){kind=icon}
Losing your mobile phone can be stressful, especially since most people use their devices daily and have private information stored there. When your phone is lost but turned on, you may have luck by simply calling your number and listening for a ring. Or you can use GPS apps to track down the precise location.
But what about when your phone is off? Can you track a phone that is turned off and doesn’t have a data connection?
In this blog, we’ll explore what you can do to find a lost device that’s turned off. If you know what to do, you can act quickly and find your phone as soon as possible.
How to track a lost iPhone that is turned off
There are a few options for iPhone users looking to track down a phone that’s turned off. One of the best ways to locate an iPhone (on or off) is by using Find My iPhone. This feature is located in your Settings app and should be automatically turned on. If not, go to your Settings, click on your name at the top of the screen, tap Find My iPhone, and turn on the function. For additional security, you can also turn on the Find My Network and Send Last Location functions right below Find My iPhone. As we’ll see, these safety features can be a huge help if you lose your phone when it’s turned off.
Here are some ways to find a lost iPhone that’s dead:
Find a lost iPhone using a different Apple device (Find My) — If you have another Apple device, you can use this to locate your mobile phone. Log in to your iCloud account at icloud.com/find using your Apple ID credentials. You can do this on another personal device or a friend’s or family member’s Apple device. Once logged in, there will be an All Devices option at the top of the screen that you can click on and select your phone from the list. This will direct you to a map that shows your device’s last known GPS location. Even if your phone isn’t at this location, it may help you recall where you could’ve put it. It’s important to enable the Send Last Location function (mentioned above) to give Apple permission to keep data on where your device was last. iPhones have the functionality to show your phone’s current location, whether on or off, so if you have a more recent model, you may be able to view your lost phone’s exact location.
Find a lost iPhone without Find my iPhone using Google Maps — If you haven’t enabled Find My iPhone permissions, you may still be able to track down your phone using Google Maps. You’ll need to allow location services permission on the Google Maps app by going to your settings, clicking on the app, and allowing location tracking. If locations are enabled, you can visit www.google.com/maps/timeline and log in to your Google account. You can click on Manage Location History at the bottom of the screen, and then you’ll be prompted to enter the date your iPhone went missing. Google Maps will show you your phone’s last location so you can find your device.
How to track a lost Android phone that is turned off
There are several options for Android users to track down a lost, switched-off phone. Here’s what you can do if you’ve lost your Android phone:
Use find my device to locate your Android phone — Android phones have a feature similar to Find My iPhone called Find My Device. This feature should be automatically turned on, but to check, go to settings, then security, and then make sure Find My Device is on. If the feature is enabled and you lose your phone, you can track its last location by visiting android.com/find and signing in to your Google account. From there, you should be able to view a complete list of your devices. Click on your mobile phone to see its most recent location.
Trace your steps using the Google Maps timeline — Just like with the iPhone, you can use Google Maps to track the last GPS location of your Android device. Again, you’ll need to give Google Maps location permissions for this method to work. Visit www.google.com/maps/timeline, log in and open Google Maps. Then, click Manage Location History to track your phone’s last location.
Track your phone using third-party apps — In addition to the built-in safety features of your Android, there are third-party apps that can track your location in case of an emergency. Some phone tracking apps have additional features such as call logging, social media tracking, and more. Do your research before installing one of these apps on your device to make sure it’s the right fit. And remember that you’ll need to give the app permission to track your location data and, in some cases, data from other applications.
If you try these methods for finding your lost phone and come up short, remember you can always talk to your service provider or mobile security experts for help.
About F‑Secure
If you are looking for superior protection for your personal devices and data, F‑Secure can help. We have many options for protection plans that give you the tools you need to keep your devices safe. Whether you want to protect against a lost or stolen phone or prepare for any emergency, let us help you find the best security solution. Our compare products page is a great place to get you started.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to track a phone that is turned off?
You can use several methods to view the most recent location of a lost cell phone that has died. Safety applications such as Find My iPhone (for Apple) and Find My Device (for Android) give users this information.
Can I track my lost phone if it is switched on?
Yes, most phones that are turned on and have the proper safety permissions enabled can be tracked. Find My iPhone, for example, can give you the exact location of your phone and can also send a signal to have it beep until you find it.
)