Losing your smartphone is distressing, especially given the amount of information you will have lost with it. Smartphones today have a variety of functions ranging from a primary work tool, entertainment hub to a gaming console. The value that we place on our smartphones makes losing one quite frustrating, regardless of whether it was stolen or you just misplaced it. If your smartphone is lost or stolen, then the following tips can help you track or even find it.

Use a Tough Phone Lock Option


It is not advisable for you to use things such as your names, pet names, date of birth, or family members’ names to lock your phone. Other options are better, and they include a pattern, PIN, password, biometrics (face recognition/fingerprint), or a combination of all the above. Use long passwords that are a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. If you have important Apps on your phone, then extend the Lock to them too.

Enable Find My Device on Your Phone

Open settings on an android device, select Google>Security, then select Find My Device. This is an inbuilt anti-theft app by Google. It allows you to see your phone’s location on the map, wipe its content, and/or remotely lock it.

Always have a backup for your data in case of an unforeseen eventuality. Back up everything you can use a cloud service or a memory card to back up any relevant information such as audio, documents, images, and contacts.

Tracking a Lost Smartphone Using IMEI Number

All smartphones have a distinct International Mobile Equipment Identity – IMEI number. 15 digits are used to identify individual devices. These are the steps to follow to track your smartphone using IMEI.

STEP 1: Visit Google Play and search for IMEI tracker-Find my device, then install it.

STEP 2: Grant permissions to other applications on your phone. Read through the instructions and provide all details requested.

STEP 3: Using your phone’s IMEI number, the location can easily be tracked, and it will show up on the screen.