If the iPhone, Android phone or Windows Phone is gone, you can have it located. But: Be careful of dubious offers!
Technically speaking, it's actually not that difficult to locate a cell phone. Requirement usually: It must be switched on and have reception. However, not everyone can and should not do this for everyone. Others' cell phones may only be located with their express consent; for your own device, a prior registration with a corresponding service is practically sufficient.
Be careful if someone advertises “ Find out where your girlfriend is secretly hiding ”, a really great “spy function” or similar adventures! Services for locating other people that are supposed to work without their knowledge or consent cannot be a serious offer - so no secret surveillance. But back to locating your own Apparillo.
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Locate smartphones with Android, iOS and Windows Phone
Smartphone owners have a very good chance of not having to pay anything for the location of their cell phone. Anyone who Android as their operating system can locate their smartphone using Google's Device Manager . However, the prerequisite for this is that Google is allowed to access the location at all times. And unfortunately we're back to the critical point of data protection . You can also ensure that Google does not archive your Google location history .
Microsoft works on a similar principle with Windows Phone, tablets and laptops. You activate the location services under “Settings” and “Location”. Here, too, you have to decide whether it is okay for you that Microsoft can always know where you are or where your device is. But if it is actually gone, you can find it again via your Microsoft account . explains individual steps here .
If you want to find your iPhone or iPad again and have iOS 13 installed, you can use the Find My on another Apple device. If you use an older operating system version, you need the “ Find My iPhone ” app. The respective app must be installed and activated on the device and allows you to find your phone using other Apple devices. If you don't have another Apple device and want to use the Internet, log in to iCloud . In order for the interaction to work, you must first agree in the iCloud on your device that data from the “Find My iPhone” app can be saved. To do this, tap “Settings”, “iCloud”, “Find my iPhone” and turn it on. By the way, the prerequisite is that you have already logged in to the computer with your Apple authentication code, otherwise it will be requested again - and you can only get it with the iPhone, which would be gone in that case... Individual steps can also be read in Apple Help .
In addition, many manufacturers of security or virus protection apps and, not least, smartphone manufacturers also offer their own websites with tracking options.
Mobile operator tracking
Some mobile phone providers also offer location services. In order for this to work in an emergency, you must have agreed and confirmed it before you lose your cell phone, for example by sending a code via SMS or installing an app. And it's hard to do that if your cell phone has already disappeared, of course. It's best to ask your own provider whether something like this is available and under what conditions.
However, you should definitely contact your mobile phone provider if your cell phone is gone - to block it .
Beware of subscription traps!
If you search for another location service via Google & Co., you should be very careful, as there are certainly cost traps lurking on the market. Some providers charge a monthly flat rate, some several euros per week as a subscription. You have to be particularly vigilant when, for example, advertisements say: “Free cell phone tracking”. Likewise, if you have to enter your cell phone number on the website of a tracking provider - there is often a subscription trap behind this. A little tip: The best way to protect yourself from these is to use a third-party block .
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Searching for people is a matter for the police!
But if you're actually not looking for a cell phone, but rather a missing person, the police would be the right person to contact. This also applies if you are sure that the cell phone was stolen. the most important emergency measures in the event of an emergency here . It also tells you how to find out your cell phone's IMEI and why it is important for the police. Another tip for precaution: write down a landline number or cell phone number of friends or relatives on your cell phone so that an honest finder can get in touch. Otherwise, if your cell phone is lost, you often only have the option of searching the city's lost property offices.
By the way, there is another option that you should try first when your cell phone is gone: call your own number and see if it rings somewhere in the apartment - maybe it's just under the sofa.
Article image: Shutterstock / By Syda Productions
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