How to Find a Lost Phone: Step-by-Step Guide
That sinking feeling when you can’t find your phone is horrible, whether it’s slipped down the back of the sofa or you’ve left it on a cafe table across town. The good news is that both iPhones and Android phones have a free tool built in that can show you exactly where the phone is on a map, and even make it ring. For choosing the phone itself, see our guide to the best smartphone for seniors in Australia, and for extra peace of mind, medical alarms in Australia.
There’s one catch worth knowing now. This works only if the feature was switched on before the phone went missing. It usually is by default, but it’s worth checking, and we’ll show you how at the end so you’re covered.
Quick answer
On another device or a computer, sign in to find your phone. For an iPhone, go to iCloud.com and open Find My, or use the Find My app on a family member’s Apple device. For Android, go to android.com/find. You can then see it on a map, make it play a sound, lock it, or erase it.
If it’s just somewhere in the house
Before anything else, the simplest trick: ring your own phone from a landline or another phone. If the sound is off, that won’t help, which is where the steps below come in, because they can make the phone play a loud sound even when it’s on silent.
Finding a lost iPhone
1. Go to iCloud.com or borrow an Apple device
On any computer, open a web browser and go to iCloud.com. Or, on a family member’s iPhone or iPad, open the app called Find My. Both do the same job.
2. Sign in with your Apple Account
Sign in with your Apple Account, the same login your iPhone uses. On a borrowed device, you can usually find your own iPhone through the Help a Friend or similar option without signing the other person out.
3. See it on the map and play a sound
Your iPhone shows as a dot on a map. Tap it, and you’ll see options. Play Sound makes it chime loudly, even on silent, which is perfect for finding it down the sofa. If it’s further away, Mark As Lost locks it and shows a message with a contact number on the screen for an honest finder.
Finding a lost Android phone
1. Go to android.com/find
On any computer or another phone, open a web browser and go to android.com/find. This is Google’s tool for locating a phone. It used to be called Find My Device and is now called Find Hub, but the web address still works either way.
2. Sign in with your Google Account
Sign in with the Google Account that’s on your lost phone, the email ending in gmail.com. Your phone then appears on a map showing where it is.
3. Play a sound, secure it, or erase it
You’ll see three choices. Play Sound rings the phone at full volume for a few minutes, even on silent. Secure Device locks it and can show a message and number on screen. Erase Device wipes it completely, which is the last resort if you’re sure it’s gone. If you have a Samsung, its own Find My Mobile website offers the same kind of help.
If you think it’s been stolen
Don’t go to the location yourself. If the map shows it somewhere you didn’t leave it, use Mark As Lost or Secure Device to lock it, then contact the Police and give them the details. Ring your mobile provider too, Telstra, Optus or TPG, so they can suspend the SIM and stop any calls being run up in your name.
Set this up now, while you can
- On iPhone: open Settings, tap your name at the top, then Find My, and make sure Find My iPhone is on.
- On Android: open Settings, search for Find My Device or Find Hub, and make sure it’s turned on.
- Write down your Apple or Google Account password and keep it somewhere safe at home. You’ll need it to find the phone.
It’s a five-minute job that you’ll be very glad of one day. While you’re checking these settings, it’s also worth knowing what to do if you forget your phone PIN, since the same account details help you there too.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: Finding a lost phone
Can I find my phone if it’s switched off?
Usually only its last known location before it lost power or signal. A phone that’s on and connected shows its live position. Some newer phones can still be found for a while after switching off, but don’t count on it.
Will it make a sound even on silent?
Yes. The Play Sound option overrides silent mode and rings the phone loudly, which is ideal when it’s hiding somewhere in the house.
What’s the difference between Find My Device and Find Hub?
None, really. Google renamed Find My Device to Find Hub in 2025. It’s the same tool for locating an Android phone, and the android.com/find web address still works.
What if I never set up the finding feature?
Then you can’t locate it this way, sadly. Ring your provider to suspend the SIM, and report it to the Police. Afterwards, turn the feature on for your next phone, it takes only a few minutes.
Should I go and collect it myself if I see where it is?
If it’s at a shop or somewhere you visited, ring them. If it appears somewhere unknown and you suspect theft, don’t go yourself. Lock it remotely and let the Police handle it.
