How to quickly find a lost or stolen phone

What to do if your Apple device has been lost or stolen

1) Prepare now before your iPhone or iPad is lost. All newer Apple devices come with a feature called Activation Lock, a feature that’s designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, if it’s ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock turns on automatically when you turn on Find My [device]. Even if you’ve erased your device remotely, this feature will prevent the person who stole your device from using it.

To ensure Activation Lock is on, enable Find My on your device, and remember your Apple ID and password. Here’s how to set up Find My, and here’s a handy tip on using password managers to securely store your passwords.

2) Locate your device with Find My. You can find your device on a map by logging in to iCloud.com/find or by logging into the Find My app on another Apple device. If the phone is on, you should be able to see your device on the map and in the list of registered devices. If your phone is misplaced and nearby, you can have the device play a tone to locate it. If the device is offline, the battery has died or it’s been more than 24 hours since the device communicated with Apple, your device may still be displayed on the map at its last known location.

3) Turn on Lost Mode. Lost Mode is a feature that will remotely lock your device with a passcode and allow you to display a custom message on the device’s screen so the person who finds your phone can contact you. This mode turns off key features like Apple Pay but also enables location services so you are able to track the phone when it turns on again.

You can turn on Lost Mode from the Find My app or by logging into icloud. Here’s how.

4) Report your missing device to law enforcement. They may want your serial number when you contact them. Here’s how to find your Apple device serial number.

5) File a loss or theft claim. If you have coverage through AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss or other insurance for your device, you may be able to file a claim. Here’s how to file a claim with Apple, or contact your carrier or device’s insurance provider.

6) Contact your carrier. If you have service with CREDO, please call us at 866-306-2900 to discuss suspending your service or options for a new device. If you have service with another carrier, call their customer service number and explain the situation.

7) Erase your device remotely. If you believe your phone has been stolen or lost for good, you should erase your device. You will not be able to track your phone once it’s been erased. If you have an open claim with Apple, your carrier or insurance company, do not erase your device until the claim has been processed. Here’s how to erase your Apple device remotely.

What to do if your Android device has been lost or stolen

1) Prepare now before your Android device is lost. 

1. 1. Add your Google account to your Android device to automatically turn on key features, like Find My Device.
   2. Double check that Find My Device is on. Go to your device’s Settings > Security > Find My Device. If you don’t see “Security,” tap Security & location or Google > Security. 
   3. Check that Location is turned on. Go to Settings > Location, and ensure it’s turned on.
   4. Check Google Play visibility. Open play.google.com/settings. Under “Visibility,” pick the device.
   5. If you have two-step verification turned on, you will need a backup phone or backup code. 
   6. Create a secure lock screen by enabling a passcode and fingerprint authentication.

2) Find your phone remotely. Go to android.com/find and sign in to your Google Account. Your lost phone should get a notification, and you should be able to see your device on a map. If the phone is off, its last known location will be displayed. You can also play a sound on your lost phone to locate it.

3) Secure your device. Select “Secure Device” to lock your phone and sign out of your Google account (you should still be able to track your phone at this point). You can display a message on the lock screen with contact information. This will also turn off features like Google Pay so that someone else can not make purchases with your device.

4) Report your missing device to law enforcement. They may want your serial number when you contact them. Here’s how to find your Android device serial number.

5) File a loss or theft claim. If you have insurance coverage through your carrier or other insurance for your device, you may be able to file a claim.

6) Contact your carrier. If you have service with CREDO, please call us at 866-306-2900 to discuss suspending your service or options for a new device. If you have service with another carrier, call their customer service number and explain the situation.

7) Erase your device remotely. If you believe your phone has been stolen or lost for good, you should erase your device. You will not be able to track your phone once it’s been erased. If you have an open claim with your carrier or insurance company, do not erase your device until the claim has been processed. Here’s how to erase your Android device remotely.