How to Find a Lost Cell Phone, Even When It Seems Hopeless
Cell phones. They're so handy. So convenient. So indispensible. So small. So....easy to lose! Even the Nexus One Google Superphone, super-cool as it is, can get lost just as easily as any other cellphone.
If your mobile phone goes bye bye, here's how to (hopefully) get it back.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
**Make the Call**
Big duh, I know, but the first step is to call your phone. Assuming that it's not in silent mode, and the battery still has some juice, calling your phone will sometimes immediately (and embarrassingly!) reveal its location as you hear it ringing, and track it down. There it is...right in your jacket pocket. Why didn't you look there before?
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2
**Use Your Computer**
What's that you say...? You can't call your cell phone because you don't have a danged phone! No problem. Your computer can make the call for you. There are several sites online where you can enter your number, and have the computer ring your phone. Try the aptly-named wheresmycellphone.com, for starters.
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3
**Go Lo-Tech**
Don't forget to look the old fashioned way, with your eyes and your brain. Get yourself settled down, let go of that panicky feeling that your precious cell phone is gone for ever, and begin retracing your steps.
Where were you recently? When is the last time you remember having your phone? Try to be as specific in your memory as possible. That is, don't say: 'I had it at work'. Try going with:
'I had it in the office, used it at the meeting in the 4th floor conference room, and put it down in the bathroom when I was washing my hands. THAT'S IT! I left it in the bathroom'.
If you remember having the phone in some public place -- a restaurant, the library, or a coffee shop -- give them a call right away to see if they happen to have it safely stashed away awaiting your return.
If you were with other people, contact them, and ask if they remember where you last had your phone.
You'll be amazed at how often simple backtracking works.
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4
**Check Your Records**
If you can't recall when you last used your phone, your cell phone service provider may be able to tell you when it was last used, and what number was called.
For some cell phone plans, this sort of information is easily available online. For others, a customer service rep can sometimes get you the information.
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5
**Go Hi Tech With GPS**
Most major service providers have the capability for triangulating a phone's location based on the strength of the signal to various different cell phone towers. This is usually a service that one needs to subscribe to. For instance, AT&T has a FamilyMap service, while Verizon Wireless has a service called Family Locator.
Even if you don't subscribe to these locator features, they can often be turned on after your phone is lost (for a fee!). Check with your wireless provider about enabling this capability to locate a lost phone.
There are also services like AccuTracking.com that can track many types of cell phones, especially smart phones like Blackberries, Android phones (Google phones), and some of the cool Nextel and Boost Mobile devices. However, for these services to work, you have to install their software *before* your phone disappears.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Good luck getting it back. As the old saying goes, a cell phone is a terrible thing to waste!
