Let's be honest. We've all lost our phones. It's basically a modern rite of passage. Prepare for the inevitable and let’s add your phone to Find My Device.
First, a Confession (and Maybe an Unpopular Opinion)
Here's my unpopular opinion: I'm not convinced my phone actually gets lost. I think it enters another dimension. A dimension where it's always under the couch cushions.
Maybe that dimension is just called "Laundry Room." Either way, I want to find it fast. So, let’s get going.
The Android Adventure
Okay, Android users, this is where the magic happens. Head into your Settings. It's probably that little gear icon you keep ignoring. Stop ignoring it!
Now, scroll like you’re looking for the meaning of life. Find the "Security" section. Sometimes it says "Security & Location." Keep digging. I believe in you!
See "Find My Device?" Excellent! If it's off, switch it on. Congratulations. You've taken the first step to recovering your phone from the shadow realm (aka Laundry Room).
You might need to sign in to your Google account. You know, the one you probably forgot the password to? Hopefully, you wrote it down somewhere safe...like on a sticky note on your monitor.
Make sure Location is also turned on. "But that drains my battery!" you cry. Yes, yes it does. A necessary evil, my friend. A necessary evil.
The Apple Acquisition (of Your Lost Phone)
Apple users, your journey is slightly different. Though equally fraught with peril. Peril of *not* finding your phone, that is.
Open your Settings app. Shockingly, it also has a gear icon. Are we sure Android and Apple aren't secretly twins?
Tap your name at the very top. This is your Apple ID. Treat it with respect.
Then find "Find My." Tap it. Seriously, tap it! I'm waiting...
Make sure "Find My iPhone" is toggled on. Duh. Also, turn on "Send Last Location." This is like your phone's dying breath. A final clue before it vanishes.
"But what if someone steals my phone?"
Good question! That's why you also want to enable "Find My network." It uses other Apple devices to help locate yours. Creepy? Maybe. Effective? Definitely.
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3... Where Are You, Phone?
Now for the fun part! Let's pretend you lost your phone. (Or, you know, maybe you *did* lose it… again.)
On a computer (or another phone), go to android.com/find for Android. For Apple, head to iCloud.com/find. Sign in with your account.
You should see a map with your phone's location. Hopefully, it's not at the bottom of the ocean. If it is, well, that's a different problem.
You can make your phone ring. Even if it's on silent. Ha! Take that, silent mode!
You can also lock your phone and display a message. "Please return my phone! I'll give you cookies!" Works every time. (Probably.)
A Parting Word (or Two)
So there you have it. You're now slightly more prepared for the inevitable phone-losing incident. Remember to update your passwords, avoid questionable apps, and maybe attach a Tile tracker. Just kidding...mostly.
Now go forth and don't lose your phone! (Or at least, find it quickly when you do.) Good luck!
