According to a report by Statista, the number of stolen or lost smartphones worldwide in 2020 was approximately 120 million units. This number is expected to increase to 150 million units by 2023. In Europe, the countries with the highest number of stolen or lost smartphones are the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. According to a report by Statista, in 2020, approximately 3.3 million smartphones were stolen or lost in the United Kingdom, 2.6 million in France, and 1.9 million in Germany. how to track a stolen phone

Another source for smartphone theft and loss statistics is the mobile security company, Lookout. According to Lookout’s 2021 Mobile Security Report, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India have the highest rates of smartphone theft. The report also states that 1 in 10 smartphone users will experience theft or loss in any given year.

If you’ve ever lost your phone or had it stolen, you know how stressful and frustrating it can be. However, there are steps you can take to try and locate your lost or stolen phone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the methods you can use to track a stolen/lost phone, including using tracking apps, and contacting your service provider.

Try to locate it

Before doing anything else, the first thing to do is to locate your smartphone using Find my iPhone or Find my Device if you have an Android. This will allow you to find its last location and perhaps get hold of it.

If this is not the case, go to the next step.

Block your SIM card how to track a stolen phone

After trying to locate your phone, the second thing to do is to block your SIM card. To block your SIM card, contact your mobile operator. Don’t worry, your SIM card will be deactivated, but your subscription will remain active.

If this is the case, do not forget to report the theft of your phone to the police.

Use Google Maps Timeline

If you have Google Maps enabled on your phone, you can use Google Maps Timeline to see your phone’s location history. This can help you determine where your phone was last located.

Block your device

If you wish, when you contact us to block your SIM card, you can also block your phone permanently. You will need to provide us with the serial number or IMEI of your smartphone. This number consists of 15 digits and can be found on the box or your purchase invoice. how to track a stolen phone

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can block them with the « mark as lost » option.

If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, you can lock and erase data remotely.

Order a new SIM card

To keep your subscription after losing or having your smartphone stolen, you need to order a new SIM card.

If you had a prepaid card, you will get your call credit back on your new SIM card.

Smartphone insurance plans

Many mobile phone service providers and third-party insurance companies offer insurance plans that cover lost or stolen mobile phones. These insurance plans can provide financial protection and help cover the cost of replacing your phone if it is lost or stolen.

Typically, mobile phone insurance plans cover the cost of a new phone, minus any deductible or excess amount that you may need to pay. Some plans may also cover the cost of any unauthorized usage or calls made on your phone after it was stolen.

It’s important to note that insurance plans can vary in terms of coverage, cost, and terms and conditions. Before purchasing a mobile phone insurance plan, it’s a good idea to compare different plans and read the fine print to understand what is covered and what is not.

How do I insure my smartphone (or tablet)? how to track a stolen phone

To avoid problems related to the loss or theft of your smartphone and/or other devices (tablet, laptop), you can opt for insurance. Your device can be covered by most operators:

• Against theft
• Against accidental damage
• Against accidental oxidation

There isn’t a lot of research specifically comparing the smartphone insurance habits of Android and Apple users, but some surveys have suggested that Apple users may be more likely to purchase phone insurance than Android users.

A 2019 survey by tech comparison site Finder found that 62% of iPhone users in the US had phone insurance, compared to 47% of Android users. Another survey by technology research firm YouGov found that 34% of iPhone users in the UK had phone insurance, compared to 25% of Android users.