According to phone insurance provider, Asurion, 8.7 million phones were lost or stolen in 2021. That’s more than 24,000 phones each day. With numbers like those, it’s better to be safe than sorry. We’ll help you answer the question, “How do I find my lost phone?” Keep reading for our tips on prevention, finding your phone, and getting a replacement.
Before your phone goes missing
Chances are you’ll lose your phone from time to time. You may misplace it at home or forget it at the store. It could drop out of your bag or briefcase. In the worst case scenario, your smartphone may even be stolen.
You won’t be able to prevent every possibility, however, you can prepare.
Use a PIN or password
This is the first step to keeping your data out of someone else’s hands. Lock your phone when not in use and choose a PIN, word, or combo that would be hard to guess.
Lock your apps
It’s convenient to stay logged in to your mobile apps. But if your motorola edge 5G UW is taken, then your sensitive information could be at risk. Log out or lock your apps to better secure your personal and financial data.
Back up your photos and videos
If you’re not backing up your most precious memories, you could lose them forever along with your phone. Auto-save your photos on Verizon Cloud or a similar platform. It’s quick and simple, and you can access them any time.
Share your location
If you have a trusted friend or family member, consider sharing your location via your smartphone. They can help you locate your device if it’s misplaced or stolen.
What to do if your phone is lost
Before Googling “how to find my lost phone,” there are several things you can try right away. That includes:
- Call or text your phone. You may still hear the vibration if it’s on a hard surface, even if your ringtone is on silent.
- Use your carrier’s mobile app. Send an alert or override your device’s ringtone settings to make it easier to locate.
- Open your built-in tools. On Android phones, like the Google Pixel 6 Pro, it’s called “Find My Device.” For iOS devices like iPhone 13 Pro Max, it’s called “Find My.” If you have this feature enabled, you can track or ring your phone.
You can also use a Bluetooth connected device, like Samsung Galaxy Watch4 or Apple Watch Series 7 to wake up or locate your phone.
What to do if your phone is stolen
No matter what you do, you still may not find your phone or get it back. In that case, it’s important to act quickly to keep thieves from stealing your information.
Secure your phone remotely
Your device’s “Find My” or “Find My Phone” tool will let you lock your phone from anywhere.
Change your passwords
If you haven’t locked your apps beforehand, go online using your tablet or other device and change your passwords.
Erase your data remotely
Log in to your iCloud or Google account, find your phone, and select erase to wipe your data.
Inform your wireless carrier
They’ll be able to disable service to your device, which helps to protect you and anyone who may buy your phone secondhand.
Replacing a lost phone
If you’ve got Verizon, lost phone issues are surprisingly easy to solve. Enroll in Verizon Mobile Protect for coverage in case of loss, theft, damage, and post-warranty defects. In the event your brand new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra disappears, you can stress way less.
Get excellent security and savings with same day repair or replacement, plus 24/7 Tech Coach and digital tools to safeguard your info. Even better, it’s only $17/mo. for a single device.
And finally, if you want expert, in-person assistance with your lost phone, our wireless consultants are always ready to help.
Stop by your neighborhood Cellular Sales to shop the latest 5G phones and learn about Verizon Mobile Protect.
Founded in 1993, Cellular Sales proudly serves as Verizon’s premier retail partner. With almost 800 locations nationwide and more than 7,000 employees, we proudly connect customers with top-tier products and services. We were recently named the Verizon Agent of the Year 2021 and have been named to Inc. Magazine’s 5000 as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies nine times. For more information, visit cellularsales.com or follow us on social media at facebook.com/cellularsales and @cellularsales on Instagram. For career information, visit cellularsales.com/careers.
