How To Track A Stolen Phone

how to track a stolen phone

It is very easy to lose a mobile phone. You could loss it in a taxi, forget on the table at a restaurant, and so on. Sometimes, you just need to retrace your steps to find a lost Android phone, but it is often hard to remember where you lost the cell phone.

Other times, you did not lose your gadget, but rather, it was stolen. In this case, the chances that you will find the phone without help are even fewer. Therefore, we prepared this article on how to find a lost or stolen mobile phone.

We have collected five ways to find a lost or stolen cell phone. Some of them work not only for Android devices but also for iOS, Blackberry, and other operating systems.

Five ways to track your lost or stolen mobile phone

  1. Using Google android device manager
  2. Using Google maps
  3. Using Spy application
  4. By Contacting the Police
  5. By asking your Mobile Operator

1. How to Track your Mobile Phone by Using Android Device Manager

Google Device Manager is a reliable way to find a list or stolen Android phone. However, note that device location is approximate and may not be accurate.

To use Android Device Manager, Click here then,

Log in with the same Google account that you used on your mobile phone. After you log in, you will see a list of your devices. The list includes only devices on which you are currently signed in, so this method will only work until the thief or whoever finds the phone logs out of your account.

You will see the device's approximate location on a map. Below are some other available features:

  • Call the phone
  • Lock the phone
  • Sign out of your account erase the device’s memory
  • The last option allows you to erase the data on the phone. It is a great feature if you do not want to share photos or other multimedia with someone who has found your gadget.

2. By using Google maps

If you want to remain hidden, use Google Maps. Google Maps provide a tool — location history — that does not notify the user about your searches. This tool is available only if you have switched on the feature in advance. If you have done so, proceed to this site to see where your device has been.

Using Google Maps is the best to track your lost Android phone. Even if you lost it at your home or in the bar, you could use this tool to find it. Not only does Google maps show the device’s location, but you can also make your phone ring for at least for five minutes. Usually, this time is enough to find the lost device.

Android Device Manager shows the location in real time, while Google Maps shows the device’s location history. However, Device Manager has a big disadvantage: it does not work in a hidden mode. With Google Maps, you will remain completely hidden. Choose the tracking feature that suits you better.

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Remember that if you are sure that your phone was stolen, it’s better to contact the police and take steps to track the device only after doing so. Attempting to retrieve the device yourself may end poorly.

3. By using Spy application

Install the app and forget about it. When you lose your device, activate the tracker. Alternatively, you can have it always turned on to create a location history.

All the tracked data is collected in your control panel, and you can see where your phone has been.

This method is better than Android Device Manager because it’s not connected to your personal account. Many thieves know about Android Device Manager, so they log out of your account. To catch a spy app such as Snoopza, the thief would have to do a factory reset, which is done much less often.

You can use the same app to track somebody else, such as your spouse or kids. Children lose their phones more often than adults do, and that’s normal. If you are tired of that, you can install Snoopza on your child’s phone and track where your child and his phone are. We are sure you can find many more uses for this tracker.

Snoopza features can be used not only for location tracking but also as a tool for safety or spying on someone. This app is a complex tool that has to be installed in advance, and it worth doing. You never know when you will need it. Prepare for the bad days, and you will be thankful when a problem occurs!

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4. By Contacting the Police 

Please note that the IMEI number can be changed. However, in most countries, it is illegal, and thieves sometimes don’t care enough to change it, so you can find your phone thanks to the IMEI. Therefore, this is a working method to find your phone even after a month!

Publish the IMEI of your device and wait. Additionally, the chances of finding the phone increase over time. However, be prepared for the fact that your device could be moved to another country. Sometimes, it is even another continent

5. By Asking your Mobile Operator help

Sometimes, mobile operators can help their customers. Try to contact your operator Vodafone, T-Mobile, or whichever company operate your SIM card to learn about the available options. They may be able to track the device’s location via mobile signals.

This feature is available only with the help of the operator. Without them, you cannot connect to the mobile networks to search for your device. Most often, mobile operators offer this help only to the police, but you can at least ask for their help.

Is it possible to find a lost or stolen mobile phone?

Yes, it is possible to find a lost or stolen smartphone, but not always. As a rule, the earlier you start acting, the more likely, that you will retrieve the device. It is important not to lose hope. The first 24 hours are the most important, but the device can be found even after one or two weeks.

Final Thoughts on How to Track a Stolen Phone

Above, we have collected five ways to find a lost phone in 2021. We hope you never have this problem. However, if you already have, then use our ways to find your gadget. Some of the methods work with iOS or other operating systems as well.

Do not focus on only one method. You can combine several methods. Additionally, it is easier to search for a lost phone if you prepare in advance. Install Snoopza and switch on location history. You never know when you might lose your phone, so it is important to prepare for this event in advance.

As an alternative, you can insure your device against theft or loss. In 2021, this service is available in many countries. If you do so, you will need to contact the police if your phone is lost or stolen.

An appeal to the police is a great thing to do that you must not forget or neglect. Even if you do not believe that your phone will be found, police can increase the chances. From our practices and feedback from users, we know that it’s easier to find the phone yourself, but in some cases, you cannot do so without the police, so try all the options.