Most people think it’s just the burden of having to replace the phone. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $700, depending on whether you have a warranty or not. But the truth is, your privacy and security are also at risk.
Your phone holds tons of information not only about you but also about those close to you. Someone who hijacks your phone can gain access to sensitive information you don’t want anyone else to see, such as objectionable pictures, phone numbers, addresses, and even financial information. You may also be subject to losing precious memories that simply cannot be replaced.
In most cases, you will want to get your full phone back. At the very least, you’ll be looking for ways to recover potentially important files. So you will lock access to the phone or wipe it completely. So you will guess that all your belongings are safe. Luckily, don’t feel helpless about it anymore: Gone are the days when you were completely out of options when your phone went missing.
Quick Tips to start your lost phone search
This article contains in-depth step-by-step information on the best ways to recover your lost Android device. But we’ve rounded up the best options for you as quickly as possible.
- The best attack is a good defense: your phone may be equipped with the appropriate tools to locate your device and secure it from a remote location using tools like Android Device Manager and Lookout. Once you get your phone back, take preventive measures so that it doesn’t happen again.
- Use apps like AirDroid to remotely access files and information you need to recover, along with advanced features like remote camera access and SMS text messaging.
- Use smartwatches to make sure you and your phone are never far away.
- In addition to all these tips, we have told you below what you can do if you are not prepared enough to find your lost Android phone.
take precautions
There are many things you can do to prevent truly losing your smartphone. But first, be prudent. Keep your phone in your pocket and make sure you always have it with you before you move it from place to place.
Enable lock screen pattern, password or fingerprint
First thing first would be to enable a lock screen pattern and password. Also feel free to secure it with the fingerprint sensor if your phone has one. This is not an app to help you find your phone in case it gets lost. But even if you lose your phone, at least you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your information and privacy are protected.
Some people may find it annoying to constantly unlock the device every time they need to use it. So, on some phones, it lets you set a time limit before the passcode kicks in, and even lets you opt out of a passcode when you’re in one of the trusted locations. Therefore, if you wish, you can turn these password patterns off or on. But we recommend it to be open for you. Do not get tired of constantly entering passwords.
Options to set a lock screen pattern, password, or fingerprint are usually found under the Settings > Security & Location or Settings > Lock Screen & Security menus on your phone. If you can’t find it, check your phone’s user manual.
Enabling and Using Android Device Manager
To make sure you can find your phone, your primary option is to make sure your device is lost and accessible via Android Device Manager. This is a handy little tool that Google released in 2013, and it’s on almost every modern Android device. Many devices come with this feature right out of the box. However, this application can also be installed through the Store.
For starters, go to Settings > Security & Location > Device Administrators on your Android device. Next, you need to make sure that Android Device Manager is enabled as an administrator. The exact location and name of the menus may differ from phone to phone, so search your device’s user manual if you can’t find it.
Next, go to Settings > Google > Security and tap Android Device Manager. From there, make sure to check the boxes named “Remotely locate this device ” and ” Allow remote locking and factory wipe ” . When you go to the browser-based control panel you will use, you will see all the information for these options.