How to Locate a Lost Phone Even When It Is Powered Off or Dead

November 29, 2025 — Losing a phone can be stressful, especially when the device is powered off or the battery is dead. However, both Apple and Android provide built-in tracking tools that can assist users in locating their missing phones even when they are offline or turned off, officials said.

For iPhone users, the Find My network remains effective after the phone powers down. The device uses a low power mode to stay findable for a period, and if other Apple devices are nearby, the lost phone can send out a Bluetooth signal to help pinpoint its last known location. This location can be accessed from another Apple device or through a web browser.

To locate a missing iPhone using another Apple device, users can open the Find My app, tap the Devices tab, and select the lost phone from the list. The app displays the phone’s location on a map and offers options such as Directions to navigate to the device or Play Sound if the phone is on and nearby. Users can also activate Lost Mode to lock the phone and display a message with a callback number for anyone who finds it. If the phone is dead, the app will show the last known location to assist in the search.

If an Apple device is not available, users can visit iCloud.com/find on a computer or an Android phone. After signing in with their Apple ID and completing two-factor authentication if required, they can select the missing iPhone from the All Devices menu. The web interface allows users to view the phone’s location, play a sound if it is on, or enable Lost Mode to secure the device remotely.

Android users can utilize Google’s Find My Device service to locate their phones. This system shows the last known location of the device and provides options to secure the phone quickly, according to authorities. While the article does not detail the exact steps for Android, it emphasizes that Google’s tools are designed to help users track their phones even when they are offline or powered off.

Experts recommend enabling key phone settings before a device is lost, such as activating location services, Find My network features, and security options. These settings improve the chances of recovering a lost phone by allowing tracking tools to function effectively.

In summary, both Apple and Android have developed features that assist users in finding lost phones, including those that are off or dead. By using the Find My app, iCloud website, or Google’s Find My Device, users can access the last known location of their devices and take steps to secure them remotely.