How to Get Your Phone Back

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 1, 2023 References

Whether your phone was confiscated by your parents, stolen by a stranger, or simply went missing, you're probably desperate to get it back. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to convince your parents to give it back. If your phone was lost or stolen, recovering it might be a bit trickier, but we've got some tips to help you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Talking to Your Parents

1
Approach your parents when they're not busy. Don't try to talk to your parents about your phone when they're heading out the door. Instead, wait until they're free to speak to them. Stay calm as you plead your case and avoid being disrespectful or rude.
2
Apologize sincerely. Tell your parents how sorry you are for whatever you did that got your phone taken away. This might not work, because they could think you are just saying it to get your phone back, but it's certainly worth a try, especially if you have made a mistake you cannot correct. Tell them what you plan on doing differently in the future. Express yourself clearly and politely.^{[1]
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3
Give good reasons why you need your phone back. If you just tell them you want to talk to your friends, they probably won't give you your phone back. Try to come up with a few reasons why you actually need your phone.
- You might tell them someone is texting you the math assignment or that you want to call a classmate for help. However, if you're lying about needing the phone for schoolwork, your parents will probably find out, which could land you in even more trouble.
- Remind your parents that the phone is important for your safety. Ask them what would happen if they needed to reach you in an emergency and you didn't have your phone.
4
Ask them what is necessary to get your phone back. If there's no timeline for your punishment or you're not sure what will get your parents to give your phone back, ask them. Make suggestions as to how you can improve your behavior in the future if they do not have any ideas.^{[2]
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5
Fix the problem. If they are trying to get you to clean your room, come home on time, or do something else, follow their rules and do what they ask. This will show your parents that you are sincerely sorry and are making active efforts to improve your behavior.^{[3]
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6
Do something nice for your parents. If it is too late to correct the problem, try to make up for it. Clean a room and do a good job of it. Do your homework without complaining. Try to choose something to do that will demonstrate that you have learned your lesson.
7
Wait it out, if all else fails. Let your friends know to contact you some other way instead. Your parents will be impressed by your patience and maturity, and you could get your phone back sooner than you expect.^{[4]
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- Ask for a time limit on the punishment. Then, remind your parents when the time is up.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Retrieving a Stolen Phone

1
Resist the urge to chase the thief down. If someone has stolen your phone, do not try to chase or follow them. You never know if they could be concealing a weapon. Write down all the information you can about the person or their vehicle.
2
Call the police. Let the local authorities know that your device has been stolen and give them all the information you have about the incident. It is best to let the professionals deal with stolen property, especially since you may be dealing with dangerous criminals.^{[5]
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- Respect the limits of the police, as they may not be able to recover your phone, but they will try their best.
3
Alert your phone service provider. Call your phone company and let them know what happened. They can put a hold on your account so that the phone cannot be used under your name and funds.
4
Use a tracking app if you have one. If you have an app such as "Find My Phone," you may be able to see your device's location in real-time. Tell the police officers you're working with about the app and give them the location so they can recover the phone. You can also ask your phone company if they are able to track the phone's location.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding a Missing Phone

1
Call your phone. Use another phone to dial your phone number. Surprisingly, if your phone is on, you may find that it isn't very far from you. Have a friend help you by going into various rooms to listen for the phone's ring or vibration.
2
Check places you usually put it. Do you often set your phone down on the counter, leave it in your purse, or keep it in your car? Carefully search through your home and vehicle, making sure to check places where you often leave your phone.
3
Retrace your steps. Try to remember where you last had the phone, and go back to the places you have recently been. If you had been at a bar the previous night, call the bar and ask about any recovered devices, for instance.^{[7]
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4
Ask people you know. Somebody you know could have recognized the phone as yours and picked it up, or could have seen where you last used it. Talk to people you were with when you last had your phone to see if they have any idea where it could be.

Community Q&A

Question

My mom said she wants me to be more responsible to get my phone back. What can I do?

Lorena Lease

Community Answer

Find your mom when she's in a good mood. Make sure beforehand that the laundry is done, your room is clean and organized, and all your chores are finished. Then tell your mom that you did your chores and ask for your phone. Remember to say please. If she says no still, sit down and talk to her and ask her why she thinks you shouldn't get your phone back, then go from there.
Question

What is wrong with me if I make the wrong choices without even knowing it?

Community Answer

There is nothing wrong with you. It's possible you are not taking all the facts or possible outcomes into consideration before choosing. What's important is to learn from your mistakes. And if you're not sure what to do in a particular situation, talk it over with someone wiser and more experienced.
Question

What do I do if I failed a test and they will only give me my phone back if I pass the test next time? The test only comes around once a year.

Community Answer

Promise that you will study hard and retake the test. Perhaps you could (calmly and respectfully) try to compromise. Maybe they could let you use the phone for an hour a day if you spend 2 hours a day studying? If they're still angry about you failing the test, wait a while for them to calm down before you try to negotiate.