How do I find my lost phone? That’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at some point in our lives. We’re pretty lucky that we’ve got settings on our phones nowadays that help out HUGELY when it comes to locating them.

How to find a lost iPhone

The only way to find an iPhone without retracing your steps and hoping no ones picked up your phone is through Find My iPhone. If you’ve updated to iOS 13, it’ll show as Find My. Unfortunately, you can only make use of this if your phone is turned on and connected to the internet. Your phone will show it’s last known location if these aren’t connected.

All you need to do is log into iCloud and go through to the Find My iPhone feature. You can do this from either a computer or from another iOS device. The preinstalled app will show you your phone on a map. If someone has got hold of your phone, it will show you the route they are taking. You will also be given the option to play a lout noise from the lost phone, send a message to it or erase all its contents.

You will need to make sure you have given the app access to your location before you lose your phone otherwise the feature will not work as it should.

How to find a lost Android phone

If you own an Android, you have a massive variety of ways to find your lost phone. Google offers a feature, but you can also download third-party apps to retrieve your lost smartphone!

Far by the easiest to use is Google’s Find My Device feature, which comes preinstalled. You can also access this through a browser. All you have to do is type ‘Where is my phone?’ into Google and it will start searching for your location. You can also erase the contents of your phone as well as send yourself a message from the feature.

The best thing about this Google feature is that you should be able to use the service if you haven’t approved Find My Device ahead of time. To make sure this is turned on in your phone go to Settings > Google > Security and make sure Remote Locate is turned on.

How to find non-smart phones

Unfortunately, there aren’t features on non-smart phones that allow you to track the location of your last phone. There are, however, a few tips we have for trying to locate it.

You should always try calling or texting your phone and listening out for the ringtone or vibrations. If someone has picked up your phone, they should hopefully answer it and help you get it back. Give your network provider a call and ask them if they offer a locating service. You could also try retracing your steps in case you’ve left it in a shop or café, and someone has handed it in.

You should always prepare for the worst when you get a new phone by registering for a tracking service, taking insurance out or making sure you turn your location services on!