Buying guide for best phone finders

Even though cell phones are wireless devices, we still can’t cut the cord when it comes to them. When we’re separated from our phones, it’s a nerve-wracking experience. Not only do phones chronicle our lives and keep us organized, the thought of replacing an expensive device can be stressful as well. That’s why phone finders are worth every penny. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you can locate your phone in seconds saves time and energy.

Phone finders are two-device systems that include a remote and a finder. The remote can be kept in your wallet or attached to your keys. If you’re separated from your phone, you can activate the remote to “ring” the finder attached to your phone.

Phone finders are ideal for kids’ first phones. It’s easy to lose a phone if you’re not used to carrying one.

Key considerations

How to find your phone

• Operation: The two-device Bluetooth system of phone finders makes it easy to locate your phone. Once you open the package, you’ll need to download the finder’s app, pair your remote to the finder, and do a trial run to make sure all features are working. To find or “ring” your phone, press the button on your remote to activate the beeping sound on the finder.

• Range: For the ring to work, you’ll need to be within range, which is between 90 and 300 feet, depending on the model. Don’t want to risk being out of range? Some phone finders have separation alerts that go off when your remote is too far from the finder. The alert continues until you return to a desirable range or until you disable it. Another option, in the event you’re out of range, is using a phone finder that has an online community of members who can help each other locate lost devices in their immediate area.

• Tracking: Once your phone finder is set up with the app, it tracks your phone or device, logging times, and locations. While you can’t view the phone’s location on the app if your phone is misplaced, it’s ideal if you’re using the app to track other devices with other finders, such as keys or wallets. The apps generally include logs, maps, and community features, also called crowd finders. Another way to use the tracking app when your phone is lost: install it on your tablet or another family member’s phone as a contingency plan.

Size and style

• Size: Phone finders are designed to be compact and lightweight to avoid adding unnecessary bulk to your phone. On average, they weigh less than two ounces and are usually the size of a credit card or smaller.

• Style: Phone finders come in two main styles: credit card and tag. Credit card-style finders are ultra-thin and can fit inside a regular wallet slot. They can also be affixed directly to the phone itself. Tag-style finders are slightly bulkier and come in the form of a key fob. Depending on the shape, they could also be affixed to the phone or attached via lanyard.

How to affix it

It’s easy to select a place to keep your remote, but choosing the right way to attach the finder to your phone can be tricky. Some finders, particularly credit card-style models, affix easily to the back of your phone. If you have a wallet phone case, they can also tuck comfortably inside one of the card slots.

Tag-style finders are often attached to a lanyard that can be secured to the phone, though you have the option to forgo the lanyard and affix it to the phone instead. Some tag finders come with their own adhesive, but others don’t.

How many to get

Generally speaking, you could choose a single phone finder set that comes with one remote and one finder. It’s a simple solution if there’s only one device you’d like to track. Though, given the luxury and convenience of the technology, you may want more than one. If you’d like to use the finder for other items, such as tablets, laptops, wallets, or additional family phones, it’s worth having multiples. For premium brands, you’ll usually find them in pairs and sometimes three- or four-packs.

Features

Battery style

Phone finders vary the most when it comes to battery style. Budget-priced phone finders either require battery replacement or simply have a shelf life for the entire device — in which case you need to get a new one when the battery dies. Pricier phone finders are rechargeable and are powered either by a USB cable or charging pad.

Other technology features

• Finder community: Many phone finders also have dedicated online communities. They’re either incorporated into the app or have an online platform. Community members with devices of the same product line are alerted when a device is missing in their immediate area so they can help return it to the owner.

• Smart home device-enabled: In addition to their locator app, some phone finders are also Alexa- or Google Play-enabled. Simply visit the device’s app store to enable the coordinating app for your finder. If you don’t have your remote on hand to ring the finder, your smart home device is an ideal alternative. It’s also a sound investment to get a compatible finder if you have multiple phones or devices to track within your home.

Phone finder prices

Phone finders cost between $15 and $75. At the low end of the price range, between $15 and $30, expect to find simple tag-style models. You’ll only get one per package, and they often require either cell batteries or replacement of the entire device when the internal battery depletes.

For mid-range models, priced between $30 and $50, you’ll see four-packs of finders as well as some single premium models. There are also some slimline or credit card-style models in this bracket.

At the top of the price range, between $50 and $75, are premium finders that have the most reliable finder technology, better apps, and rechargeability.

Tips

• Turn it off during weddings and other big events. Because some phone finders work even when your phone is powered off, make sure your phone finder is also switched off during weddings, funerals, and other important gatherings.

• Change devices when upgrading your phone. When you upgrade, you’ll need to pair the phone finder with your new phone. Remember to unpair it with your old one as well.

• Understand the finder community. Many phone finders have online communities that report located devices. Familiarize yourself with how they work if you’d like to help others locate their lost phones.

• Track the battery life. If you don’t have a way to track the finder’s battery through the dedicated app, set an alert on your calendar for when you expect a battery change will be needed.

• Hook the remote onto your wallet zipper. For tag models, if you don’t always have your keys with you, another option is to attach the remote to your wallet zipper.

To be less conspicuous, opt for a phone finder that is the color of your phone. They often come in black or white, but some manufacturers make them in other popular phone colors, such as rose gold and silver.

FAQ

Q. What happens if the remote or the finder stop working?

A. Many phone finders have manufacturer protection to cover defects or product issues, though they’re relatively limited. Generally, these last one to three years. If a device is covered, you’ll have to return the defective piece. Depending on how much you spent on the phone finder and how long a manufacturer replacement takes, you might be better off simply getting a replacement.

Q.  I’m getting a phone finder for someone with difficulty hearing. Will they be able to hear the phone finder when they ring it?

A. The volume of the ring isn’t typically adjustable, but some are louder than others. Models generally range between 50 dB (normal conversational volume) and 90 dB (a running garbage disposal). With that said, other variables affect how audible a finder is. In the event it’s buried between cushions or is beneath a pile of clothing, the sound could be somewhat muffled — yet you should still be able to hear it.