Finding your phone: how to get it back

Losing your phone can quickly feel unsettling. Many people ask themselves:
How can I find my phone? or I’ve lost my phone – how can I locate it?

Whether you use Android or iPhone, there are clear ways to find your device, lock it, and protect your personal and financial data. In this article, we explain step by step what you should do.

23.01.2026 | Reading time: 4 minutes

How can I find my Android phone?

Android devices can be located using Google’s Find My Device service.

Requirements:

• You’re signed in with a Google account
  
  
• Location services are enabled
  
  
• The device is connected to the internet
  
  

How to proceed:

• Sign in with your Google account on another device
  
  
• Open Find My Device
  
  
• Select your lost phone
  
  

You can view the location, lock the device or, if necessary, erase all data.

How can I find my iPhone (Apple phone)?

Apple offers the Find My feature for iPhones.

Requirements:

• Your Apple ID is active
  
  
• Find My was enabled beforehand
  
  

Steps:

• Sign in with your Apple ID at iCloud.com or on another Apple device
  
  
• Open Find My
  
  
• Select your iPhone
  
  

You can view the location, mark the iPhone as lost or erase the data remotely.

How can I find my phone if it’s switched off?

If the phone is switched off, live tracking isn’t possible. However, you can still:

• View the last known location
  
  
• Lock the device as a precaution
  
  
• Prepare a data wipe once it’s back online
  
  

On newer iPhones, the last location may also be shown via the Apple network.

What should I do to protect my data?

After losing your phone, act immediately:

• Change passwords (Google, Apple ID, email, social media)
  
  
• Lock the device
  
  
• Check your backups
  
  
• Contact your mobile provider to block the SIM card
  
  
  

Protect bank and payment data immediately

A lost phone can also be a financial risk. Make sure to:

• Contact your bank and block cards
  
  
• Deactivate mobile payment services (Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TWINT)
  
  
• Lock banking apps or change access details
  
  
• Enable two-factor authentication

The most important things to remember

• Always keep location services enabled
  
  
• Use a secure screen lock
  
  
• Create regular backups
  
  
• Block bank and payment services immediately
  
  
• Acting quickly is crucial
  
  
  

Helpful links

• yallo support: yallo - Lost or stolen mobile phone
• Google Android Help: Find, secure, or erase a lost Android device - Android Help
  
  

Conclusion: Those who are prepared and react quickly can avoid damage and protect their data.