Lost or stolen mobile? How to easily track, lock and delete data with Google Find My Device

If your mobile is lost or stolen, then instead of panicking, you can easily track it. For this, Google’s ‘Find My Device’ service can be used. Know about it? 

Google Find My Device:-If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, don’t panic! You can easily track it by following a few steps. Both Android and iPhone users have options to locate their devices using built-in tools. Let’s break it down step by step.

For Android Users: Using Google Find My Device

Google’s Find My Device feature helps Android users track, lock, and erase their devices. Here’s how you can use it:

Requirements:

1. The lost phone must be powered on.
2. The phone should have an active internet connection.
3. Google’s “Find My Device” feature should be enabled on the phone.

   

Steps to Track Your Android Phone:

1. Access Find My Device:
   • Open a browser on any other smartphone, laptop, or desktop.
   • Visit the Google Find My Device website.
   • Alternatively, download the Find My Device app on another Android phone.
2. Log In:
   • Use the same Google ID that was logged into the lost phone.
3. Locate Your Phone:
   • Once logged in, you’ll see the last known location of your phone on a map.
   • If your phone is connected to the internet, its live location will be displayed.
4. Ring Your Phone:
   • If the phone is nearby, you can use the “Play Sound” option to make it ring at full volume for 5 minutes, even if it is on silent.
5. Secure Your Phone:
   • Use the “Secure Device” option to lock your phone remotely. You can also display a message or phone number on the lock screen to help someone return it.
6. Erase Data:
   • If you believe your phone is in the wrong hands, you can erase all the data remotely using the “Erase Device” option. Note that this will delete everything on your phone and prevent further tracking.

For iPhone Users: Using Find My App

Apple provides a robust Find My app to locate lost or stolen iPhones. Here’s how it works:

Requirements:

1. The Find My feature must be enabled on the iPhone.
2. If the iPhone is turned off, you can still see its last known location if “Find My Network” is enabled.

Steps to Track Your iPhone:

1. Access Find My:
   • Open the Find My app on another Apple device.
   • Alternatively, go to iCloud’s Find My feature from any browser.
2. Log In:
   • Use your Apple ID credentials to log in.
3. Locate Your iPhone:
   • The app will display the phone’s current location on a map. If it’s turned off, it will show the last known location.
4. Play Sound:
   • Use the “Play Sound” option to make your iPhone emit a loud sound, helping you locate it nearby.
5. Mark as Lost:
   • Activate “Mark as Lost” to lock the device and display a custom message or contact number on the lock screen.
6. Erase Data:
   • If necessary, you can erase all the data on your iPhone remotely to protect your privacy.

Additional Tips for Both Android and iPhone Users:

• Contact your service provider: Report the lost phone to your carrier to block the SIM card and prevent unauthorized usage.
• File a police report: If your phone is stolen, report it to the police with your phone’s IMEI number for further assistance.
• Keep your IMEI number handy: Dial *#06# on your phone to find your IMEI number, which can help track your device.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of recovering your lost or stolen phone or at least secure your personal data.