Android · Android
How to Find a Lost or Stolen Android Phone - Tutorial
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Open Google Find Hub on another Android device or at android.com/find, sign in with the Google Account used on the missing phone, select the device, then locate it, play a sound, or mark it lost. Erase only as a last resort because erasure is permanent and stops Find Hub location updates.
Open Google Find Hub
On another Android phone or tablet, open the Find Hub app. If another Android device is unavailable, open android.com/find in a browser. Use guest sign-in only when helping a friend so their account is not added permanently to your device.
Sign in and select the missing device
Sign in with the Google Account active on the missing phone, then select the exact device from the list. Google may ask for its lock-screen PIN or Google password, and the missing device receives a notification.
Read the map carefully
Use the current or last known location as an estimate, not proof that a person has the phone. Do not enter private property or confront anyone; contact local authorities when theft or personal safety is involved.
Ring a nearby phone
Choose Play sound when the map suggests the phone is nearby. Google says this rings it at full volume for five minutes even when it was set to silent or vibrate.
Mark the phone as lost
Choose Mark as lost to lock the device with its existing PIN, pattern or password. Add a safe contact number and message for the lock screen, without revealing a home address or account password.
Erase only when recovery is no longer realistic
Use the factory-reset action only after accepting that device data will be permanently deleted, SD cards may not be erased, and Find Hub will no longer report the phone's location. You will need the Google Account password if the phone is later recovered.
Record the IMEI for the carrier
In Find Hub, select the device and open Settings to view its IMEI when available. Give it only to the mobile carrier or appropriate authorities if they request it to disable or identify the device.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If no current location appears, check the last known location and whether the phone has power, data or Wi-Fi, the correct Google Account, Find Hub enabled, and Google Play visibility.
- If two-step verification depends on the missing phone, use previously prepared backup codes or Google's account-recovery path; never pay a third party for location or account access.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Android.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.