Most phones don't have tracking and remote control enabled by default, but it can be very useful if the lost phone is a smartphone (smartphone). In many cases, especially if you lose a phone that is not a smartphone, the best thing you can do is contact the service provider and suspend network and data usage, without protecting your personal data. There are many remote phone tracking apps available, but almost all of them require you to physically install and register using your phone, before it's stolen.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Disabling the Stolen iPhone
Step 1. Use this for iOS 8, or if you have Find my iPhone enabled
The Find my iPhone feature has been available for years, but it's only enabled by default in iOS 8. If you're using an operating system prior to September 2014, this method will only work if you enable Find my iPhone via Settings" → "iCloud, or specify that You want Find my iPhone enabled when you set up the device for the first time.
Find my iPhone can only be activated after connecting your iPhone to an iCloud account, using the same setup menu
Step 2. Sign in to iCloud on another computer or Apple device
Go to icloud.com, then click Find my iPhone. If you're using another phone or tablet, you can download the Find my iPhone app from your device's app store.
- Neither the app nor the website is available on Android phones or tablets. The Find My iPhone app for Android is not made by Apple, and is usually very slow and full of bugs (errors).
- You can access the site on any computer operating system, not just Mac.
Step 3. Select the stolen phone
Click the image of the stolen device. Even if the phone has enabled all the necessary settings, it will only appear if the phone is turned on and has a signal. If the phone is not on the list, try again periodically to see if the thief has turned it on.
Unfortunately, clever thieves can put your phone into flight mode so they can hack your password without being accessible to this service. Don't assume your data is safe just because your phone is not on the list
Step 4. Use the map to locate your phone
If location services settings are enabled on your phone (as well as Find my iPhone), your phone will appear as dots on the map. The green dot means the phone is online and the dot indicates its current location. A gray dot means the phone is offline and its last known location is shown.
Step 5. Use the available settings to protect your iPhone
With the stolen device selected, click the little blue "i" icon. There are several ways to protect your phone using the listed menu items. It is recommended that you use the list in the order below:
- Remote Lock or Lost Mode will set a new 4-digit PIN which is required to access your phone. Remember this PIN so you can access the phone when it's back in your hands.
- Send Message will display a message on the screen. Usually, this is used as a warning that the phone's location is known, and/or promised a reward if the phone is returned anonymously. (You can also select Play Sound to alert the thief that there is a message for him.)
- Remote Wipe is a last resort that will wipe all data from your phone, which returns it to its default settings and removes any apps that are not built into the phone. It still allows you to track the phone if it is set in Lost Mode, but some users have reported issues.
Method 2 of 4: Disabling Stolen Android Phone
Step 1. Do not change your Google Account password
Almost all ways to remotely disable your phone require you to associate your phone with your Google account. If you change your Google Account password because of a security risk, you have very little control over your device remotely.
Changing the password after the phone has been disabled is a good idea, as thieves can have access to your account
Step 2. Use Android Device Manager
Visit google.com/android/devicemanager and sign in to your Google account to access these settings. Any Android device associated with your Google account will be listed, as long as the device has been updated since August 2013.
- Any device that is visible and turned on and has location tracking enabled will be marked on the map.
- Select Lock, Disable, or Erase all Data if these options are available. It will only run if all three have been previously enabled, using Settings → Security → Device Administrators → Android Device Manager.
Step 3. Use your Samsung account
If your Samsung smartphone is stolen, and you registered it with a Samsung account, visit findmymobile.samsung.com/ and log in to the account. Select your device on the left to track the location of the phone, lock the phone with a new password, or delete all data permanently.
Step 4. Install Android Lost remotely if you are using Android 2.2 to 2.3.7
Android Lost is one of those tracking apps that can be installed and registered remotely, once your phone is stolen. Unfortunately, this remote installation feature is only available for the "Froyo" and "Gingerbread" Android builds, from May 2010 to January 2011. On newer versions of Android, the app won't run until it's opened on the phone itself. The device must also be online, and linked to your Google account.
- If you're lucky enough that your device uses this version of Android, install the app from your computer via the online app store, selecting the stolen phone. After installation, register the app by sending a text message containing androidlost register from another phone.
- To access Android Lost controls, whether you register remotely or remotely in advance, visit androidlost.com/#controls and click the Sign in button at the top right. Sign in to your Google account, and you'll be able to track your phone's location on a map, lock your phone, erase your SD card, and more.
Method 3 of 4: Disabling Stolen Windows Phone
Step 1. Visit windowsphone.com
Most Windows Phones automatically have remote tracking enabled and disabled services, as long as the phone is associated with a Microsoft account. Start by visiting windowsphone.com on your computer.
You can try to access the site from another smartphone or tablet, but there is no mobile website available, so the site may not be easy to use
Step 2. Click Find my Phone on the top right
Hover over the word Explore My Phone and over the image of a smartphone. A small box containing a menu will appear. Select Find my Phone from these options.
Step 3. Sign in to your Microsoft account
Enter your Microsoft account information to sign in or click Can't sign in to your account? if you forget your password.
Do not try to sign in with a one-use code, as this code will be sent to your stolen phone
Step 4. Switch off the phone or try another option
A map will appear showing the location of your phone, if the phone is turned on and location data is enabled. Several options will appear when the phone is turned on:
- Ring makes your device sound even when the volume is turned off. This is very useful for finding lost phones, not stolen phones.
- Lock will protect the phone with a new password.
- Erase will delete all personal data from your phone permanently.
Method 4 of 4: Contacting the Service Provider
Step 1. Understand the limitations of this method
In most cases, service providers are only able to block mobile and data services to your device, not protect your personal data. Calling them as soon as your phone is stolen is still a good idea, so you avoid paying for data usage from your phone thief.
It is recommended that you also report this crime to the police
Step 2. Use tracking or deletion methods first, if possible
If you lose your smartphone, look into other ways on this page to track the location of the device, protect it with a password, or delete its data, if this option is enabled. Once the service is disabled, this feature will no longer work.
Step 3. Contact AT&T
If you use AT&T services, sign in or create a wireless account on myAT&T, using the stolen cell phone number. Once logged in, navigate to Wireless at the top of the page and select Suspend or Reactivate Service, then follow the prompts.
- Alternatively, call 800.331.0500 to deactivate your service for 30 days.
- Suspending service in this way will prevent the thief from using the AT&T network for any purpose, even if the thief inserts a new SIM card.
Step 4. Suspend Verizon service
Visit Verizon's hold service page, then log into your My Verizon account or create a new account associated with the stolen cell phone number. Follow the prompts, selecting "Stolen" as the reason and "stop billing" to clear payments for 30 days.
- Your cell phone service and billing will automatically be reactivated after 30 days.
- Suspending service due to a stolen phone will not void your eligibility for upgrades or other features of your account.
Step 5. Disable T-Mobile service
Visit the T-Mobile hold service page and sign in to your My T-Mobile account, then follow the prompts. Return to the same site to reactivate it if you have found your device.
Step 6. Contact Sprint
To disconnect your Sprint phone from the network, call 888-211-4727 and request that your service be suspended.
Tips
- You should report the theft to the police. If your phone is stolen on a business-related basis, ask the store manager to keep an eye on it, or keep an eye on any suspects you see.
- Under California law, smartphones sold in the state in July 2015 and beyond will require their owners to enable remote control. This will likely also affect phones sold elsewhere.
