How to find a lost or stolen Android phone. How to return a lost or stolen smartphone. Ways to find a phone

Modern smartphone owners may be faced with the task of how to find a lost Android phone. Phones from the Apple brand are quite easy to find; for this there is standard access that works remotely. Android OS also has a number of interesting developments that are aimed at these purposes. To quickly find the gadget, you can use the internal tools. Also, special programs can be useful in this matter.

As part of our article, we propose to consider the question of how to find a phone if you have lost your Android. Without a doubt, this can be dealt with. The main thing is that you must have a Google account at hand. Registration is very simple, there will be no problems with it. You just need to know that searching for a device is possible using location. This is not difficult to do, but even this fact does not guarantee that you will definitely be able to return the device.

Effective ways to find a lost phone

In the case when the phone was stolen, then using the standard remote mode you must lock the device. Moreover, it is worth limiting the ability to view personal information. This is a most important operation that should not be neglected under any circumstances.

If a situation occurs when you lose your Android phone, how to find it via the Internet is one of the most frequently asked questions. Indeed, there is a special program SeekDroid: FindMyPhone, you can download it from MarketPlay. The search will be completed with the help of GPS. To ensure optimal and comfortable use of the application, make sure that you have administrator rights. Those. It is worth registering an account from the service.

The user of the software must define the configuration level, i.e. how information is deleted, activated and formatted, as well as other operations of this kind. There shouldn’t be any problems finding a gadget if you know effective and simple methods. We suggest talking about them a little below. Read the detailed instructions, they will help you cope with the task.

If you cannot find your smartphone, you can use the “Call” option. Those. the device will play a standard ringtone. By the way, it doesn’t matter here whether your phone is working or it’s turned off. If a signal is not heard, it means the device is outside the walls of your home.

You can determine the location of the device using cellular communications, GPS, Wi-Fi. Even if the thief inserted someone else's SIM card into the device, it is possible to find him. If the device is disconnected from communication, then these methods will not bring the desired result. But you shouldn’t be upset, there are other options that will allow you to resolve the problem in your favor. The main thing is not to despair and act rationally, and not fall into a state of hysteria and panic. This will certainly not bring any benefit. Tune in to a positive outcome and take action.

The main tool in the case of a phone detection procedure is the Internet. By performing certain actions, you can find out what the last location of the device was. Typically, this is the area where the smartphone was most active. But remember that if you delete it, you will not be able to restore the readings. The only thing is unlocking.

Personal information will not be given to bandits. For people who keep personal information and various contacts in the database, this option is the best.

How to find a lost Android phone through a computer

The AndroidDeviceManager service was created to search for gadgets using a PC. But there are nuances here. If the device is turned off or the settings have been reset, the search capabilities will not be fully functional. Thieves are masters of their craft. To search for a device using this method, you need to turn to your PC.

Go to //www.google.com/android/devicemanager for remote access. You will need to enter your username and password, and then go to your Google account. If it doesn't exist, then it's important to create it. This is useful, once created, log into it using your smartphone.

So, the search is carried out automatically. You will be directed to a window where there is information on how to block your smartphone by pressing the button required for this. You can also make a call or clear data from the gadget’s memory.

Losing your phone at home

If it happens that you cannot find a telephone within the walls of your own home, then you can take another device and call yourself. Due to carelessness, this situation can happen to anyone. If you are alone at home, then there is a corresponding program that will allow you to make a call from your PC. A couple of minutes and your gadget will start ringing loudly. It doesn’t matter what mode you decided to set on your phone before losing it. Those. Even in a silent state, the device will start ringing and it will not be difficult for you to find it.

Sending SMS

Send a message to a stolen or lost phone. In fact, there are people who are still honest and don't mind returning a gadget to someone who lost it. You can contribute to this. Write an SMS to your number. You can use the same service. Click “Configure data blocking and deletion.” In the window that appears in front of you, you will need to enter a password, which will block the phone.

Then write a message asking the person to return your gadget. If this does not happen, protect your data. To do this, click the “Clear” button. This will entail deleting all data, and therefore the phone will go back to working in the standard settings from the manufacturer.

Additional programs

In addition to the remote one, there are other applications that are aimed at a similar result. We will only discuss the best. So, LostAndroid. Installation is carried out on the phone. You can also download it from the Play Market.

Please note that after installation, it will be called PersonalNotes with the appearance of a standard notebook. This is such a move so that thieves do not understand that your gadget is protected. So don't worry about the program being detected by them. After launching, you need to give it administrator rights. A request will be displayed, and you will have to press the appropriate button. This can be done using the example of the picture below.

The next step is to go to the official website of the application itself. Here you need to log in through Google. You need to enter your password and your login. Here you can see the full range of options.

These methods allow you to find even those phones that are turned off. This can be done due to the fact that Google services record the moment when the device was last turned on. The location of the gadget is also indicated.

Search by imei and SIM card

Here we will disappoint you somewhat. You cannot count on results, since these methods are available only to representatives of law enforcement agencies, and even then to those who have advanced technologies at hand. In small towns you can’t count on these options.

Of course, the PC will be able to determine the data using the SIM card, but it will not be accurate. For example, it will be indicated that your phone is somewhere in Moscow. Modern services also do not provide a guaranteed result, providing requests with accurate and correct information. Only police officers own such technologies.

It is also unlikely to be determined by phone number. Because it’s not stupid people who find a phone and want to keep it. They throw away the SIM card, which makes the search more difficult.

Even using a PC, it is not always possible to find a phone if it is turned on with an old SIM card. Mobile operators do not perform such actions. Although if you delve into this issue and understand it in more detail, then they are obliged to do this and assist the client in finding the location of the phone.

Those. On this point, we can summarize and say that you should not waste time on such methods.

Avast! Anti-Theft for Android: protect your gadget

In case of loss, you can pre-configure your phone. There is an interesting application that you might be interested in. So, you need to download avast antivirus! MobileSecurity and run it.

You need to go to the settings menu and check the “PIN code protection” and “Deletion protection” checkboxes. Those. If your phone falls into the hands of someone else, it will detect the antivirus, but until the PIN code is entered, it is not possible to remove the program.

Avast! Anti-Theft: settings in the gadget

Go to the application menu. There will be advanced settings that include the protective functions of the gadget. Those. if the phone is lost, this should help. You can lock the device, set an alarm on it, and prevent thieves from getting into the settings. The application can also notify you when the battery charge is low.

Lock text, GPS tracking and deletion are also part of the application. You can enter text that will be displayed on the gadget screen. Those. your device is fully protected.

Another way: help the police

If all of the above methods did not give the desired result, we suggest you turn to this option. They may not please you with the desired result for various reasons. For example, you cannot remember your login or password for your Google account, or you have completely neglected the advice to create your own account in the system. It may also happen that for some reasons it is not possible to find a phone number. You can come to the city police station and write a statement. You are a victim and have the right to this. It is important to prove that the phone is yours. Bring with you the warranty, receipt, device box, and IMEI code.

As advice for those who have not experienced the loss of a gadget, I would like to say that you need to write down your IMEI code. To find it out, just enter the command “*#06#” from your phone. This code will appear in front of you. It is not very easy to find a device using the imei address. It must be said that the statistics in this regard are less and less encouraging every year. But if this method is chosen, then get ready to cooperate with the police.

Lost phone: search nuances

If the phone is missing, then the period is calculated automatically in accordance with the law. The best option is to immediately seek help from the police station. If there is confidence that this is a kidnapping, then the timing is of great importance. Every thief can be found without delay. By the way, there is no charge for this service in our country.

If there is no hope of returning the gadget, then remember that you need to minimize the losses that this situation may bring. Leakage of personal data must not be allowed. You must activate the "Clear" button, which is possible in remote control. By clicking on it, you can reset the device settings that you set during use. Those. the device will operate in accordance with the standard mode, all information about the owner of the gadget will be removed.

In an attempt to find a mobile phone, owners of lost handsets try to use the maximum number of search tools. But some methods do not give any results. Let's figure out whether it is possible to find a phone by IMEI via satellite for free and whether such technologies even exist.

IMEI is the unique identification number of a mobile phone. It consists of 15 digits and does not change when the number is changed. IMEI is flashed into the phone's memory and stored there forever, so changing it is very problematic. In some countries, this process is criminalized, which is why there is no need to experiment with changing this number. IMEI is tied directly to the phone. It is transmitted to the cellular network as one of the equipment identifiers.

If the device supports two SIM cards, then there will be two IMEI numbers, not one. Thus, cellular networks track the correspondence between IMEI and phone number. All this allows you to remotely block equipment and search for lost or stolen telephones (at least in theory).

To find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, look under the battery or dial *#06#. It is also indicated in the warranty card and on the packaging.

How to find a phone by IMEI

Searching for a phone by IMEI occurs as follows:

A request is submitted to law enforcement agencies (documents on the phone are also provided there);
Law enforcement agencies submit requests to mobile operators (together with IMEI);
Cellular operators search for the device in their databases and find out who owns the SIM card that is installed in this device;
The received data is sent to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

Thus, you can find a phone by IMEI, but satellites have absolutely nothing to do with it, since cellular communications have nothing to do with satellites.

What will law enforcement officers do after receiving a response from the operator? They will find out who owns the SIM card and find who is using the phone at the moment. It is possible to find a stolen phone by IMEI, but the police most often do not do this. The exception is complex cases when the police are interested in solving the case and catching the criminal. In other cases, no one is looking for stolen phones, although there is still a technical possibility.

Moreover, operators are able to block lost phones at their level, depriving them of the opportunity to register in their networks (in practice, this feature is practically not used).

Is it possible to find a phone by IMEI if it is simply lost? Neither the police nor the mobile operator will deal with this. Searching is labor-intensive, and the police are not a lost property office. Therefore, you will have to search for your lost phone on your own, without relying on anyone’s help.

Looking for a phone on our own

Your phone was stolen and you want to find it by IMEI online? We dare to assure you that this is practically impossible. There are simply no services on the network that could show the location of the phone by its IMEI. The only way out is to use special tracking services that allow you to track smartphones by reading their approximate coordinates and transmitting them via the Internet. All other services are nothing more than fantasy.

Recently, services have begun to appear on the Internet that allow you to find out whether a phone with one or another IMEI is listed as missing. That is, people register their devices in these services, after which they have additional chances of finding their phones if they are lost. Naturally, there is no talk of tracking phones here - these services are purely informational. And they are not widely used, so the chances of finding a lost handset using them are still small.

Finding a phone by IMEI via satellite is nothing more than a picture from a science fiction movie. Therefore, one cannot count on the availability of such services in real life.

Owners of Android smartphones can find a lost device via the Internet using the Phone Finder service. Search is possible only when the “Find device” function is active. It is included in the menu “Settings – Security and location – Find my device” or “Google – Security”. Enable the function - this will provide the ability to search if the handset is lost.

To find your phone, follow these steps:

Go to this page;
Select the device you are looking for in the list;
Enter your account password;
On the next page, click the “Find” button.

A page with a map will open, showing the approximate location of the phone.

Additional service functions:

Remote call activation – the phone will start ringing even if it is in silent mode;
Device lock – the smartphone is locked, and you can display a message with your contact information on its screen;
Remote device wipe – use this feature if your smartphone stores sensitive data or high-value commercial materials.

Please note that IMEI is not used here - you only need a Google account to search. The disadvantage of this method is that the phone must be turned on and connected to the Internet.

Apple smartphones are tracked in a similar way - to find a lost iPhone, use the “Find iPhone” function. Enter your Apple ID and password, the device's location will be shown on the map. By analogy with Android smartphones, you must first enable the “Find iPhone” function in the device settings.

Find phone via satellite - applications

It is impossible to find an arbitrary phone via satellite and IMEI. But if you prepare your phone for possible loss, then this is more than possible. This is done through apps that track smartphones via GPS. The “Tracking by phone number” application from the developer Family Locator Inc. has this functionality. Tracking is free and the application does not require superuser rights.

There are many other programs that allow you to find your phone via satellite. Some of them require superuser rights (root), but have advanced functionality - they work in the background without revealing their presence, they can track SIM card changes, and can be controlled via SMS (without the Internet).

Due to Cell phones are becoming more and more popular, cases of their loss are also becoming more frequent, so it would be useful to understand how to find a lost phone Android. It is possible that the phone was stolen. In any case, for devices on the Android platform there are only a few ways to find a stolen or simply lost phone. But it is worth noting that all of them only work if the owner has taken certain actions before losing his device. What these actions are and what to do if the owner did nothing before the loss, we will analyze further.

Method number 1. Using a Google account

Now the owners of almost all phones on the Android platform have a Google account. Actually, with its help, they have the opportunity to download games, log in to different sites and social networks without creating a new account, and perform many other operations.

So, it is a Google account that allows you to find a lost phone and find out its exact location, even if it is currently turned off. The fact is that all versions of Android have a so-called device manager.

If you turn it on (dispatcher), this will make it possible in the future to easily and quickly find out the location of the phone.

5 Useful Google Tools

This is done as follows:

Go to the settings, then go to the “Security” menu (on some versions “Protection”), then click on the “Device Administrators” item, the appearance of 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:

Delete all data from the device;
Change passwords on it;
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 taken before its loss - if it has operating system version 5.0 or higher. In all other cases, it is simply impossible to find him without the help of law enforcement agencies.

Interesting applications for mobile

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 No. 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 his device is currently 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.

How to protect your phone from wiretapping?

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

Lost Android features are:

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

Lookout Security & Antivirus

Here we are talking about a full-fledged 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.

Is there a virus on your phone? Find out how to get rid of it

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. The Pro version also has the ability 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 number 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 statement about the missing 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.

Do not panic. Technology has already decided everything for you - the main thing is to find another device with Internet access: a computer, laptop, tablet, friend’s smartphone. And immediately in your browser in the Google search bar, type in Russian “ Where is my phone" or English " Where's my phone».

This will trigger the standard procedure for restoring communication with the Android smartphone and showing the last location of the device. You just need to enter your Google account information.

A point with the address will immediately appear on the map. The device must be turned on, accessible for communication and preferably visible to Wi-Fi networks or via satellite via GPS.

Otherwise, you must follow the instructions that will help you find your lost Android phone.

How to find out where a stolen or lost Android phone is

1. Use the official Google Android Device Manager toolkit (also works in Russia). The device must be turned on (if you left it in a taxi or public transport, for example).

2. Contact your telecom operator to ask to block the SIM card (to prevent theft of a mobile bank, for example).

Try to figure out the location of your phone using cell numbers

To do this, call its unique 15-digit IMEI identification number (indicated on the box or in the documents from the purchase kit). This is how 50% of lost phones are found.

3. If you are absolutely sure that the phone was not lost under the pillow at home, then contact the nearest police station, taking with you a receipt confirming the fact of ownership of the device.

Here's how to file a police report about a lost phone:

Full name of the person who lost the phone;

Date and time when the loss was noticed;

Description of the phone and the circumstances of the incident.

5. It’s better for you to look through the ads on Avito, Yula, From Hand to Hand or other platforms for selling used things.

How to find an Android phone through a computer or other device?

Enter the address www.google.com/android/devicemanager in your browser and enter your Google account information. The method of detecting a device through Android Device Manager is trouble-free when you really just lost your smartphone and no one interfered with its operation. But even if stolen, you can find out the last location.

This method only works if the phone:

Turned on and its battery is not low;

The phone has Internet (Wi-Fi or GPRS/3G/4G);

It has a GPS module and is visible to satellites;

It has an active Google account.

If successful, Android Device Manager will provide the ability to:

Call a phone directly from your computer;

Delete all data from it and leave it under surveillance;

Block.

How to protect your Android phone from theft in advance?

1. In your smartphone settings, open the “Security” section.

2. Find the “Device Administrators” item and go to it.

3. Check "Android Remote Control".

4. You can also immediately install a special application to track your phone.

Applications for tracking your Android phone in case of theft or loss

SeekDroid

The phone sets GPS beacons with its location and saves battery.

Where's My Droid

Remote control of your phone directly or via SMS.

Lost Android

Hidden application, requires administrator rights.

Agree, in our time, losing a phone is equivalent to a disaster! After all, without this universal gadget you cannot read the latest news, take a live photo, or even find your position on the ground.
So, how to find your lost phone in the shortest possible time?

What to do if you lost your phone at home?

Since smartphones are an essential part of modern life, a task such as finding a lost phone at home should not take much time. Usually we use communication devices constantly - to make calls, write notes and messages, take photographs, check email... Therefore, the loss should be detected literally in the first 20 minutes from the moment of last use.

Remember which specific rooms you were in and what exactly you were doing during the last two hours, carefully search your places of deployment.

Interview friends or family members. If each of you is sure that you have lost your phone at home and it is turned on, finding it will be easy - just call it from another device. The location is easy to determine by sound.

Some device owners recommend this method of finding a lost phone using a magnet - slowly walk around all the rooms with a large magnet, carefully looking into every corner. It is worth noting that it is better to resort to this method only in extreme cases! The effect of a magnetic field on a phone, even short-term, can lead to irreversible damage.

By the way, these tips also work during searches in other buildings: cafes, universities, work offices, etc.

What to do if you lost your phone on the street?

If you or someone you know loses your phone on the street, finding it will be a little more difficult. The first rule is – don’t even think about calling from someone else’s smartphone to yours! The sound may attract unscrupulous passers-by, who will probably decide to keep the find for themselves.

Remember where you last saw the device - be sure to visit this place, searching every corner of it. If this does not help, walk along your entire route over the past day, carefully examining the streets, shops, stops and benches.

You can even post missing notices in the approximate location of the loss, although this method, unfortunately, is not as effective as we would like.

Ask your friends to help you: by splitting up and going to several places at once, you will increase the chances of achieving a goal such as finding a lost phone.

Search using the Internet and satellites

You don’t even have to hope for the option of finding a lost phone using a mobile number - mobile operators are extremely rare in helping to track the approximate location of the SIM card. Although exceptional cases are also known.

A lost phone can be easily found using the Internet, provided it is turned on and has the Android or IOS operating system installed. Starting from the fourth version, the developers of this program are sure to add the ability to remotely control the device to the settings.

When purchasing, be sure to set up this function - in case of loss or theft, the gadget will send you a message about changing the SIM card and even photos that will allow you to determine the location.

Another option for finding a lost phone on Android: as a rule, users of this operating system register a personal account on Google+. By opening your personal account on the site, you can easily find where your phone is, provided that it is turned on and the geolocation function is working.

What to do if you lost your switched off phone?

In this case, the IMEI code comes to the rescue. This is a specific unique set of characters that is assigned to each manufactured device. Even if you change your phone number, its IMEI code will not change. A phone that supports 2 SIM cards will also have two such encryptions. This allows, in the event of a theft, to determine whether the robber has changed the mobile number on this device.

Finding out your IMEI is very simple - enter the combination “*#06#” on the keyboard. If the gadget is already lost, you can find out the code by looking at the device packaging, its instructions or warranty card.

Unfortunately, there is no way to find a lost phone using the IMEI code yourself. You need to transfer all data to law enforcement agencies, who will resolve this issue using cellular services.

Search Assistive Devices

Some far-sighted smartphone owners, caring about their time, purchase special devices that are specifically designed to solve problems such as finding a phone if it’s lost.

This includes key fobs with special indicators that react to light, sound or movement. If you have lost your phone, just use one of the suggested irritants. For example, some similar accessories react to clapping or whistling.

Caring developers also came up with devices such as “Not Lost”. They can take a variety of forms, but the most common are keychain-app to other portable device connections. The 2 communicators communicate via a GPS signal.

Let's say you lost your phone in your room. As you gradually approach it or move away in the opposite direction (it all depends on the settings), the device with the installed application will sound a sound signal and show the position of the phone with the key fob on the map.

Take these ideas into account - such devices will be a good gift for those who have ever lost their phone.

Preventive measures

As you can see, taking care of a problem in advance is much easier than solving it later. Finally, here are a few more tips to answer the question “How to find a lost phone?” never stopped you from enjoying life.

Turn the ability to use your device into a necessity. Replace your diary, books, radio, camera, MP3 player with just 1 device - your phone. Moreover, modern models allow this to be done. Thus, the gadget will always be at your fingertips and in sight.

Make it a rule to always carry your phone in the same pocket - make the act of putting it there automatic, so that the question of searching doesn’t even arise.

In crowded places, try not only to put your phone in a secure pocket, but also to hold it with your hand - you will not always be able to instantly feel its absence even in tight clothes.

Install special “anti-theft” applications on your devices in advance - they are different for each operating system. These include multi-level locking systems, the ability to unlock only with your fingerprint, and notification of a SIM card change. Unfortunately, the programs will not help with the question of how to find a lost phone, but they will make your gadget useless in the hands of a burglar. And this will make him think about whether it is worth stealing other people's things.