What to Do If Your Child's
Phone Goes Missing
Whether it slipped under a school desk or was snatched at a bus stop, a child's missing phone is stressful. Here's a calm, step-by-step plan — from checking the last location to filing a complaint.
Last updated: June 2026 · 6 min read
Most missing children's phones are lost, not stolen
In schools, autos, and tuition centres — the phone is usually still nearby. Ring it first before assuming the worst. The steps below cover both scenarios.
Step 1: Check Last Known Location
Before anything else, look at where the phone last was. If the phone is still on and connected to the internet, you'll see live location.
Raksha App
Open Raksha on your phone → tap your child's name in the family circle. You'll see their live location if the phone is online, or the last recorded location and time if it's offline.
💡 Also shows battery level and when the app was last active.
Google Family Link
Open Family Link on your phone → tap the child's account → Location. Shows live location on a map.
💡 Only works if Family Link was set up on the child's device before it went missing.
Google Find My Device
Go to find.google.com and sign in with the Google account that was active on the child's phone. Shows last known location.
💡 Works even without Raksha or Family Link, as long as the Google account was set up.
Step 2: Ring the Phone Remotely
If the location shows it's nearby (school, auto, home), ring it at full volume. The phone will ring even if it's on silent mode.
Raksha
Open the app → child's profile → "Ring" button. The phone rings at maximum volume for 60 seconds, even in silent mode.
Google Find My Device
Go to find.google.com → select the device → "Play Sound." Rings for 5 minutes.
Google Family Link
Family Link → child's device → "Play Sound." Same as Find My Device.
Step 3: Lock It Remotely
If ringing doesn't find it, lock the phone with a message on the screen. Whoever picks it up will see your contact number and can call you to return it.
Raksha: Open app → child's profile → "Lock" → enter a message like "This phone belongs to [name]. Please call [your number]."
Google Find My Device: find.google.com → "Secure device" → enter a lock message and your callback number
The phone shows your message on the lock screen. Even if the battery dies and the phone is switched on later, the message will appear.
Step 4: Protect Their Accounts
If the phone doesn't turn up within a few hours, start protecting accounts from another device.
Change their Google account password
Go to myaccount.google.com → Security → Change password. This remotely signs out all devices using that account.
Sign out of WhatsApp remotely
If the child uses WhatsApp, install it on your phone with their number and request a new OTP — this logs out the missing device.
Revoke DigiLocker access
If the child has DigiLocker installed, go to digilocker.gov.in → Settings → Connected Apps and revoke access.
Block the SIM
Call Jio (1800-889-9999), Airtel (121), or Vi (199) to block the SIM temporarily. You can unblock it once the phone is found.
Step 5: If Confirmed Stolen — File a Complaint
File an FIR at the police station covering the area where the phone went missing. Bring the IMEI number and purchase invoice.
Block the IMEI at sancharsaathi.gov.in → CEIR → "Block Stolen/Lost Mobile." Requires the FIR number.
If the phone was linked to school accounts or educational apps, notify the school IT coordinator to revoke access.
Set This Up Before It Happens
Add the child's phone to Raksha family circle
Takes 2 minutes. Once set up, you can ring, lock, and track their phone from your phone anytime — even if they're not with you.
Set up Google Family Link
For children under 13, Family Link gives you location, screen time controls, and remote app management.
Note the IMEI
Dial *#06# on the child's phone and save both IMEI numbers to your email or contacts.
Enable Google Backup on their phone
Settings → Google → Backup → Back up now. Ensures their photos, contacts, and app data can be restored on a replacement phone.
Set a lock screen emergency message
Add your number on their lock screen so a finder can reach you without unlocking the device.