Use your phone's built-in location feature to find it
If your phone is lost or hidden somewhere in your home, you can use the location services you just turned on to track it down. Both Android and iPhone have free built-in tools that show your phone's location on a map, and they work even when your phone is on silent. The fastest way is through a web browser on another device — you do not need to install anything or wait for an app to load.
The method depends on which type of phone you have. iPhone users go through iCloud, while Android users go through Google Find My Mobile or Google's Find My Device. Both services work the same way: they ping your phone's location and display it on a map so you can see exactly where it is. If your phone is in your house, you can also make it ring at full volume even if it is set to silent.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone owners can find their phone through iCloud.com from any web browser without needing another Apple device.
- Android users can find their phone through google.com/android/find or through the Find My Mobile app if their phone is a Samsung.
- Both methods show your phone's location on a map and let you make it ring at full volume even when it is on silent.
- You need to be signed into the same account (Apple ID or Google account) that your phone uses to see its location.
- If your phone's battery is dead or it is turned off, the location shown may be the last place it was before it lost power.
Find an iPhone through iCloud
Go to iCloud.com from any computer or tablet with a web browser. Sign in with the Apple ID and password you use on your iPhone. You do not need to own another Apple device — any web browser works.
Once you are signed in, click "Find My" at the top of the page. A list of all devices connected to your Apple ID will appear. Click your iPhone's name. A map will open showing your phone's location as a blue dot. If your phone is in your house, the map will zoom in close enough to show which room it is in.
To make your phone ring, click "Play Sound" in the panel on the left. Your phone will ring at full volume for two minutes, even if it is set to silent or vibrate. This is the fastest way to locate a phone hidden under a couch or buried in a pile of clothes.
Find an Android phone through Google
Go to google.com/android/find from any web browser. Sign in with the Google account connected to your Android phone. The page will show your phone's location on a map within seconds.
If you do not remember your Google account password, you can also use the Find My Mobile app if your phone is a Samsung. Open the app on another device, sign in with your Samsung account, and your phone's location will appear. The map works the same way as Google's version.
To make your phone ring, click "Play a Sound" on the Google page. Your phone will ring at full volume for five minutes, even if it is on silent. If your phone is across the room or in another part of your house, this sound will help you locate it quickly.
What to do if your phone does not appear on the map
If you sign in but your phone does not show up, the most common reason is that location services are turned off. Since you just turned them on, your phone may need a few minutes to send its location to Google or Apple's servers. Wait five minutes and refresh the page.
If your phone still does not appear, check that you are signed into the correct account. Your phone's location only shows if you are using the same Apple ID or Google account that is set up on the phone itself. If you use multiple accounts, try signing in with a different one.
If your phone's battery is dead or it has been off for more than a few hours, the map will show the last location where it had power. This can still help you narrow down where to search. Once the phone turns back on and connects to the internet, the location will update to show where it actually is.
Make your phone easier to find in the future
Turn on location services now so they are already active if you lose your phone later. You have already done this, but make sure location services stay on. Some people turn them off to save battery, but the battery drain is small — usually one to three percent per day — and the ability to find your phone is worth it.
On iPhone, go to Settings, tap Privacy, then Location Services, and make sure the toggle is green. On Android, go to Settings, tap Location, and make sure it is turned on. Both phones should also have "Find My iPhone" or "Find My Mobile" turned on in their main settings so the location service works even if someone else picks up your phone.
If you lose your phone often, consider adding a Bluetooth tracker like an AirTag (for iPhone) or a Tile (for Android or iPhone). These small devices attach to your keys or wallet and make a sound when you press a button on your phone. They are not free, but they work when your phone's battery is completely dead, which the built-in location service cannot do.
What to do if someone else has your phone
If you think your phone was stolen rather than lost, the location map can help you decide whether to contact police. If the phone is moving to an unfamiliar location, that is a sign someone else has it. Write down the address shown on the map before you do anything else.
You can also use the location service to lock your phone remotely or erase it if you are worried about someone accessing your personal information. On iPhone, click "Find My" and then select your phone, then click "Erase This Device." On Android, click "Security" on the Google Find My Device page and select "Erase Device." Both actions will delete everything on your phone, so only do this if you are certain you cannot recover it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my phone if location services are turned off?
No. If location services are off, your phone cannot send its location to Google or Apple's servers, so the map will not show where it is. This is why turning on location services now, before you lose your phone, matters. If your phone is already lost and location services are off, you will need to contact your phone company or police.
Will finding my phone drain its battery?
No. Using the location feature to find your phone does not drain the battery any faster than normal use. The map request takes only a few seconds. Making your phone ring for two to five minutes uses more battery, but not enough to matter if your phone is already charged.
What if I do not remember my Apple ID or Google account password?
You can reset your password on the sign-in page itself. Click "Forgot password?" and follow the steps to verify your identity. Apple and Google will send a recovery code to the email address or phone number you used to create the account. This usually takes a few minutes.
Can I find my phone if it is turned off?
No. A phone that is completely powered off cannot connect to the internet or send its location. The map will show the last location where your phone had power. Once you turn it back on, the location will update within a few minutes.
Does my phone have to be connected to Wi-Fi to be found?
No. Your phone can send its location through cellular data, Wi-Fi, or both. As long as your phone has some kind of internet connection, the location service will work. If your phone is in airplane mode, the location will not update until airplane mode is turned off.