24 Apr Help! My Phone’s Gone MIA!
You do the pocket check (phone, keys, wallet) as you leave your house, work or wherever you may be. Keys check, wallet check, phone… and then the panic starts. Did I drop it? Has someone stolen it? Where is it? What are they doing with my data?
You would be fine if you installed anti-theft software such as the ones in this post, but what if you didn’t? You could retrace your steps, could call lost and found or the taxi company you used or just panic. Thankfully, for those with Android devices, they can skip all of this and have a Plan B ready if they didn’t install any anti-theft software.
Plan B is an android app developed by Lookout Mobile Security you can install AFTER your phone is lost or stolen. All you need is an internet connection and a gmail account ( which you would have if you have an Android phone). The app is installed via the web at the Google Play market and will start automatically. GPS will be switched on automatically and the location of your phone sent to you via email. It will update the location of the phone for 10 minutes, after 10 minutes you will need to send an SMS with the word “locate” to your phone from another phone.
While it is much better to install anti-theft software as soon as you receive your new phone (as many will locate and remotely wipe the data or lock the phone), Plan B offers, well a plan B. The app is only available on the Google Play market due to its offering of web installations.
But I own an iPhone! What can I do?
While unfortunately there is not an app available to install after an iOS device has been stolen, it is recommended that you install Find My iPhone (which can be used for iPhones, iPads, Macs and iPods) as soon as possible to ensure you can find it if it is lost or stolen. While you’re at it, installing security apps would also be a good idea so you can rest easy that no one can access your personal data but yourself. Our post on iOS security apps gives a list of apps that offer great protection for your iPhone and iPad.
While these apps are very effective, there’s nothing better than just keeping a close eye on your phone especially if it calls your pocket home.