LostHour

Ready Check / Android phone or tablet

Get an Android phone or tablet ready to be found

5 settings. Menu names differ between versions and phone makers; the maker’s page beside each one is the source.

  1. 1

    Check that Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) is on

    SettingsGoogleAll servicesFind Hub (names differ by phone maker)

    Google says it turns on when a Google Account is added; check it was not switched off.

    Source: Google: Be ready to find a lost Android device

  2. 2

    Set a PIN, pattern or password

    SettingsSecurity (or Security & privacy)Screen lock

    Google uses it to lock the device when you mark it lost, and Find Hub network help needs one.

    Source: Google: Be ready to find a lost Android device

  3. 3

    Keep Location on

    SettingsLocation

    A device with location off can be locked but is much harder to place on a map.

    Source: Google: Be ready to find a lost Android device

  4. 4

    Turn on Google backup

    SettingsGoogleBackup (or SettingsSystemBackup)

    Contacts, photos and settings come back on the next phone.

    Source: Google: Be ready to find a lost Android device

  5. 5

    Write down the IMEI and serial number

    SettingsAbout phone (dialling *#06# also shows the IMEI on most phones)

    The carrier and police ask for them.

Keep the numbers where you can reach them

Put this Android phone or tablet in a private plan: its serial, IMEI and carrier number, ticked settings, and its own “it’s missing” page. Two devices free. Lost Hour Pass is $1.95 a month or $19.50 a year for 12 devices; Household is $3.95 a month or $39.50 a year for 30. Free during preview: nothing is charged.

Start a plan

Already missing? The first-hour steps for this Android phone or tablet →