Losing your phone is stressful, but if it is an Android phone signed in to a Google Account, there is a good chance you can find it. Google’s free Find Hub (previously called Find My Device) lets you see your phone on a map, make it ring, lock it with a message, or erase it if it cannot be recovered. This guide explains how to use each option and how to prepare your phone in advance.
Key takeaways
- Open the Find Hub app on another Android device, or visit google.com/android/find.
- You can Play sound for 5 minutes, even if the phone is on silent.
- Mark as lost locks the phone and shows your contact message.
- Factory reset erases the phone permanently; use it only as a last resort.
What this guide covers
- What your phone needs for Find Hub to work
- Locate your phone
- Make it ring
- Lock it and show a message
- Erase it as a last resort
- Prepare your phone today
- FAQs
What your phone needs for Find Hub to work
According to Android Help, the lost phone must:
- Be turned on and connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Be signed in to a Google Account.
- Have Find Hub turned on.
- Be visible on Google Play.
A screen lock (PIN, pattern or password) is also important. It protects your data and lets the phone get help from the Find Hub network, which can help locate devices even when they are offline on supported phones.
Locate your phone
- On another Android device, open the Find Hub app, or go to google.com/android/find in any browser.
- Sign in with your Google Account. On a friend’s phone, choose Sign in as guest.
- Select the lost phone. It will receive a notification.
- If asked, enter the phone’s screen lock PIN (Android 9 and later).
- Check the map. Use Get directions to navigate there, or Find nearby when you are within about 10 metres.
If the current location is not available, Find Hub may show the last known location, which is still a useful starting point.
Make it ring
Tap Play sound. The phone rings at full volume for 5 minutes, even if it is set to silent or vibrate. This is the fastest way to find a phone lost at home, under a car seat or in a bag.
Lock it and show a message
Tap Mark as lost to lock the phone with its PIN, pattern or password. Notifications, widgets and quick access are disabled, and you can add a phone number and message that appear on the lock screen, so an honest finder can contact you.
Tip: Write a short, clear message such as “This phone is lost. Please call 03XX-XXXXXXX”. Use a family member’s number that you can reach.
Erase it as a last resort
If you believe the phone will not come back, you can erase it: select the device in Find Hub, open its settings and choose Factory reset. This permanently deletes the data on the phone (it may not erase an SD card). After erasing, the phone no longer appears in Find Hub, so only do this when you have decided not to keep searching.
Also do this: report the loss to your mobile network to block the SIM, and change your Google password if you think someone else may have access.
Prepare your phone today
| Setting | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Find Hub turned on | Settings > Google > Find Hub (name may vary) |
| Screen lock set | Settings > Security |
| Location turned on | Quick Settings or Settings > Location |
| Backup turned on | Settings > Google > Backup |
| IMEI number noted | Settings > About phone, or in Find Hub |
A recent backup means that even if the phone is gone for good, your contacts, photos and settings are safe. See our guide on how to back up your Android phone.
FAQs
Can I find my phone if it is switched off?
Find Hub needs the phone to be on and connected. It may show the last known location. Some newer phones can also be found through the Find Hub network.
Can I use Find Hub from a computer?
Yes. Visit google.com/android/find in any browser and sign in.
Will a thief be able to reset my phone?
After a reset, the phone needs your Google Account password to be set up again, which makes it much less useful to others.
Sources: Android Help: Find, lock or erase a lost Android device. Menu names can differ slightly between phone brands and Android versions.