Losing a Cell Phone: Lessons Learned

 You never think it can happen to you…until it does. After years of uneventful cell phone ownership (e.g., no lost phones, no broken screens, no water damage), I lost my cell phone, thankfully for less than 24 hours. I was on a bus trip, the driver made a sharp turn, the bag that I was carrying toppled over, and- unbeknownst to me at the time- my cell phone fell out onto the floor under my seat.

I realized this soon after I got home and couldn’t find my phone. My husband called the number and the phone rang- but not in our home or vehicle. I soon put the pieces together and called the bus company. They found the phone where it had fallen and I quickly retrieved it. Thankfully, the bus we were on was not in service the next day. I shudder to think of what could have happened otherwise.

This incident got me thinking about lost phones, what I did right, and what I could have done better.

What I Did Right

• Retracing My Steps- I worked the problem, thinking through all possible places my phone could have been and ruling out different options (e.g., by the mailbox when we stopped to get mail).

• Password Protection- My phone is password protected and locks down quickly using auto-locks when it is not actively being used. This gave me peace of mind that it could not easily be tampered with if it got into the wrong hands.

• No Financial Data- I do not- and will never- have any personal financial information on my cell phone. For example, apps for financial institutions that I have accounts with. I also do not use phone wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Less sensitive data that could be stolen.

• Cell Phone Pocket- The back of my phone has an adhesive “pocket” that contains some of my business cards as well as contact information for my husband in case I am unreachable.

What I Could Do Better

• Use Phone Finder Apps- I could have found the phone sooner with an app like “Find My Device” (Android) or “Find My” (IOS). I have since installed one on my phone.

• Use Different Authentication Methods- I am seriously considering different two-factor authentication (2FA) methods, such as biometrics and third party apps, after realizing how vulnerable I was with all my 2FA being done via text messages sent to my phone.

• Double Check for My Phone- I have a new decision rule for the rest of my life. Never leave a venue or a mode of transportation (bus, plane, etc.) without checking for my phone.

So much of our lives are tied to our phones: our contacts, photos, social media, and more. I hope you are never in a similar situation and lose your phone and that my insights, above, are helpful. 

This post provides general personal finance or consumer decision-making information and does not address all the variables that apply to an individual’s unique situation. It does not endorse specific products or services and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.