Find My Device: How to track a lost or stolen phone? [2 modes]

Losing or having your cell phone stolen is a big loss, as it is an almost indispensable part of our daily lives. After all, at work and at play, it keeps us connected to colleagues, friends and family. The good news is that it is possible to know the location of a cell phone with the help of technology. To help you find your smartphone, we'll teach you how to use two Google tools: Find My Device and Google Maps. See how the features work.

Track cell phone by Find My Device [1st way]

Google Find My Device, also known as Find My Device, is a built-in Google feature to help Android device users locate their cell phone.

The tool allows you to trigger an audible alarm from a distance, block the phone and send a message to try to reach the person who may have found the device. In the worst situations, users can completely reset the phone, erasing and protecting all personal data.

o enable 'Find My Device'

1. The first step is to check if the Google tool is already activated on your phone. To do this, go to 'Settings' > 'Google'. Scroll down and tap on the 'Find My Device' option:

1. If the feature is disabled, tap the highlighted button to enable it:

There are three options for finding a lost Android gadget. Through the 'Find My Device' app (available on the Play Store), through the address “android./find” or through a Google search for the phrase “find my device”.

For everything to work, also make sure the system location service is enabled.

1. Go back to phone settings and find 'Location'. If the switch is off, tap the button below to enable the use location option:

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Find My Device through the app

1. Download and install the find my device app (Android);
2. Access your Google account;
3. Allow the app to use your location;
4. Ready! Your device will appear on the mobile screen.

Find My Device on pc

1. Go to the Google Find My Device website and sign in to your Google account. Keep in mind that the search feature uses the active account on your device:

1. After login, you will be redirected to the website with device information and resources available in the tool:

1. When you click on 'Play Sound', the mobile device will emit an audible alarm for five minutes. User can stop the alarm by clicking 'Stop Ringing';

1. User can select 'Secure Device' option to lock the device. By selecting this function, it is possible to write a 'Recovery message' and add a contact number in 'Phone number'. Optional messages will be displayed on the device's lock screen:

1. As a last resort, the user can erase all information from the device by clicking on 'Erase Device' and confirming the action:

In case of robbery or theft, the owner of the device must contact the operator responsible for the device to block the IMEI, preventing another person from enabling a mobile line on the cell phone. If the user no longer has the smartphone box, it is possible to consult the IMEI number through Google Find My Device itself, just click on the information icon.

Do you have Google Find My Device turned off?

Unfortunately, it does not have the location of your mobile turned off. In this case, when trying to track it, the message 'Device out of range' will appear.

Track cell phone by Google Maps [2nd way]

Another free way to track your cell phone is using Google Maps. In that case, it will work to find Android and iOS devices. To get started, install the Google Maps app, then learn here how to use 'Your Timeline' and enable your 'Location History'. Thus, you will be able to pick up your phone or tablet from a distance through the tool's website.

location sharing

If you need to know where the person is in real time, it is possible to track a cell phone using another device. Before starting the walkthrough, make sure that Maps can access the location at all times.

To check on Android, go to Settings > Location > App Permissions and see if the app appears under 'Always Allowed'. If not, find the app in the list, tap on it and select 'Allow all the time'.

Now the right setup, follow the tutorial:

1. Access the Google Maps app;
2. Tap your profile picture;
3. Select 'share location' and, in the next window, click on 'share location' again;
4. Now, choose how long your location will be available between: a few hours, 1 day or until you turn it off;
5. Select the contact to share via message or choose one of the apps from the list. If the app doesn't appear in the list, you can tap 'Copy to clipboard' and paste it wherever you want.

Is it possible to track cell phone off Google Maps?

No, if you turn your phone off or it runs out of battery, location sharing will also be paused. When entering the link, the message “This person is no longer sharing their location” will appear.