Technology

Can't find your Android phone? Here's what to do to track it down

Published

8 months ago

April 11, 2025

Can't find your Android phone? Here's what to do to track it down

You’re about to run out of the house, and suddenly your phone is nowhere to be found. Or you get in your car after being at the store, and your phone’s not in your bag.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Whether you’re someone who loses or misplaces your phone frequently or just once in a blue moon, we’ve all been there.

Unfortunately, finding your phone is not so easy. Perhaps you try calling it, but your ringer is on silent. Or it fell into the cracks somewhere, and you can’t see the screen light up. Luckily, there’s another way to find your Android phone if you’re unsure where you last left it.

iPhone users, be sure to check out four ways to find your lost iPhone, with and without other devices.

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A man looking at his smartwatch (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Ping your phone using your smartwatch

One way to find your Android phone if you’re not quite sure where you last left is to rely on your smartwatch, which you can use to ping your phone. This feature sends a signal to your phone, making it ring loudly even if it’s on silent, helping you locate it quickly.

Open the watch app: On your Android watch (such as a Samsung Galaxy watch), swipe down to access the quick settings menu.
Find the Find My Phone icon: Look for an icon that resembles a phone with sound waves around it.
Ping your phone: Tap the icon, and your phone will start ringing, making it easier to find.

2. Use your Google Account to ‘Find My Device’

If you have access to a device connected to your Google account, such as a laptop, tablet or another smartphone, you can use it to find your Android phone. This feature is part of Google’s ecosystem and allows you to locate your phone through the Google Play Store or any web browser.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

To use Google’s Find My Device feature, a few things must have been set up on your Android phone before it was lost:

Your phone must be signed into your Google account
Location Services must be turned on
The Find My Device feature must be enabled:Go to Settings → Security → Find My Device and ensure it’s on
Your phone must be powered on and connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi for real-time tracking
(Optional but helpful) Your device should be visible on Google Play. You can check this at play.google.com/settings and ensure visibility is turned on

If these conditions are met, you can use any device (such as a laptop, tablet or another phone) connected to the internet to find your lost Android phone:z

On any device, open a web browser or the Google Play Store app
Log in with the same Google account linked to your lost phone
In the web browser, go to Find My Device. If using the Google Play Store, open the menu and select Find My Device
Google will display your phone’s last known location on a map
You can also use options to make it ring, lock it or erase its data to protect your personal information

Find My Device map (Google)

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO LOCK DOWN YOUR ANDROID? HERE’S HOW TO DO IT

3. Utilize the old-school method

It may go without saying, but with all this convenient technology, sometimes the tried-and-true methods are easily forgotten. If you happen to lose your Android, consider retracing your steps: call the places you visited within the last few hours, ask employees if anyone found their phone, and check all the nooks and crannies in your car, bag, etc. You can also try calling your phone to see if anyone answers, and if they’re honest, you can find a safe, public place to meet up. Also, if you happen to lose your phone in a ride-share, those apps have methods to communicate with the driver in order to get your phone back.

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR ANDROIDS – CYBERGUY PICKS 2025

What to consider if you lose or misplace your Android

Anyone can lose their phone at some point. Therefore, be careful what apps and security you have on your phone. For instance, if you have banking apps, notes with your passwords listed or private messages and emails, you’ll want to have an extra layer of security on your phone, like a keypad lock or biometric security. This way, if your phone is placed in the wrong hands, they can’t access your sensitive data.

Even if you have those security features on your Android, if you call your phone and someone happens to answer, be wary of what information you give them. Though one would hope the finder would be honest, you never know. They could set you up for a scam, so trust your gut.

Other tips to protect your Android phone: Essential accessories

To minimize the risk of damage happening to your Android phone, whether that damage is from when you lost or misplaced it, it may be worth investing in some protective gear and tools. Here are some must-haves for any smartphone owner.

1. Install strong antivirus software to keep your Android safe

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Invest in a durable phone case

A sturdy phone case can prevent damage from drops, bumps and scratches. Consider cases from reputable brands offering shock absorption, reinforced corners and raised edges to protect the screen and camera. Look for materials such as silicone, TPU or hybrid constructions that combine multiple layers for enhanced durability. Additionally, some cases come with added functionalities like kickstands or cardholders, making them both protective and practical.

3. Opt for a high-quality charger

Using a high-quality charger ensures your phone charges efficiently and safely. Look for chargers that offer fast charging capabilities and are certified by your phone’s manufacturer. Plus, investing in a reliable charger can save you from the frustration of slow charging times and potential damage to your device. It’s always worth having a dependable charger on hand, especially for those busy days when you need a quick power boost.

A woman with a dead Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

UPDATED ANDROID MALWARE CAN HIJACK CALLS YOU MAKE TO YOUR BANK

4. Consider a privacy screen

Privacy screens can prevent prying eyes from viewing your phone’s display, adding an extra layer of security. They are especially useful in public places. Imagine being on a crowded train or in a busy cafe, these screens can give you peace of mind knowing your personal information stays private. Plus, they can also reduce glare, making it easier to see your screen in bright environments.

BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ANDROID

Kurt’s key takeaways

Losing your phone can be a frustrating experience, but with the right strategies and tools at your disposal, you can recover it quickly and efficiently. Whether you rely on your smartwatch to ping your device, utilize Google’s “Find My Device” feature or revert to the classic method of retracing your steps, there are multiple ways to help you locate your Android phone. So, the next time you find yourself frantically searching for your phone, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle the situation with confidence.

What strategies or tools have you found most effective for locating your lost phone, and do you have any personal stories to share about your experiences with misplaced devices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Brendan Carr is a dummy

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

All year on The Vergecast, we’ve been tracking the many bizarre and problematic actions of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. There has been a lot to discuss! Then, this week, ahead of one of our last episodes of the year, Carr appeared in front of the Senate Commerce Committee and spent three hours explaining how he thinks about his job, the FCC, and the state of online communication and entertainment. It was a lot.

On this episode of The Vergecast, we begin with a dissection of Carr’s testimony, his threats against broadcasters, and the ways in which he’s using old ideas about content delivery to get his political way. Nilay and David walk through some of Carr’s most important quotes, explain the history of broadband regulation, and look ahead to how Carr might bring these same tactics to internet regulation next year.

Also, an important housekeeping note: The Vergecast will be live at CES! We’ll be at the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, at 3:30PM on Wednesday, January 7th. There will be podcasting, and hanging out, and bowling. It’s going to be great, and if you’re going to be in Vegas we’d love to see you there.

Until then, if you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started, first on Brendan Carr:

And in the streaming wars:

And in the lightning round:

Technology

AI photo match reunites Texas woman with lost cat after 103 days

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

AI photo match reunites Texas woman with lost cat after 103 days

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Holiday gatherings and year-end travel often lead to a spike in missing pets. Doors open more often, routines shift and animals can slip outside in a moment of confusion.

New Year’s Eve creates loud fireworks, and shelters report some of their busiest nights of the entire year. Amid all that, one Texas family just experienced a heartwarming reunion thanks to an AI photo matching on Petco Love Lost.

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FIND A LOST PHONE THAT IS OFF OR DEAD

An AI photo-matching on Petco Love Lost helped reunite a Texas family with their missing cat after 103 days. (ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

How AI photo matching kept the search going

Pam’s 11-year-old indoor cat, Grayson, had never been outside alone. She believes he slipped out while she unloaded groceries at their home in Plano, Texas. The moment she realized he was gone, she acted fast.

She said, “We went up and down the streets day and night. We went online in the neighborhood and on Love Lost. We put up flyers all over the neighborhood. Friends and neighbors were looking for him. I went to the animal shelter, posted him there, and went every day for over a month, hoping to find him.”

Pam uploaded Grayson’s photo to Petco Love Lost right away. She checked her daily match alerts and hoped she would see his familiar face pop up. She told CyberGuy, “I received match alerts almost every day from Lost Love, but never saw Grayson. His profile had been on their site for over 90 days.”

The moment everything changed

Missy, a nearby resident, spotted a thin cat in an alley near her home. She brought him inside, took a picture of him and then turned to Love Lost to see if anyone had reported a missing cat like him.

Missy explained how simple the process felt. “I used Lost Love to reunite them,” she said. “I uploaded a photo of the cat that we found, and it was matched through AI with the photo that the owner uploaded.”

She soon received an AI match alert and learned that the cross street Grayson’s owner, Pam, had listed in her lost post was only a mile from her home. Missy contacted Pam right away.

That message changed everything. “I am sure that if we had not posted his picture and enabled the ability to match the images, we would never have known what happened to Grayson,” Pam said. “And we would not have connected with Missy.”

AI TECH HELPS A SENIOR REUNITE WITH HER CAT AFTER 11 DAYS

Grayson, an indoor cat from Plano, Texas, was finally found thanks to a neighbor who uploaded his photo to an AI search tool. (DANIEL PERRON/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

A long road for an aging cat

Grayson is almost 12 and has never lived outdoors. That made this reunion feel even more emotional, Pam said.

“I am still amazed at Grayson’s journey,” she added. “I look at him and cannot believe he made it through those 103 days. He is almost 12 years old, so he is not a young kitty.”

Pam said she still thinks about what those months were like for him. “[I] guess I will always wonder where he was and how many stops he made before he reached Missy’s loving home,” she said. “He must have known she would take care of him. It takes a special person to take the time to reunite a beloved pet with their family. Missy and her family went above and beyond to reunite us with Grayson.”

Why pet tech matters during the holidays

This season brings joy but also risks for pets. Visitors, travel and loud celebrations create more chances for animals to slip out or feel spooked. Tools like AI photo matching help families act fast when a pet goes missing. Love Lost connects shelters and neighbors in one place so that people like Pam and Missy can find each other.

What to do if your pet goes missing

Losing a pet can feel overwhelming, but taking fast action helps. These steps guide you through what to do right away.

1) Search your home and neighborhood right away

Look in closets, garages and under furniture. Walk your street and ask neighbors to check yards and sheds.

2) Upload your pet’s photo to Petco Love Lost

Take a clear photo and post it on the site. AI photo matching alerts you when a possible match appears. It also helps others contact you fast.

3) Visit your local shelters in person

Shelters update kennels throughout the day. Staff can guide you and help flag your pet’s profile. Go often until you get updates.

4) Post on local community groups

Use neighborhood apps, local Facebook groups and community forums. Include your pet’s photo, last known location and your contact info.

5) Put up flyers right away

Use a large photo and simple details. Place flyers at busy intersections and near schools, parks and businesses.

6) Contact your pet’s microchip registry

If your pet is microchipped, call the registry or log in to your account. Make sure the chip is registered to you, update your contact info and mark your pet as missing so shelters and vets can reach you fast.

7) Stay consistent with your search

Check Love Lost alerts often. Visit shelters and follow up on every lead. Persistence made the difference for Pam and Grayson.

LOST DOGS ON FOURTH OF JULY: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE

A pet owner is seen cradling a cat on their lap. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)

How AirTags can help you find a lost pet faster

While tools like AI photo matching are invaluable after a pet goes missing, prevention and real-time tracking can make an enormous difference during the first critical hours. That’s where Apple AirTags come in. An AirTag isn’t a GPS tracker, but it can still be a powerful recovery tool when used correctly. When attached securely to your pet’s collar, an AirTag uses Apple’s vast Find My network. That network consists of hundreds of millions of nearby iPhones, iPads and Macs that can anonymously and securely relay the AirTag’s location back to you.

If your pet wanders into a neighborhood, apartment complex or busy area, the chances are high that another Apple device will pass nearby and update the location automatically. You won’t know who helped, and they won’t know it was them, but the location can show up on your map within minutes. For indoor cats or dogs that don’t usually roam far, this can be especially helpful. Even a rough location can narrow your search area and save precious time.

Important limits to know: AirTags work best in populated areas. They rely on nearby Apple devices, so coverage may be limited in rural or remote locations. They also don’t update continuously like true GPS pet trackers. That’s why AirTags should be seen as a backup layer, not a replacement for microchipping or dedicated pet trackers.

How to use an AirTag safely with pets

Use a secure, pet-specific AirTag holder that won’t break easily.
Attach it to a breakaway collar for cats and dogs to reduce injury risk.
Make sure Find My notifications are turned on so you get alerts quickly.
Combine it with microchipping and ID tags for the best protection.

Used together, these tools give you multiple ways to reconnect with your pet, whether minutes or months have passed.

For a list of the best pet trackers, go to Cyberguy.com and search “best pet trackers.”

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Grayson’s reunion is a reminder that tech works best when caring people put it to use. AI matched the photos, but Missy took action, and Pam never stopped looking. Their persistence helped a senior cat get home after a long and risky journey.

If your pet went missing today, would you know the first step to bring them home fast? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Technology

TikTok ban: all the news on the app’s shutdown and return in the US

Published

15 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

TikTok ban: all the news on the app’s shutdown and return in the US

After briefly going dark in the US to comply with the divest-or-ban law targeting ByteDance that went into effect on January 19th, TikTok quickly came back online. It eventually reappeared in the App Store and Google Play as negotiations between the US and China continued, and Donald Trump continued to sign extensions directing officials not to apply the law’s penalties.

Finally, in mid-December, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew told employees that the agreements to create TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which includes Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX as part owners, have been signed, and the deal is expected to close on January 22nd, 2026. His letter said that for users in the US, the new joint venture will oversee data protection, the security of a newly-retrained algorithm, content moderation, and the deployment of the US app and platform.