Mobile phones have evolved from simple communication devices to becoming a modern computing gadget. Due to its mobility, many travelers consider smartphones as essential during their trips. Aside from being able to text or call anyone, smartphones can be used to find directions, book hotels, and more.

That is why it is a disaster when you happen to lose your phone while on the road. While things can get too exciting during the trip, you still need to protect your devices, especially if it is essential to continue your vacation.

Here are some tips on how to protect your smartphone while traveling:

Enable Phone Tracking

Modern phones have built-in tracking services. Additionally, you can download many third-party applications online, and some of them are free. However, it should be noted that these functionalities are not automatically activated on the devices, especially for ones that come with the smartphone.

You have to enable these services from the Settings of your device manually. If you have an iPhone, tap your name on the Settings window. Then, choose iCloud, where you can see Find My iPhone option. Confirm if it is enabled. You can also turn on Send Last Location to test if the GPS data is updated and accurate.

On the other hand, if you have an Android device, go to Security & Location on the Settings page. Look for Find My Device. Then, go to your Google Account using your computer’s browser. Here you can track your phone, activate the alarm sound, and more.

Having your phone tracked while on the road does not only protect you in case you get lost and cannot contact anyone, authorities can also find your device much easier when it is stolen from you.

Talk With Your Carrier Before the Trip

Much like how you process your pre-trip preparations with your bank, you also may want to contact your carrier. It is essential that you connect with your carrier if your phone gets lost or stolen. They can suspend your service for the time being, which will prevent anyone from using your data.

If available, avail of any phone insurance which can protect you in many cases during your trip. Some carriers may even send you a replacement phone or reimburse your repair fee even when you are outside your country. Even if they do not offer replacement or reimbursement right away, you can always file a claim after the trip.

Protect Your Device From Damages

The excitement during the trip exposes your device to potential damages. This is especially true if you are going on a trip near water or a beach. Invest in a premium screen protector and case. Choose something that is waterproof and shockproof, if possible. Having a sturdy case can protect from any minor incidents that can damage your smartphone.

Be mindful of where you plug your smartphone. Most modern hotels have a sophisticated electrical system that protects any devices from a power surge. In some cases, breakers are combined with empro shunts that will trip the wiring before any serious damages can occur. It is best if you can bring a power brick when you are out of your accommodation.

Put Your Emergency Contact Details on the Lock Screen

If you can, display your alternate phone number and email on the lock screen photo. You can also put your hotel’s hotline or a number of a friend who is with you on the trip. It is highly likely that you get your phone back when you lose it if these details are easily accessible by anyone who finds it. Some devices will allow you to display this information, or you can write down these details and take a photo that you can set as your lock screen image.

In some cases, you can use the Find My Phone application and lock the phone remotely. Most services will display a message on the lock screen where you can indicate your message and a contact number.

Final Thoughts

Your smartphone is a valuable device that you cannot afford to lose during the trip. It contains your photos, soft copies of your travel documents, and more. Additionally, its capabilities like providing directions, real-time weather updates, and even suggest restaurants or activities make it an essential trip companion. Keep the tips above in mind to minimize the likelihood of losing your phone.

How to Protect Your Smartphone While Traveling

Mobile phones have evolved from simple communication devices to becoming a modern computing gadget. Due to its mobility, many travelers consider smartphones as essential during their trips. Aside from being able to text or call anyone, smartphones can be used to find directions, book hotels, and more.

That is why it is a disaster when you happen to lose your phone while on the road. While things can get too exciting during the trip, you still need to protect your devices, especially if it is essential to continue your vacation.

Here are some tips on how to protect your smartphone while traveling:

Enable Phone Tracking

Modern phones have built-in tracking services. Additionally, you can download many third-party applications online, and some of them are free. However, it should be noted that these functionalities are not automatically activated on the devices, especially for ones that come with the smartphone.

You have to enable these services from the Settings of your device manually. If you have an iPhone, tap your name on the Settings window. Then, choose iCloud, where you can see Find My iPhone option. Confirm if it is enabled. You can also turn on Send Last Location to test if the GPS data is updated and accurate.

On the other hand, if you have an Android device, go to Security & Location on the Settings page. Look for Find My Device. Then, go to your Google Account using your computer’s browser. Here you can track your phone, activate the alarm sound, and more.

Having your phone tracked while on the road does not only protect you in case you get lost and cannot contact anyone, authorities can also find your device much easier when it is stolen from you.

Talk With Your Carrier Before the Trip

Much like how you process your pre-trip preparations with your bank, you also may want to contact your carrier. It is essential that you connect with your carrier if your phone gets lost or stolen. They can suspend your service for the time being, which will prevent anyone from using your data.

If available, avail of any phone insurance which can protect you in many cases during your trip. Some carriers may even send you a replacement phone or reimburse your repair fee even when you are outside your country. Even if they do not offer replacement or reimbursement right away, you can always file a claim after the trip.

Protect Your Device From Damages

The excitement during the trip exposes your device to potential damages. This is especially true if you are going on a trip near water or a beach. Invest in a premium screen protector and case. Choose something that is waterproof and shockproof, if possible. Having a sturdy case can protect from any minor incidents that can damage your smartphone.

Be mindful of where you plug your smartphone. Most modern hotels have a sophisticated electrical system that protects any devices from a power surge. In some cases, breakers are combined with empro shunts that will trip the wiring before any serious damages can occur. It is best if you can bring a power brick when you are out of your accommodation.

Put Your Emergency Contact Details on the Lock Screen

If you can, display your alternate phone number and email on the lock screen photo. You can also put your hotel’s hotline or a number of a friend who is with you on the trip. It is highly likely that you get your phone back when you lose it if these details are easily accessible by anyone who finds it. Some devices will allow you to display this information, or you can write down these details and take a photo that you can set as your lock screen image.

In some cases, you can use the Find My Phone application and lock the phone remotely. Most services will display a message on the lock screen where you can indicate your message and a contact number.

Final Thoughts

Your smartphone is a valuable device that you cannot afford to lose during the trip. It contains your photos, soft copies of your travel documents, and more. Additionally, its capabilities like providing directions, real-time weather updates, and even suggest restaurants or activities make it an essential trip companion. Keep the tips above in mind to minimize the likelihood of losing your phone.