How to Retrieve a Lost Cell Phone
- 1). Write down or memorize your cell phone's serial, EI, MEID or ESN number. This is the number that is written on the sticker inside the phone, typically under the battery. This number will aid in tracking your phone through some services, or help police to locate it if stolen.
- 2). Sign up for a cell phone tracking program or download tracking software through your phone applications when you purchase the phone. These services vary widely between carriers such as Sprint's family locator, AT&T's family map, Verizon's family locator, Android's mobile defense and iPhone's "find my phone" application available through MobileMe or other tracking software available through iHound. Third party sources also offer phone tracking technology for numerous cell phones.
- 3). Call your tracking service or cell phone provider when your phone is lost or stolen. They can pinpoint the location of the phone and send you an email of the location map. You may also be able to pull up and view the tracking map on your cell phone provider or application website. The phone may be at your workplace, stuck in your car, or somewhere in your house that you overlooked. Note that if your phone was stolen, you should immediately notify the police as soon as you are able. Do not attempt to retrieve your cell phone from a thief by yourself.
