Sometimes life throws us unexpected finds. Someone accidentally discovers a rare coin, for example, a 1943 steel penny worth an impressive sum, and someone else - a lost phone, full of somebody's memories, contacts and important information. And if you can determine the value and features of the coin with the help of the modern app Coin ID Scanner, then returning the phone to the owner is not an easy task.
In the modern world, a smartphone is more than just a means of communication, it is a real center of control over a person's personal life and work. It stores valuable photos, important contacts, access to bank cards and even keys to a smart home. So losing a phone can turn out to be a real disaster for the owner.
Of course, you could simply leave the find on the spot or take it with you, hoping that the owner will find it himself. But the best course of action is to try to return the device to the owner. So today let us talk about what steps to take if you find someone else's phone, how to safely contact the owner, and what you should absolutely not do.
Points to Consider to Return the Lost Phone to the Owner
Step 1: Examine the Phone and Look for the First Clues
The first thing to look at is the external condition of the phone. If the device is broken or wet, it is likely that the owner accidentally dropped it. In such cases, it is important to act quickly, especially if there is a chance that the owner is looking for it nearby.
Inspect your smartphone for covers or stickers. Often people use cases with name engravings, business cards or even stickers with contact information. If there is such data - you are lucky, you can immediately contact the owner.
Also pay attention to the notifications on the lock screen. Sometimes there may be missed calls or messages on the screen, from which you can determine the owner's name or contact information.
Useful tip: If the phone is found in a public place (café, store, transportation), do not leave immediately. The owner may be looking for it nearby. Try to wait 10-15 minutes and look around.
Step 2: Check Incoming Calls and Contacts
So, the owner is not found nearby and now it is important to decide what you will do next. It is a good time to see if you have access to any information. If the phone is not locked, the easiest way to find the owner is to check the list of recent calls or messages. You can try calling back the last number dialed or texting someone in your contacts, such as texting, “I found this phone. Contact me so I can return the phone to the owner”.
By the way, if a contact list is available, look for entries like “Mom,” “Dad,” “Home,” or “Honey” - these are the numbers where you can most quickly get in touch with the owner.
What to do if the phone is locked
All the ways described above sound good, but the problem is that an extremely small percentage of people prefer not to put locks on their phone. Modern phones are almost always protected by a password or biometric lock, but even so, you still have a few ways to find the owner:
Expect an incoming call - if the owner quickly notices the phone is missing, they'll likely call their number.
Use emergency contacts - some phones enable you to view emergency contacts right from the lock screen.
Check the lock screen - sometimes owners leave information on it with a number to contact.
Step 3: Use Social Media for Searching
Today, most people actively use social media. If you have access to posts or profiles, you can try to find the owner's contact information. For example, if Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram apps are open, try messaging the owner's friends.
If you do not have access to social media, try a different way. Create a social media post - post your found phone on local communities on Facebook, VK, Reddit, or Nextdoor. Be sure to include where and when the phone was found; its specifics (make, model, color); and how you can be contacted. By the way, you can use local groups - almost every city has “lost things” communities where people search for their lost items.
Interesting fact: According to statistics, 72% of smartphone owners check their social networks daily, which means that the probability of quickly finding the owner of the device through social networks is quite high.
Step 4: Check SIM Cards and IMEI Numbers
Even if your phone is locked, you can try taking out the SIM card and inserting it into another device. It may have contacts or other data stored there to help you contact the owner.
Another option is to determine the IMEI number of the device. This unique identifier can be found on the phone's box or in its settings (if you have access). In some countries, you can call the operator and ask them to contact the owner based on the IMEI.
How to check the IMEI:
Enter the command *#06# (if the phone is unlocked).
Look on the sticker in the SIM card tray (on some models).
If the owner has activated “Find iPhone” or “Find My Device”, the IMEI can help locate the device.
Step 5: Putting the Phone in the Right Hands
If all attempts to find the owner on your own have failed, it's important to hand the phone over to a safe place. The best option is the police or lost and found if the phone is found in a mall, airport or other public place.
In some cases, owners contact the service provider. If the device is found in a major city, there is a chance that the operator may be able to contact the owner through the SIM card registration data.
What NOT to do:
Do not attempt to break into the phone - this is illegal.
Do not sell the phone you find - selling someone else's property may result in criminal liability.
Do not leave your phone unattended in a public place - unscrupulous people may take it.
Additional Step 6: Preventing the Loss of Your Own Phone
You probably know the saying “better safe than sorry” and the same applies to personal problems. The best way to solve a difficulty is to prevent it from happening to you. In the table below you can find a few recommendations that will help you not to lose your phone and quickly find it in case of loss.
Ways to protect your phone from loss
Method | How it helps | Additional tips |
Use the Find Device feature | Allows you to locate your phone | Make sure the feature is enabled in the settings |
Contacts on the lock screen | Allow you to be contacted quickly | Add e-mail or backup number |
Using Bluetooth trackers (AirTag, Tile) | Allows you to track your phone via Bluetooth | Useful in transportation and travel |
Bind your phone to a smartwatch | Reminds you if your phone is left in another location | Especially useful for forgetful people |
Backing up data | Saves important files in the cloud | Use Google Drive or iCloud |
Interesting fact: According to statistics, about 2,000 smartphones are lost every minute in the world. However, studies show that more than 60% of devices are returned to owners if contact information is included on the lock screen, as it is a simple but effective way to increase the chances of getting your phone back.
Smartphone in Good Hands
A found phone is an opportunity to be responsible and help another person. In the modern world, technology can drive us apart, but a simple act like returning a phone to its owner reminds us that kindness and honesty are still valued. Let your phone always be with you, and if fate brings you to someone else's lost find - now you know exactly what to do!