How to Handle a Lost Smartphone, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on how to prepare for and respond to instances of a lost phone. We tend to misplace things more than we’d like on a daily basis, and our phone is sometimes the casualty here – luckily, though, modern smartphone features make this a less damaging event than it may have been a decade or two ago. At FixIT Mobile, while our primary services come in cell phone repair, which covers numerous device types and potential issues, we’re happy to help with other basic themes like preventing a lost phone. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go into some strategies for finding a phone that may have been lost over a long distance range, plus some general themes to keep in mind once you locate a phone that’s been lost.

Long-Range Finder Strategies

In part one, we went over a couple apps or themes you can utilize within your phone to help locate it in case it’s lost. The primary tool here is the Find My Phone function, which is offered in both Apple and Android products and can be accessed from a laptop, tablet or other computer. This will map out your device’s location and help you find it – as long as you had it turned on.

If you did not have this feature on or it is not available for your phone, you have some other options. You can call or text your phone, for one – if you text it, be sure to include a different contact number someone can call if they happen to find the phone. You can also notify the lost-and-found departments for any businesses where you may have misplaced the phone.

Theft and Fraud Prevention

Firstly, one note if you believe your phone has been stolen: If you use cloud backup, you can use the remote wipe function to remove all your phone’s data right away. The faster you do this, the lower the chance a thief can remove your SIM card or otherwise procure your information. Such functions also generally allow you to remotely lock the phone and change account passwords, which you should do.

In addition, if the phone is not recovered somewhat quickly, you should contact your mobile carrier. They will help you disable phone service and can possibly offer other assistance. If these situations lead to any kind of fraudulent charges or other issues created by someone using your device without permission, you may also have to contact the police to file a report.

For more on how to deal with a lost phone and prevent fraud risks, or to learn about any of our phone repair, laptop repair, tablet repair or other device repair services, speak to the staff at FixIT Mobile today.