There are few things more frustrating than losing your smartphone in the digital age, so it's important to understand how the “Find My” service works for both iPhone and Android users.
Q: My cell phone went missing and I couldn't find it using the Find My service. What should I do next?
answer: There are few things more frustrating than losing your smartphone in the digital age, so it's important to understand how the “Find My” service works for both iPhone and Android users.
If your device is lost for an extended period of time, the battery may be dead, which can make tracking it more difficult.
Lost iPhone
If you previously turned on Find My iPhone, Find My Network, and Send Last Location, you can use any computer to locate your device.
If your battery level drops significantly, your last known location should be automatically sent to Apple on your behalf.
This still requires a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to send, so if your iPhone is offline when the battery is low, this helpful information may not be available.
Apple's “Find My network” feature extends your ability to find your phone from other nearby Apple devices using Bluetooth.
This only works if you lose your phone in an area where Bluetooth is turned on and other Apple devices are nearby (typically 100 to 330 feet, depending on obstructions).
For example, it's much easier to find your device at the airport than if you lost it at the top of a ski resort.
Tap Mark as Lost in the Find it interface to leave your phone number and message in case you find it. Select Activate to lock your device using your existing passcode.
As a precaution, we recommend changing your Apple ID password along with other important passwords, such as your email and banking credentials.
If you believe your phone has been stolen, you can send a remote erase command that will only work if the device regains Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
Lost Android smartphone
If you're using an Android device, Google's latest tracking network has a similar option that you'll need to enable first.
Previously, it only worked if your phone was connected, but the latest update now allows you to track devices via Bluetooth as well.
Pixel 8 power off tracking
One of the new updates for those with Pixel 8 devices is the ability to track your device even when it's turned off or the battery is dead.
This is made possible by special hardware in Pixel devices that reserves power sent to the Bluetooth chip for several hours.
There is speculation that this great feature will become available to other Android devices as device manufacturers incorporate the same technology into future devices.
be patient
Depending on where you lost your device, it may take several days for your device to reach the lost and found location or be in the hands of someone who sees the lost message on the screen.
If you've changed your password and secured your account, you can try using different online interfaces for email and text messages for a while before replacing your phone.
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