How to Find a Lost Cell Phone
In the past, losing a telephone never crossed anyone's mind. With its base attached to a wall and a handset tethered by a cord, you always knew where the phone was. These days, almost everyone carries a cell phone small enough to fit in a pocket. The downside to its small, convenient size is its easy ability to be misplaced. Losing a cell phone is a common experience most of us encounter at one time or another. Finding a lost cell phone might seem overwhelming, but don't worry -- there are several ways to find a lost cell phone.
Calm down
Your
cell phone is missing and you're in a frenzy, ripping apart drawers, closets,
and everything in your way in search of the device. Panicking is the natural
reaction to a lost cell phone but it causes you to lose focus, anger friends and
family members, and make a huge mess and possibly place the phone in a deeper
hiding spot. Relax -- the cell phone is likely nearby. It cannot get up and walk
away on its own. Never accuse friends of taking your phone -- it will only lead
to more drama.
Call the phone
If your phone is not set on vibrate, silent, or turned off, the easiest and most effective way to locate your missing phone is to call it. If you're at home, turn down any televisions, radios, and other sources of noise before calling. If you do not have another phone from which to make a call, use your computer to text message the phone via your provider, if available. Otherwise, use Whereismycellphone.com or other web-based phone or text messaging services to send a free call or a text message to your phone. Even if you believe your phone is not in your home, call anyway. Your phone might have been turned in to a store's lost and found or a security desk and someone might answer.
Retrace your steps
Where did you last use your phone? If you carry it in a purse, when did you last take the phone out? Help spark your memory by writing down everything you did that day and analyzing your steps. Try remembering the last person you called and what you were doing during your phone call. Call any friends or family members you were with when you lost your cell phone -- it's possible they might remember you taking it out of your purse or setting it down somewhere.
Check common places around home
In addition to being misplaced, cell phones frequently fall out of pockets, purses, and belt holsters, leaving the device in odd spots.
Places cell phones like to hide include:
- Inside the car, especially under and between the seats
- Underneath the car
- Kitchen and bathroom counters
- Near your computer
- Garbage cans
- Door entryway
- Couch Cushions
- Toilet
Call places you visited
Make phone calls to all stores, restaurants, bus lines, and other spots you visited. Most people who find a cell phone are kind enough to turn it in to store security. If the venue does not have your missing phone, have the store write down your name and a phone number in case your phone is turned in at a later time.
Report
After exhausting every possibility, call your provider and report your cell phone missing. If your phone was stolen, the crook could ring up hundreds of dollars in charges for which you will be responsible if you do not report it stolen. Many providers offer a GPS tracking service for lost cell phones -- if possible, have the provider activate this service. Don't wait too long to report it missing -- the more hours you wait, the more time a crook has to rack up a huge bill.
Prepare for the next time
Whether you located your missing cell phone or you had to buy a new one, this won't be the last time you lose your phone. Instead of going through the headache again a few months or years down the road, prepare for the next time by taking a few preventative measures.
Password protect your phone: For many folks, cell phones hold private, personal data. Photos, voice mails, addresses, emails, and more are stored on cell phones. If a thief gets your phone, he has access to some of your vital information. Add a password lock on your phone to keep your personal data safe, should your phone fall into the wrong hands.
Add location software: SmartPhones, such as the iPhone or Blackberry, have apps available to track the phone when lost. Apps such as iHound, AccuTracking, and GetItBack offer location services. Some apps include features such as filing a police report for the missing phone within the application itself. These applications typically cost under $10. A small price to pay -- replacing a lost SmartPhone could cost over $300.
Losing a cell phone is an exasperating experience. Hopefully by following these steps, you will be able to locate the missing cell phone.