We could not seem to get through our daily life without the smartphone. It lets us make and receive phone calls, show pictures and videos, includes GPS capability for location and navigation. However, this powerful gadget is more prone to lose, as they are often in our pockets, purse or handbags. Moreover, we are likely to leave it in a restaurant or bar. To reduce the risk of losing your phone, you can take some precautions and recover it once it gets lost.
Make it a habit
Since sometimes losing your phone is inevitable, there are some steps you can take to avoid losing your smartphone. It’s advisable to immediately put your phone in your pocket or purse after using it. For instance, you can start forming a new habit by consciously putting your mobile phone in front of your pocket for 21 straight days. This will make your action to a subconscious action in which you will always make sure your cell phone guarded consistently. Moreover, it’s better not give your smartphone to your kids during your outings in public places.
Use silent mode when needed
Actually, silent mode makes it a bit more difficult to locate a lost phone. Probably many people are not aware of this is that you can automate your phone’s silent mode. Thus you do not have to worry if your phone suddenly ringing when you are in the meeting just because you forgotten to put in in silent mode. It also will make sure that your cell phone is not in silent mode each time you are in public places.
Try to only use silent mode when it’s really needed and switch back once it’s no longer required. For most Android handsets, press and hold the phone’s “power” button then select “silent mode”. While iPhone users can use the switch on the side of your phone.
Configure the native apps
Apple, Google and Samsung have phone retrieval feature built into their software, but you generally have to sign up for an account. They give you the ability to locate, ring, lock and even wipe the phone. No professional knowledge is required.
Whenever you get a new iPhone, ensure that you have enabled Find My iPhone app. You can go to Settings > Your name > iCloud. Scroll to the bottom and tap “Find My iPhone”. If you’re an Apple watch user, you can connect and pair your watch to your iPhone, so you’re able to use your watch to find your missing phone. Once paired, swipe up from the bottom of the watch and tap Find iPhone. Your iPhone will ring out with a ping sound if nearby.
Similar to Find My iPhone, Google offers Find My Device that helps you locate a phone on the map. It also lets you enable lock and erase feature to secure your device and permanently erase your phone’s data. Moreover, Samsung provides users with Find My Mobile tool, which requires signing up for a Samsung account. This location tracker allows you to locate your phone as well as protect your data.
Lock it down
One of the easiest ways to secure your smart device is implementing the lock screen. You can choose methods such as pattern, PIN, password or my favorite, the hard-to-crack picture password. It may prevent someone from accessing your important data if the phone is lost.
For iPhone users, they can add a personal message to the lock screen using Find My iPhone. If you’re using Android phone, you can go to Settings > Security & Location. Then tap Screen Lock > Setting and Lock screen message, where you will be able to input a message.
Put your emergency number or contact details
Several researches show that most people lost their phones in public places and ultimately lead them to be stolen afterwards. However, there are still some good Samaritans out there who will return the lost phone or hand them over to the police. As such, you can make good use of lock screen messages. The lock screen should include emergency number or contact details to help someone find the rightful owner.
What to do if you lose your phone?
Finding your phone would be easier if you have enabled “find my phone” apps. All you have to do is log into your Google or iCloud account using another device, then choose the device you wish to locate. It will show the location of your missing device on the map. You’re also given options to play sound, enable lock and erase this device.
If you do lose your smartphone and cannot locate it. then you can contact your network provider and inform them that it’s lost or stolen. The network operator will be able to blacklist your phone and cancel your SIM. Thus no one else can use it for unauthorized calls, downloads or internet access.
The bottom line
Whenever you gets a new handset, it’s advisable to do precautious steps to avoid losing your important smartphone. You can make it a habit to put your smartphone in front of your pocket, automate silent mode, use lock screen message or enable Find phone apps. Among these tips, our first recommendation is to turn on native features. They can help you remotely track or locate a phone once it’s lost or stolen.