10 Ways To Find Yous Stolen Phone

Since we are almost always on the go , its not surprising that all of us, at some point or another, lose our handsets. More often than not, they are stolen. But unlike the old days where a stolen phone was lost for good, now you can track your device and retrieve it from the thief. I tell you how.

1. IMEI Number : 

Every phone comes with a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number which can come in useful to track it in case of loss or theft. This number can be accessed by dialing *#06# and it is advisable to make a note of it as soon as you purchase your handset. In case the phone gets stolen, file an FIR with the police and give them its identity number. Pass on a copy of the FIR and IMEI number to your service provider who will then be able to track your handset. With its IMEI number, a device can be traced even if it is being used with another Sim or even if it is switched off. Once the handset is located, request your service provider to block it from being used till you are able to get your hands on it again.

2. IMEI Global Database :

Another way that you can locate your lost phone is by adding its identity number to a free global database. If the phone is found, its IMEI number can be used to contact you. Though this is a bit of a long shot, it is definitely worth a try.

3. iCloud :

The best way for iPhone users to locate their missing handset is by activating Find My iPhone on it. If you are an iPhone user and you cant find your phone, log on to your iCloud account and click on Find My iPhone. If the phone is on, the service will be able to locate it. In case of theft, as soon as you locate your handset, lock it from your account so that the thief cant steal your information and disable the tracker. You can do this by clicking on the blue information icon on the black locator bar.

4. Google Latitude :

If you dont have a handset that can download fancy apps but are still worried about losing your handset, Google Latitude is for you. Google Latitude uses your phones in built GPS to locate your phone. If you cant find your handset, log on to Google Latitude from a computer and it will immediately give you the where abouts of your device.

5. Find My Phone :

This is a convenient app for Android users , specially for families. By adding friends and family to the app, everyones phone movements can be tracked at all times. Though this does sound a bit daunting, it can actually be pretty useful. In case your phone is lost, you can track it from another persons handset. He or she just needs to be on your list within the app.

6. Prey :

If you are worried about privacy but still want to be able to track your device in case it gets stolen, you can opt for Prey. This open source application works on Android and as well as on iOS. To activate this anti theft service, you need to sign up with Prey and synch your devices with it. If your phone gets lost, log on to your account from a computer and start tracking it. You can even lock your device remotely via this app. Since Prey does not start tracking your phone unless to ask it to, its perfect for those users who are concerned about privacy.

7. Plan B :

For Android users, this app is a blessing, for it can be installed on your phone even after it has been stolen. Log on to your account on Android Market Place and install the app on your missing handset. Once the app locates your phone, it will send you an email on your registered gmail account with the location information.

8. Smart Look :

If you want to catch your phone thief red handed, this is the perfect app for you. Not only can it track your handset via its GPS based continuous tracking system that is linked to Google Maps, it can click three snapshots of the thief and immediately email them to you!

9. Avast! Mobile Security :

Avast is designed for those who are concerned about both, a virus inflicting their phone and about their phone disappearing altogether. This invisible app provides two levels of security to a device by giving it a mobile antivirus and a mobile tracking/controls solution. This app works well because its anti theft component is invisible to thieves and it lets you use remote options (via web or text messages) to locate your handset.

10. Lookout Security and Antivirus :

Another all in one app , this one gives you peace of mind . Once you download this app, you can locate your handset immediately on a Google Map via Lookout.com. Whats more, you can sound an alarm or make your phone scream even if its on silent mode and see your phones last known location. This functional app goes a step further and even allows you to remotely lock your device and wipe out sensitive data from it.