How to find a lost or stolen phone
Locate, lock or erase a lost iPhone or Android phone, and take the right next steps if it's been stolen.
- Time
- 10–20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Another phone, tablet or computer
- Your Apple Account or Google Account password
Safety first
- Never go to a location shown on the map to confront someone – leave that to the police.
- Be wary of texts claiming your lost iPhone has been found and asking you to sign in via a link – it's a known scam to steal your Apple Account.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Act quickly
The sooner you look, the more likely the phone still has battery and signal. Don't panic if it shows offline – you can still lock it.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: iPhone: use Find My
On another Apple device open the Find My app, or go to icloud.com/find in a web browser, and sign in. Select your iPhone to see it on a map. If it's nearby, tap Play Sound.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: iPhone: mark it as lost
Turn on Mark As Lost (Lost Mode). This locks the phone with its passcode, lets you show a contact number on the screen, and suspends Apple Pay cards on it.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Android: use Find Hub
Go to android.com/find in a browser, or use the Find Hub app on another Android device, and sign in with your Google Account. You'll see the phone's location if it's on and connected. Play sound rings it at full volume for five minutes, even on silent.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Android: lock it
Use Mark as lost (secure device) to lock the phone and show a message or number on the lock screen.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: If it's stolen
Don't try to get it back yourself. Report it to the police (101 or online) and get a crime reference number. Call your mobile network to block the SIM and the handset (they can bar the IMEI number). Tell your bank if you use banking apps, and change your important passwords, starting with email.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Erase it only as a last resort
If you're sure it's gone, you can erase it remotely through Find My or Find Hub. After erasing you may no longer be able to locate it, and it can't be undone. Activation Lock (iPhone) and your Google Account lock keep it unusable to a thief.
Tips
- Set up Find My / Find Hub now, before you need it, and check it's turned on in your phone's settings.
- Note your IMEI number somewhere safe – dial *#06# to see it.
Questions people ask
Can I find a phone that's switched off or offline?
You may see its last known location, and you can still mark it as lost – the lock takes effect next time it connects.
Does my phone insurance need a crime reference number?
Usually, yes – check your policy and report the theft to the police promptly.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Apple Support: If your iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen (support.apple.com)
- Android Help: Find, lock or erase a lost Android device (support.google.com)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-find-a-lost-phone/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.