How to Ping a Phone: Quick Methods for iPhone & Android
Modern phones may reveal the most sensitive data you own and protect. This may come down to private conversations, banking details, personal photos, and addresses, too. But what is more, any phone tracks your movements all across the world – wherever you go, GPS data is conveniently stored for emergency purposes. What if you lose access to the device one day?
Modern phones may reveal the most sensitive data you own and protect. This may come down to private conversations, banking details, personal photos, and addresses, too. But what is more, any phone tracks your movements all across the world – wherever you go, GPS data is conveniently stored for emergency purposes. What if you lose access to the device one day?
In this material, we are to explore how to ping a phone location for iOS and Android via built-in features and alternative tracking ways for free. Learn more about phone trackers, and take your security to the next level.
Basics First: How Does Pinging Work?
Pinging a phone means sending a signal to determine the status or location of a device. This can be performed via inherent tracking systems, mobile networks (i.e., through carrier providers), and external applications. For the convenience of users, many companies introduce features like Find My <Device> to locate, lock, or produce sounds when at a distance.
However, those who strive to employ these features should be aware of legal boundaries and considerations regarding private space and the rights every person has. So, should you wish to locate your own phone, just go ahead. If it comes to a stranger's devices, be responsible and never violate the law.
How to Ping an iPhone
Probably, anyone experienced the fear of misplacing you losing a phone. Such a terrible feeling it is. Fortunately, one may ping a phone for free with the help of tools inherently introduced into iOS. Here are the best methods to opt for.
Find My
The most obvious app to use is Apple's Find My since it provides a reliable basis for phone searches. What should you do?
Access a different device with a logged-in iCloud account (this can be the device of your relatives/friends or another device you own).
Sign in with your Apple ID if necessary.
Open Find My.
Select “Devices” on the navigation bar and find your iPhone on the list.
Tap “Play Sound” to make your phone emit a loud ring (even when the Silent mode is on) and choose “Directions” to choose the path to its approximate location.
Apple Watch can be the fastest tool if you need to locate your iPhone in an instant. But how to ping the phone from Apple watch?
Swipe up on your Apple Watch to open the Control Center.
Find the icon denoting your iPhone.
Your iPhone will immediately play a sound.
Tip: Keep in mind that this button can be pressed accidentally. Be cautious when you need your phone to remain silent, e.g., during lectures, business events, or important meetings.
Siri
Siri can also help you locate your device if you have another Apple device nearby or an iPhone of a person who belongs to your Family group (this can be checked via Settings on its main screen under your name). To do so:
Say “Hey Siri, where is my iPhone?”
As a result, Siri will trigger a sound on your iPhone if it is connected to the same Apple ID or a family and has an internet connection.
Number Tracker
When the above-mentioned opportunities are not enough, it is high time you employed third-party apps like Number Tracker. This may definitely help you determine the location of your iPhone. For example, the app features a number lookup tool that allows one to pinpoint the location of a phone with the use of one’s number only.
Besides, Number Tracker is a location-sharing hub where any users belonging to the same groups may detect the whereabouts of one another. Just access another device or ask members of your groups to ping your phone. They can do this on their behalf, too.
How to Ping an Android Phone
Well, how to ping an Android phone? In order to locate your device quickly, you can use tools specifically designed by phone manufacturers for this purpose.
Find My Device (by Google)
Just like Apple, Google also developed a feature for quickly pinpointing the location of an Android phone. How should you use it?
Visit android.com/find or open the Find My Device app on another device.
Sign in with the Google account linked to the phone you are looking for.
Select your device from the list.
Tap “Play Sound” to make your phone emit a loud ring (even when the Silent mode is on).
Google Assistant
Since we are focusing on universal opportunities, here comes Google Assistant. When your Android phone is connected to another Google device, you are free to use voice commands like “Hey Google, find my phone” to hear the sound. Seems like a dupe of Siri, though.
Google Maps
For those who need the last known location, Google Maps can be the most versatile tool. Thanks to its comprehensive nature, the app may help one track a phone within minutes.
Open Google Maps on any other device.
Sign in with the Google account linked to the phone you are looking for.
Tap your profile picture.
Select “Your timeline” and wait for the system to process your request.
Check recent location updates to see where your phone was last active.
How Do You Ping a Phone Without Internet
Can police ping your phone without a warrant? Which drastic measures to take if the location of a phone is still unknown, and how to track a phone location without an app? In situations when GPS tracking and online services do not work, there are alternative methods used to locate any device without an active Internet connection.
Carrier Services
When mobile data or Wi-Fi is inaccessible, your phone should remain connected to nearby cell towers (when the Cellular is activated). In particular, most mobile carriers offer location-based services on the basis of cell tower triangulation (i.e., the signal strength). If you lose your phone, try contacting your carrier to check if they are able to assist you in your situation.
Calls or Text Messages
Even if your phone does not have internet access, it can still receive calls and text messages. Try calling or texting with instructions for the finder to return it. By the way, what if it was lost right next to you? Some carrier services support silent SMS pings, which require the phone to send its approximate location over the cellular network.
IMEI Number Tracking and Police Services
How to find a dead iPhone? Every single device has its unique IMEI (i.e., (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. To do so, report your lost phone’s IMEI and last known location to your mobile carrier or file a report to the police and track your phone, even if the device is offline.
However, you should take into consideration that these are extreme measures that should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Pinging a cell phone can be a necessity. Fortunately, both iPhones and Android devices offer multiple options both built-in and external. To stay prepared, enable tracking features, keep your IMEI number recorded, and explore additional security settings in advance. This is how you can protect your phone and keep your private life as safe as possible.
Sources:
Real-time GPS tracker