets into an unfavorable environment and fails, the owner will never find it again. For example, a phone that falls into a river or hot sand on a beach will stop functioning.
How to reduce the possibility of losing your cell phone
There is no way to completely protect yourself from losing your device. But you can reduce this probability by observing simple rules and recommendations:
- try to keep your phone in one place at all times. If you use a bag, then allocate one for your mobile phone separate pocket. At home or at work, place the device on permanent place. Then the loss can be immediately noticed;
- never put the gadget in your back pocket;
- In crowded places, try to use your phone only when necessary. The probability of snatching it is very high;
- Buy a headset that alerts you when there are more than five meters between you and the device. Such a signal will warn you about a phone left in a cafe or a thief running away;
- There are special keychains for finding things. They respond to different sounds;
- when in public transport There are many passengers standing close, you may not feel the attacker pulling out the phone. Carry headphones with you. Good music will make the trip not boring, and an unexpected cessation of sound will signal that the gadget has turned off;
- play Pokemon Go very carefully. This is not funny, because Pokemon are found in various gateways and precarious courtyards, where there is no lighting or people. Attackers can take advantage of this.
No one is immune from losing a cell phone. In order to find the gadget and avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to use suitable means. In cases where this is impossible, hurry to change the passwords for accounts that were accessed via a mobile phone.
