Losing an Android phone can be a distressing experience, and while Google’s Find Hub offers a valuable solution, it’s not infallible. To enhance your chances of recovering a lost device, consider integrating Samsung’s SmartThings Find service into your strategy. However, there’s an innovative third layer of protection that many users overlook: Samsung Routines. This feature can be a game-changer in the unfortunate event that your phone goes missing.
How to use Samsung Routines to find a lost Samsung phone
A recent post on the r/SamsungGalaxy subreddit by user u/AccordingYogurt823 showcased a clever configuration of the Routines app designed to make a lost or stolen phone easier to locate. The concept is simple yet effective: upon receiving a text message containing a specific phrase, such as “lost phone,” your device will automatically adjust several settings to enhance its discoverability.
When the designated message is received, the phone activates Wi-Fi and mobile data, increases volume levels to their maximum, and enables location access. This innovative use of Samsung Routines is not only practical but also a testament to the creativity of the user community.
Setting up this feature on your Samsung phone is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Open the Modes and Routines app.
- Tap the plus icon (+) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Add what will trigger this routine.
- Scroll to the Event section and choose Notification received.
- Tap Apps and select Messages.
- Choose Notification with specific keyword.
- Enter your chosen keyword (e.g., “lost phone”) and tap the plus icon to add it.
- Tap Done.
It’s worth noting that you can select multiple messaging apps at step five. While the example uses the Messages app, feel free to include others like WhatsApp or Telegram. Ensure that you select “When any keyword is found” instead of “When all keywords are found” to maximize the effectiveness of your setup.
Next, you’ll define the actions that occur when the “lost phone” text is received. Tap Add what this routine will do to access a variety of options. Here are some recommended settings:
- Connections -> Wi-Fi -> On
- Connections -> Mobile data -> On
- Sound and vibration -> Sound mode and volume -> Set sound mode to “Sound” and turn all volume levels to 100%
- Sounds and vibration -> Vibrate while ringing -> On
- Location -> Location -> On
- Effects -> Beep once
- Functions -> Flashlight -> Turn on
With this configuration, your phone will spring into action upon receiving the designated text, activating Wi-Fi and mobile data, amplifying its volume, vibrating while ringing, turning on location services, emitting a beep, and illuminating the flashlight. While this setup is not a substitute for Google Find Hub or Samsung SmartThings Find, it serves as a valuable supplementary measure to bolster your chances of recovering a misplaced or stolen device. If you own a Samsung phone, taking a few moments to implement this feature could prove to be a wise investment in peace of mind.
