(This page was last updated on September 16, 2022.)
KEY FEATURES
Mobile phones that have been lost or stolen can be readily tracked.
You must enable the Google Find My Feature.
Smartphones have steadily evolved from a luxury to a necessity. These tiny pocket-sized gadgets have not only altered modern-day communication, but have also offered up a plethora of possibilities for voice and video calling. When it comes to purchasing a new smartphone, there are various brands to choose from. However, the ecosystem is heavily divided between Android and iOS.
Smartphone OEMs are focused not just on providing a premium user experience, but also on providing consumers with a private and secure environment. In addition to the standard PIN and password lock, the manufacturers are equipping their devices with specialised hardware fingerprint scanners for enhanced privacy. Smartphones featuring actual fingerprint scanners on the back, side, or under the display are available. Despite all precautions, cellphones are still vulnerable to theft. You may have heard of mobile snatchers or pickpockets stealing smartphones in public transportation or busy areas.
Thankfully, smartphone manufacturers are increasingly including a tracker function that allows you to locate your misplaced phone. Google's Discover My Phone function is one such technology that allows you to find or locate your missing phone as well as gain remote access and wipe all data if you believe the phone's stored personal info has been hacked. However, the Find My Phone function is not enabled by default on Android cellphones. You'd have to do some manual work to set it up and utilise it to discover your misplaced phone. The methods are as follows:
How To Find A Lost Android Phone Steps To Enable The Find My Phone Feature On Your Android Phone
Step 1: You first need to install the Google Find My Device application on your smartphone. You can do it via Google Play Store.
Step 2: Sign in to the app using your Gmail email address.
Step 3: You will see the name of the device on which you have set up the Find My Phone feature along with the security options such as Play Sound, Secure device, and Erase device. Once this feature is active, you can follow the steps below to find, lock, and erase your lost mobile phone. Before you start, make sure you are signed in to your Google Account and connected to mobile or WiFi internet.
How To Track, Lock, And Erase Your Lost Mobile Phone
Step 1: Open any web browser and type www.android.com/find.
Step 2: Select the phone which is lost or stolen.
Step 3: You can send a ring notification, lock the device, or erase it.
Step 4: If the device is on, you’ll be able to see its location on the map. The data might not be completely accurate, but you’ll get a rough idea of its whereabouts and where was it seen last.
Step 5: You can tap on the Erase device option if you feel the phone’s data can be compromised by falling into the wrong hands.
