To track a missing Samsung phone, open Samsung Find or SmartThings Find on another device, sign in with the Samsung account linked to the phone, and select it from your device list. What you can do depends on whether the phone is online and whether its lost-device settings were enabled beforehand.
Prepare your Samsung phone for finding
If you still have the phone, check its lost-device settings now. On many recent Galaxy phones, go to Settings → Security and privacy → Lost device protection, then enable:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Allow this phone to be found
- Send last location
- Offline finding
Samsung says remote controls are turned on by default when a Samsung account is added, but it is worth checking that they are enabled. Menu names and locations can vary by Galaxy model and software version. These settings cannot be switched on remotely after the phone has gone missing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Find, ring, or secure the phone
- On another phone, tablet, or computer, open Samsung Find or use SmartThings Find in the SmartThings app.
- Sign in with the Samsung account used on the missing Galaxy phone.
- Select the missing device from the account’s device list and review the location shown on the map.
- Choose the action that fits the situation: ring it if it may be nearby, track its location if it is moving, or lock it if you cannot retrieve it promptly.
Samsung’s U.S. support guide says Track location provides updates every 15 minutes after it is started. That is Samsung’s stated feature behavior, not a guarantee of continuous or real-time tracking. Ring sounds for one minute, including when the phone is set to mute or vibrate.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Choose a remote action
- Ring: Use this when the phone may be nearby, such as in a room, bag, or car.
- Track location: Use this to request updated location information when the phone can report it.
- Lock: Use this to secure the device while you try to recover it.
- Extend battery life: Use this if available and the phone is reachable, to conserve its remaining charge.
- Erase data: Use this when protecting personal information takes priority over further recovery attempts. Erasing is consequential; Samsung recommends backing up before a reset when possible.
What to expect if the phone is offline or turned off
| Phone status | What Samsung Find may show or do | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| On and connected to a stable network | Samsung’s standard finding workflow can show location and support remote actions. | Location updates depend on the device being able to communicate; Track location is not described as continuous live tracking. |
| Not connected to the internet, with Offline finding enabled | Nearby Galaxy devices may detect the missing phone and help report its location. | This relies on the feature having been enabled beforehand and nearby participating Galaxy devices being available; it does not guarantee a location. |
| Powered off | The last known location may be available. | A powered-off phone cannot provide a new live location until it is back on and able to connect or be detected under the applicable offline-finding conditions. |
Samsung describes offline finding through nearby Galaxy devices in its SmartThings Find guidance. A SmartTag is for finding an item tagged through SmartThings; Samsung’s guidance does not establish that purchasing one can locate a phone that is already lost.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you think the phone was stolen
Do not go to a map location or confront someone yourself. Samsung advises contacting authorities and letting them retrieve the device. If Samsung’s tools cannot locate the phone, contact your mobile carrier; it may be able to help locate the device or suspend service. What assistance is available depends on your carrier and country.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Use your Samsung account carefully: sign in only through Samsung’s service, and do not share your account password or verification codes with someone claiming to have found the phone. If you cannot access the account, use Samsung’s account-recovery options rather than giving credentials to a third party.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
