For most of us, our phones are our livelihoods. They are home to our private messages, personal banking information, and likely countless precious photos & videos. The last thing anybody wants to do is lose their phone. However, sadly, it happens. Thankfully, a bit of initiative now can ensure that if you do lose your phone, you will have far fewer issues finding it again.
On this page, we are going to tell you exactly hope you can utilize phone tracking apps to find your phone should you lose it or, worse, it is stolen. Trust us, if you ever lose your phone in the future, you’ll be glad you read this page.
The Panic of Losing Your Phone
Our phones are our lives. There is barely a person out there who isn’t interacting with their phone multiple times per day. We need our phones to access our bank accounts, message our friends, and more. Lose our phones? All of that is snatched away. For many people, losing their phone isn’t so much an issue of the extra cost to replace it, but the loss of pretty much everything in your life.
Luckily, you have us. We are here to tell you that if you follow the advice on this page, the panic of losing your phone will only be temporary (we can’t get rid of the panic, sorry!). Hopefully, you’ll have no issues tracking down your phone. It may even be closer than you think.
The Role of Phone Tracking in Device Recovery
Most modern phones have some sort of location tracking in place, normally in the form of GPS.
Systems like GPS (when switched on) will keep constant tabs on the exact position of your phone. In fact, your phone knows exactly where it is down to the foot. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps sometimes. You’ll see your phone knows exactly which building you’re in, and even your position in that building.
While the location feature is great for using certain features of your phone (e.g. Maps, certain location-based apps, etc.), it is also tremendous for tracking down your phone if you lost it. After all, if that GPS is switched on, your phone will be constantly broadcasting its position. You’ll know exactly where you left it, or if it is on the move.
Using Built-in Phone Tracking Features
In a second, we’re going to recommend a few third-party tracking apps that will improve the chances of recovering your device. However, if you don’t feel like playing with third-party apps, you’ll be pleased to know that both Android and iPhones have built-in phone tracking software.
For both systems, you need to make sure that location tracking is turned on. If it isn’t, you can’t track your phone.
These systems will only track the last known position of your device. If the location services are turned off (e.g. by a thief, or if the battery dies), you’ll only know the last position the phone was in.
Android
- Go to https://www.google.com/android/find/
- Click your phone/tablet in the left-hand corner.
- You can now see exactly where your phone is located.
If you don’t want people reading your private data, you can remotely wipe the phone. However, do bear in mind that once it is wiped you won’t get the information back. Not unless you backed everything up.
iOS
The steps are very similar on iOS, although you can also use their tracking software to access all other Apple devices e.g. Mac, AirPods, etc.
- Go to https://www.icloud.com/find
- Sign into your Apple account
- Select the device you are tracking
- View the map
Third-Party Tracking Apps for Enhanced Recovery
While the phone tracking features built into your phone are perfectly fine, there are other options out there. There are dedicated apps that offer way more features than just phone tracking. We want to introduce you to two of our favorites.
Mobile Spy
The problem with your standard tracking on your phone is that it is incredibly easy for a phone thief to know that they are being tracked. This is why stealthier options may be better. mSpy is one of the leading ‘stealthy’ options for lost phone tracking.
mSpy operates invisibility. Nobody other than you will know that it is installed. It offers full location tracking, while also allowing you to view whether the phone is being used, what apps are opened, messages received, etc. It is a great way to track whether a thief is actively using your phone.
Number Tracker
Number Tracker is a powerful phone tracking app that offers a reliable solution for recovering lost or stolen phones through the innovative tracking-URL method. Losing your phone can be a stressful experience, but with Number Tracker, you can regain control and peace of mind. This app allows you to create a unique tracking URL associated with your device, enabling you to locate it easily in case it goes missing. Simply share this URL with trusted contacts, and they can access real-time location information, helping you pinpoint your lost phone’s whereabouts. With its user-friendly interface and efficient tracking capabilities, Number Tracker is your go-to app for ensuring the safety and security of your mobile device.
Reporting and Working with Authorities
Truth be told, a stolen phone is rarely going to be a priority for the authorities. However, if you believe your phone has been stolen, always report it to the authorities. If you have a tracking app, they can help you to retrieve your phone (as you can tell them where it is). Again, don’t expect to be a priority, but the more information that you give the authorities, the more chance you have of successful phone retrieval.
Conclusion
Losing your phone can be devastating. It can almost feel as if your entire life has gone in the blink of an eye. You will want it returned as fast as possible. Thankfully, using a phone tracking app can help with this. Get a phone tracking app running on your phone, and you’ll always know where your phone is, even if it is not close by. Installing one of these apps is simple. In fact, both Android and iOS devices will have phone tracking enabled by default. Your phone may be logging its location already, you just didn’t know it!
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