Losing your smartphone can be the worst thing to happen. Trust me, it has happened to me, I know how it feels. You lose access to all your data, your bank details, and basically your entire life. But after you’re done panicking, here are certain steps that you should take. Read along.
The first step is to track and block your device to prevent misuse. Here’s how you can do it.
There’s a portal, launched by the Indian government to help you track and eventually block your lost device. It is called Sanchar Saathi. It uses the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to track down your device.
Before you go ahead and use the portal, you need to have a valid police complaint against your loss. Once that’s done, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Sanchar Saathi website- https://sarcharsaathi.gov.in
Step 2: Next, register on the portal by clicking on the ‘Register Here’ button.
Step 3: Find and click on the option that reads ‘Find stolen/lost device’
Step 4: Here, you will be required to type in details such as your name, mobile number, IMEI details, device’s brand, model, and invoice.
Step 5: At this point, you will also be required to upload the purchase bill of your smartphone.
Step 6: Post that, you will be asked to enter details about the loss of your device. This will include city, district, state, and date.
Step 7: Additionally, you will have to share the details of the police station where you have filed a complaint, and the complaint number and upload a copy of the complaint.
Step 8: Next, you will have to enter your details along with a valid photo identity card, like Aadhaar, etc.
Step 9: Now enter your mobile number and generate OTP.
Step 10: Once your OTP is verified, you can create an account by simply adding your name, email address, and password. After adding the details click on the “Create Account” button.
Step 11: Now log in to the portal.
Also read: 5 tips to the rescue incase your smartphone hangs
Here’s how you can locate and block your device.
Step 1: Once you log in, click on the “IMEI Search” button.
Step 2: Enter your device’s IMEI number and tap on “Search.”
Step 3: It will display the location of your smartphone.
Step 4: If you wish to block your device, then click on the “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile” button, add your phone number, and select the reason for blocking your phone.
Step 5: Click on the “Block” button. Your phone will be blocked, and it will not be able to make or receive calls or messages.
Now, in a rare case, it will be fair to call it a miracle in itself, you find your device. Then you would want to unblock it. You can do that too on the same portal.
For all of this, you might have noticed that you require the IMEI number of the device. If you’re confused about where to find it, then follow these steps:
The IMEI number is mentioned on the device of your box. So if you’ve lost your device that’s the only way to retrieve it.
But just a bonus, if you have your smartphone and wish to identify the IMEI number, then follow these steps:
Step 1:Open the Phone app on your device.
Step 2: Dial *#06#.
Your device will display the IMEI number on the screen.
