9 Easy Ways to Track a Lost Phone, Whether It’s Turned Off or On

When realizing that your phone is lost, the first reaction is usually panic and worry. However, staying calm and thinking clearly is essential to take the right steps in finding the device. With a calm attitude, you can devise the best strategy for locating your lost phone. Remember that every problem has a solution if approached correctly.

1. Tracking a Phone Using Google Find My Device

One of the most effective methods to find a lost phone is by using the Google Find My Device feature. Here’s how to use it:

• Access Google Find My Device through a browser on a computer or another device.
• Log in using the Gmail account linked to the phone.
• On the left side of the screen, a list of all devices associated with that account will appear.
• Select the lost phone to view detailed information and the last recorded location.
• If the device is still active and connected to the internet, its location will be displayed in real time. Otherwise, the system will show the last recorded location.

Google Find My Device also offers three additional features:

• Play Sound: Helps locate the device by making it ring, even if it is in silent mode.
• Lock Device: Remotely locks the phone to prevent unauthorized access.
• Factory Reset: If the phone stores sensitive information, you can erase all data with this option.

2. Tracking a Completely Dead Phone

If the phone is off, you can still try tracking it with Google Maps:

• Open Google Maps and tap the small triangle icon in the top right corner.
• Select Add Account and enter the Gmail account used on the lost phone.
• Once logged in, tap Timeline to see the last recorded location history.

Also read: How to Detect and Prevent WhatsApp Account Hacking

3. Finding a Lost Phone via Gmail

You can also try locating your phone through your Gmail account. Here’s how:

• Log in to Gmail through a browser on a PC or laptop.
• Click the nine-dot icon in the top right corner, then select Account and go to the Security tab.
• View the list of devices connected to the account, then select the lost phone.
• Click More Details, then press the Find Device button to be directed to Google Find My Device.

4. Tracking a Phone with Google Maps

If the Location Sharing feature was previously enabled, you can use it to find your lost phone:

• Open Google Maps and log in with the same account as on the lost phone.
• Tap the profile icon in the top right, then select Location Sharing.
• If location sharing is still active on another device, you can see its current location.

5. Tracking a Phone Using a Phone Number

Some providers offer location tracking based on a phone number. Here’s how:

• Open Google Maps and go to the Friend List.
• Add the lost phone’s number and wait for the system to detect the last known location.
• If successful, follow the directions on Google Maps to reach the location.

Also read: 5 Google Warnings Every Android User Must Know!

6. Tracking a Phone Using IMEI Number

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for each phone, which can be used for tracking:

• Check the phone’s IMEI number in Settings > About Phone > IMEI Information or by dialing *#06#.
• If the phone is lost, contact your mobile service provider or law enforcement to track it using IMEI.

7. Tracking a Phone with AirDroid App

The AirDroid: File Remote & Access app allows users to control their phone remotely. Here’s how to use it:

• Download and install AirDroid on another device.
• Open the app and go to the Security & Remote Features menu.
• Select Find Phone and enable location access.
• When the phone is lost, you can check its location or control it remotely.

8. Finding a Phone at Home with a Bluetooth Tracker

If you often misplace your phone at home, use a Bluetooth Tracker:

• Sync the phone with a Bluetooth tracker.
• When you can’t find your phone, activate the alarm on the tracker to help locate it.

Also read: How to Identify AI-Generated Deepfake Videos on YouTube, Don’t Be Fooled!

9. Finding a Phone with a Smart Home Speaker

If you have a Google Home Hub, you can find your phone using voice commands:

• Ensure the device is connected to the same Google account.
• Say, "Okay Google, find my phone."
• Google Home will make the phone ring, even if it is in silent or vibrate mode.

With these various methods, the chances of finding a lost phone are much higher, whether it is on or off. Always activate tracking features beforehand to make the search process easier and faster.