How to Locate and Track Your Lost or Stolen Android or iOS Mobile Device

Here’s the scenario… you frantically go into a pocket pat-down dance searching for your shiny, new smartphone. Sadly, the device is gone. What’s even worse is that you just got the device thanks to your once-every-two-years upgrade from your carrier and you still owe about $500 on your tab! Don’t panic though as I’m sure you likely had it protected thanks to some of the many services that protect smartphone users from accidental loss or theft. The following are some of the must-be-familiar with services that are available for Android and iOS mobile device users.

The Android Device manager service from Google – The service is linked to the users’ Google account and enables them to remotely contact the device and cause it to ring, the device can be locked or optionally, force an erase of the device and pretty much render it useless! Now here’s what’s really cool for users. When using the service, if activated and enabled, the service will locate your device, simply wait for about a minute. the device manager page will redraw and if turned on, the location of the device will update and the location of the device will appear on the map, very nice!

See details of the Android device Manager from Google

For Android device users there are also a number of third party apps that could help. Some of the apps available include:

For Apple iPhone and iPad users Apple provides the find my iPhone(iDevice) service.
Don’t panic. If one of your Apple devices goes missing, iCloud can help you figure out where it is. Just sign in at iCloud.com or use the Find My iPhone app to see your missing iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac on a map. Optionally, you can also send a message to be displayed on your phone like “hey, I lost my phone, please contact me for a reward” or simply track your device’s location on a map if someone is running around and stupidly using your device!

The find my iphone app is available on iTunes

iOS users, take note that iOS 7 includes a new feature called Activation Lock, which makes it more difficult for anyone to use or sell your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch once it’s gone missing or has been stolen. iOs 7 also provides users with the ability to initiate a remote erase

Users wanting a little more help you can also check out this help wiki

Finally, if you happen to have lost your phone, you may wish to contact your carrier. Most of them have procedures in place to help customers. Note, I also highly suggest that anyone purchasing a subsidized smartphone consider the optional insurance policy as many of these plans will compensate you for a lost device (with a deductible) – check for details with your carrier!

Carrier Support

Rogers wireless, a major carrier in Canada offers insurance as well as a lost phone finder service – check it out at https://www.rogersphonefinder.com/. The carrier also provides Rogers device protection

Have you ever lost your phone? IF so what did you do or what app helped you out? Tweet @LBSzone with your tip