Losing your phone can be a stressful experience, especially if you rely on it for communication, work, or other important tasks. If your phone is on airplane mode, it can be even more challenging to locate it, as many tracking features are disabled. However, there are still some steps you can take to try to find your device.

Step 1: Use Find My Device (Android) or Find My (iPhone)

If you have an Android phone, you can use the Find My Device feature to locate your phone, even if it’s on airplane mode. This feature uses GPS to track your phone’s location, so it will still work even if your phone is offline. To use Find My Device:

1. Go to the Find My Device website (https://www.google.com/android/find) on another device.
2. Sign in with the Google account associated with your lost phone.
3. If your phone is turned on and connected to the internet, you should see its location on a map.
4. If your phone is offline, you’ll see its last known location.

If you have an iPhone, you can use the Find My feature to locate your phone. Like Find My Device, Find My uses GPS to track your phone’s location, even if it’s offline. To use Find My:

1. Go to the iCloud website (https://www.icloud.com/) on another device.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
3. Click on the Find My app.
4. If your phone is turned on and connected to the internet, you should see its location on a map.
5. If your phone is offline, you’ll see its last known location.

Step 2: Check Your Google Location History (Android)

If you have an Android phone and have enabled Google Location History, you may be able to see your phone’s location history, even if it’s currently on airplane mode. To check your Google Location History:

1. Go to the Google Maps Timeline (https://www.google.com/maps/timeline) on another device.
2. Sign in with the Google account associated with your lost phone.
3. Select the date your phone went missing.
4. Look for any location data that may indicate where your phone was last located.

Keep in mind that this method will only work if you had Google Location History enabled on your phone before it went missing.

Step 3: Use a Third-Party Tracking App

There are several third-party tracking apps available that can help you locate your phone, even if it’s on airplane mode. Some popular options include:

• Prey Anti Theft: This app allows you to track your phone’s location, lock it remotely, and even take pictures with the camera to help identify the thief.
• Cerberus: This app offers similar features to Prey Anti Theft, including location tracking, remote locking, and camera activation.
• Where’s My Droid: This app allows you to locate your phone by sending a text message with a specific command.

Keep in mind that these apps will need to be installed on your phone before it goes missing in order to work.

Step 4: Contact Your Carrier

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still can’t locate your phone, your last resort may be to contact your carrier. Most carriers have a process for reporting lost or stolen phones, and they may be able to help you locate your device or at least prevent someone else from using it.

When you contact your carrier, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your phone number
• The make and model of your phone
• The IMEI or MEID number (you can find this on the box your phone came in or on your carrier’s website)
• When and where you last had your phone

Your carrier may be able to use this information to track your phone’s location or remotely lock it to prevent unauthorized use.

Conclusion

Losing your phone can be a stressful experience, especially if it’s on airplane mode and you’re unable to use many of the usual tracking features. However, by using Find My Device or Find My, checking your Google Location History, using a third-party tracking app, or contacting your carrier, you may be able to locate your phone and get it back.

It’s also a good idea to take preventative measures to protect your phone in case it does go missing. Some tips include:

• Enabling Find My Device or Find My on your phone
• Setting a strong passcode or biometric lock
• Backing up your data regularly
• Installing a tracking app before your phone goes missing

By following these steps and taking preventative measures, you can increase your chances of recovering your lost phone, even if it’s on airplane mode.