Losing a cell phone can be the most nerve wracking experience anyone can face. It is therefore important that you take all the precautions before such a thing happens. If you are prepared for the eventuality, you will be in a better position to deal with it and locate it. Taking precautions before losing a cell phone can help you ensure data security as well. In this guide, we will talk about ways to locate and track a lost or stolen phone and also prevent this mishap in the first place.
1. Protect your phone physically
Thieves are always on the lookout for phones which are usually seen in our pockets or in our hands. So always be vigilant and keep your phone out of reach and invisible. Never leave your phone on the table when you are in a café. Also keep your handbags and purses secure. If you are in a tourist spot, note that thieves work in pairs. One guy might thrust a map or wares in your face while the other snatches your phone and runs. If you plan to carry your phone on your person, you must keep in the front pocket (never in back pocket) or zipped up inside a bag. Never leave your phone visible in your car and avoid keeping it in the open when you are in a crowded area.
2. Avoid browsing or talking on the phone when outside
Have you ever noticed how unaware of your surroundings you are while browsing the phone outdoors? Your phone can be easily snatched so always keep your phone distraction to a minimum. Walk with your hands in your pocket. Ladies, carry your purses close to your body. Think carefully of the area you are in such as obvious theft areas or exits or entry points to tube stations.
3. Avoid storing pin and passwords on the phone
Always prepare yourself for the worst. Never make things easy for thieves to access your information. Avoid keeping sensitive and business critical information on your phone. Never store passwords and PIN codes on the phone.
4. Take technical measures to protect your phone
If you use your phone to keep sensitive technical or financial data, then you must use all kinds of technical ways to protect it from being stolen or lost. Put a pin or pass-code to lock the phone. This will at least stop the thief from using your phone or hacking into your saved bank accounts or using other sensitive information.
5. Back it up
This is something always on one’s to do list but never gets done. Thankfully there are many apps that automatically back up your phone from time to time. Use Tom’s Guide to find the best apps to keep your mobile backed up from time to time. Again, be careful of storing information on cloud. This simple step will at least help you keep your contact numbers and other basic data intact.
6. IMEI tracker for lost mobile
You can use your IMEI tracker for lost mobile provided you use your phone to know this number before your phone is lost or stolen. The IMEI number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Simply dial *#06# in your phone’s keypad and it will be displayed on the screen. The IMEI number is also located on the backside of the phone’s battery. IMEI number is also displayed on the side of the box when you buy a brand new phone. Always store the phone’s box so you can call your service provider and have them block your phone from making calls if your phone is stolen using the IMEI number. You can also give the IMEI number to the police who can track your phone for you.
7. Use a cell phone locator service
Cell phone locator service takes advantage of your cell phone’s GPS to find your phone which may be hidden anywhere on the planet. Use these services to then track your phone:
- LOCService
- Phoning Pigeon
- Mobile phone locator.
These services will require you to register a web account so that they can help you locate the phone. They also enable services that send updates to the Internet which help in tracking the phone.
8. Use Lock and Wipe apps
Many phones these days support these apps. They can help you prevent your data being compromised should someone get hands on your phone. Blackberry had this functionality inbuilt. Samsung phones have a Find my Phone feature integrated. Even iPhones have Find My iPhone service. Apps like LookOutMobile Security can also come in handy and most of these are created by Anti-virus companies. However, since these are third party apps, they are always at a risk of being wiped out by criminals. Download these lock and wipe apps now rather than regretting it later. On iPhone, set restrictions password for location services to ensure thieves cannot disable FindMy iPhone.
Having a phone stolen can be a terrible thing. Always prepare for this eventuality and use the tips above to minimize damage.