After a recent incident where my wife left her phone at airport security, I learned the importance of preparing for lost or stolen devices. The TSA agent who returned the phone also suggested putting an emergency contact on the lock screen. This got me thinking about other ways to prevent and deal with lost gadgets, especially when traveling. Here are some tips to help you find and protect your devices:
1. **Set up Family Sharing for iPhone users:** If you and your partner both have iPhones, Family Sharing allows you to use Apple’s Find My app to locate, lock, or reset each other’s devices. This feature can be set up under Settings > Your Name > Family Sharing. It’s a useful tool not just for travel but also for sharing subscriptions and other benefits.
2. **Get familiar with ‘Find My’ apps:** Apple, Google, and Microsoft offer their own versions of ‘Find My’ utilities to help locate and secure lost devices. Make sure you have these apps installed and set up on your devices. They can help you track iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android devices, Windows PCs, and more.
3. **Enable lost mode:** All three ‘Find My’ tools allow you to mark your device as lost, preventing unauthorized access. You can also add a custom message with contact information for anyone who finds the device. This feature is called “Lost” mode for Apple devices, “Secure Device” for Android, and “Lock” for Windows PCs.
4. **Add emergency info to your lock screen:** In addition to using ‘Find My’ apps, consider adding emergency contact information directly to your lock screen. This makes it easier for someone who finds your phone to reach out and return it to you. For iOS and Android devices, there are specific steps to set up emergency contact details on the lock screen.
5. **Remote erase and log out:** If you’re unable to retrieve your lost device, use another device to remotely erase it and sign out of your accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Both Google and Apple offer options to remotely wipe your devices. Remember to report the device’s IMEI number to the police if necessary.
6. **Back up your data:** Don’t forget to back up your device’s data regularly, especially important files and photos. Having a backup solution in place can save you from losing valuable information in case of theft or loss.
By following these tips and taking proactive steps to secure your devices, you can minimize the risk of losing gadgets and ensure that your data remains safe. Whether you’re traveling or simply going about your daily routine, staying prepared for unexpected situations is key to protecting your technology. Stay safe and keep your gadgets secure!
