Key takeaways:
- Enable built-in tracking features like Find My Device on Android and Find My on Apple devices
- Install third-party tracking apps for additional security and remote control options
- Take preventative measures to deter thieves and protect your data if your device is stolen
- Act quickly if your device is lost or stolen to maximize chances of recovery
Losing your phone, laptop or tablet can be a devastating experience. Not only do these devices often contain sensitive personal information, but they are expensive to replace. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to track your stolen device and increase your chances of getting it back. Here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
Enable Built-in Tracking Features
Most modern devices come with built-in tracking and remote control features that can help you locate your device if it’s lost or stolen:
- Android devices: Enable Find My Device in your Google account settings. This allows you to locate, lock, and erase your device remotely from the Find My Device website or app.
- Apple devices: Turn on Find My iPhone/iPad/Mac in your iCloud settings. You can then track your device’s location, play a sound, display a message, or remotely erase it via the Find My app or iCloud.com.
- Windows 10/11 PCs: Enable Find My Device in Windows Settings to locate your lost laptop on a map. You can also lock the screen and display a message for the finder.
It’s crucial to set up these features before your device is lost or stolen. Once enabled, you can track your missing gadget as long as it’s powered on and connected to the internet via WiFi or cellular data.
Use Third-Party Tracking Apps
While built-in solutions work well, installing a dedicated tracking app provides extra security and remote control options:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Prey | Remote location tracking, locking, and data wiping. Takes webcam photos of the thief. Cross-platform. |
| Cerberus | Stealthy tracking, remote audio/video recording, and device locking. Android only. |
| LoJack | Utilizes GPS to pinpoint device location. Service can work directly with police to recover laptops. |
Many tracking apps run silently in the background and are difficult for thieves to detect and uninstall. Some can even survive a factory reset. For best results, install tracking software on all your devices and familiarize yourself with how to use it.
Take Preventative Measures
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Reduce the risk of device theft with these tips:
- Avoid leaving devices unattended in public, even briefly
- Use a strong passcode or biometric lock
- Encrypt your device storage and backups
- Don’t store sensitive data on easily stolen devices
- Attach a “If found, please contact…” label to your gadgets
- Invest in a cable lock for laptops and tablets
- Back up important data regularly to the cloud or an external drive
Taking these precautions makes your devices less attractive to opportunistic thieves. And if the worst happens, you’ll at least have the peace of mind that your data is protected and backed up.
Act Quickly If Your Device Is Stolen
Time is of the essence when your device goes missing. The quicker you act, the better your chances of retrieving it. As soon as you realize it’s gone:
- Use Find My Device or a tracking app to locate your gadget on a map.
- If nearby, make the device play a sound to help you find it.
- If you suspect it’s stolen, lock the screen and display a message with your contact info.
- Remotely wipe your sensitive data if you believe it’s fallen into the wrong hands.
- Report the theft to the police. Provide your device’s serial number and tracking info.
- Notify your mobile carrier so they can disable the SIM and prevent unauthorized use.
- Change the passwords to any accounts accessible from the device.
Be persistent in your efforts to recover your device, but don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Work with law enforcement and your tracking service provider to get your stolen property back safely.
FAQ
What if my device is offline when I try to track it?
If your stolen device is turned off or not connected to the internet, tracking services won’t be able to pinpoint its current location. However, you can still lock the device and display a message remotely. The lock and message will take effect as soon as the device comes online again. Some tracking apps can also report the device’s last known location before it went offline.
Can I track my device if the thief performs a factory reset?
In most cases, no. A factory reset will wipe all apps and accounts from the device, including any tracking software you had installed. However, some advanced tracking solutions can survive a factory reset by integrating with the device firmware or bootloader. If you had one of these persistent trackers installed, you may still be able to locate your device after a reset.
What should I do if I can’t recover my stolen device?
If your tracking and recovery efforts fail, it’s time to cut your losses and protect yourself from further harm:
- Remotely wipe the device to prevent your data from being accessed
- Report the device as stolen to your carrier and the police
- Deactivate any credit cards or payment services associated with the device
- Change all your online account passwords, especially for sensitive services like banking and email
- Contact your insurance provider if your device is covered against theft
- Consider identity theft monitoring if you believe your personal info is at risk
Losing a device is never fun, but by taking the right precautions and actions, you can minimize the damage and move on.
