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15 Nov. 2025

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What to do if you lose your phone while traveling: tips from travelers that really work

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What to do if you lose your phone while traveling: tips from travelers that really work

Losing your phone while traveling is an unpleasant but common situation. Learn how simple tips from travelers can help you get your lost gadget back and what to do to avoid stress while traveling

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine
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Losing your phone while traveling is one of the most unfortunate situations for a tourist. After all, modern travelers store not only photos, itineraries, and tickets on their smartphones, but also documents, bank cards, and means of communication. However, Reddit users have shared simple tips that can help you get your lost gadget back faster. The Daily Mail writes about this.


A simple way to increase your chances of getting your phone back


One traveler said that after the unfortunate loss of his iPhone, he began to prepare for trips in advance and create a message on the lock screen for whoever finds the phone.


He advised using Google Translate before traveling to translate the phrase into the language of the country you are visiting. For example:


“If you find this phone, please return it to [hotel name].”


Next, you need to take a screenshot of the translation and the English text, and then set this image as the lock screen background. This way, if someone finds your phone, they will immediately see a message asking them to return the gadget.




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Alternative tips from travelers on how to get your lost phone back


Other Reddit users also shared their own life hacks. One of them advises writing a similar message by hand and putting it in the phone case. This can help if the device turns off or runs out of battery.


"I just put my email address on the background of the home screen — and my phone was actually returned to me. The person who found it emailed me,“ one user shared.


Another added that you can offer a small reward:


”For example, write: ‘I will pay $100 for the return of my phone.’ The amount should be greater than the profit from selling the old gadget."


Samsung phone owners can make it even easier by adding a message with their contact details right at the bottom of the lock screen. This can be configured in the smartphone's security settings.


“I do something similar even on all my camera memory cards. If they are found, the chances of getting them back increase significantly,” said another traveler.


How often do tourists lose their phones?


According to research, about one in five travelers has experienced theft or loss of their phone while on vacation. At the same time, according to the consumer group Which?, less than half of those who lost their phone were able to get it back.


Experts advise not only to take care of the safety of the device, but also to always have duplicates of documents, copies of itineraries, and emergency service numbers. This will help avoid panic in unforeseen situations abroad.


Tip: Losing your phone or documents is always stressful, especially when you are in another country. That is why experts recommend taking out travel insurance before each trip. The policy will help not only in case of injury or illness, but also in force majeure situations, such as loss of luggage or documents. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can quickly take out insurance for a trip abroad online, choose a convenient tariff, and receive an electronic policy in a few minutes. This is a reliable safety net for those who want to travel confidently and without unnecessary risks.




We remind you! The world of travel is experiencing a new wave of interest — after several years of restrictions, tourists are once again discovering Europe and exotic corners of the planet en masse. Read about which places made it into the world's top tourist destinations in our previous article.


Photo: Unsplash


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.




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Frequantly
asked questions
How to find your phone if you lose it abroad?
First, try using the Find My iPhone or Find My Device feature. It allows you to locate your phone, lock it, or remotely erase your data. If you don't have internet access, contact the hotel administration or local police — lost items are often handed in there.
What should you do if your phone is stolen while traveling?
How can you secure your smartphone before traveling?

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