Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Cell Phone Gone?
"Honey, sweetie-pie," I typed, sending my husband a gooey instant message while he was at work. "Sorry to bother you, but could you call my cell?"
I didn't have to explain why; we'd been through this umpteen times before. Last time he'd called my cell phone for me, it rang ... in my back pocket. Yes, I am a doofus.
But, aw, come on, you know you've done it. Maybe your cell phone wasn't in your back pocket, but if you're a normal human being with a mobile phone you just can't live without, you must have misplaced it at least a time or two.
If so, you know the feeling--that moment of panic when it's not right there where it's supposed to be ... which may be any of seventeen places. Then, when you recover your breath, you break out in a cold sweat. You panic and start rummaging through your underwear drawer, through the laundry basket, the freezer. Your house is a wreck, and then you gasp: *Gasp!* You used your cell phone on the city bus! Or was it in Wal-Mart? At the dentist's office?
I've been one of the lucky ones, though, always finding my missing cell phone within an hour or two and usually in ridiculous places (even once in my sock ... that I was wearing at the time), but my mother wasn't so lucky. She must have dropped it at the Senior Center one day, never to be found again. So I got her a lanyard (her choice of accessory) to wear the phone around her neck. Then, once we'd gotten her a new phone and I reprogrammed all of the numbers we could remember and those I could easily look up, I decided to put together this lens to offer some suggestions to the rest of the wireless phone-addicted world.
The following are some tips, stories, funnies and handy accessories for keeping and finding your cell phone, as well as what to do if, by chance, it joins the millions of other wayward cell phones in the lost-but-never-found piles of the world.
Ever Lost Your Cell Phone?
Fess up!
If Your Cell Phone Was Lost But Found
Where'd you find it?
Uh ... in my hand
It's okay, there must be some reasonable explanati more...1 point
Top 10 Worst Places To Lose Your Cell Phone:
From www.CellPhones.ca
#10: Your Mother In-Law's House
"Yeah, it sucks that you have to go back there and endure another long conversation about when you are going to give her those grandchildren...."
Read more here....
What To Do If You DO Lose Your Cell Phone
1. First things first: think. Where did you have your cell phone last? If it was in your house and you haven't left, well, nothing to worry about, unless maybe your dog looks like he has indigestion or your toddler just flushed the toilet. Otherwise, take a deep breath and look around. Better yet, if you think the phone was on, call it from your house phone or have someone call your cell so you can follow that ring tone or happy little song to the source.
Don't have a house phone? Not at home and don't have access to a phone but you do have a computer? Then try this:
Go to Where's My Cell Phone? .com a free service by iGoogle. Simply enter your lost phone number and listen for it to ring. Cool!
2. If that doesn't work, well, then you should call your cell phone company, so some less-than-ethical dubie doesn't run up your bill calling all his (or her) buddies all over the globe. Let your provider know you can't find your phone, but tell them not to cancel your service just yet. Have them deactivate your phone while you continue your search.
Here are the phone numbers of some common wireless providers:
- AT&T: (800) 331-0500
- Verizon Wireless: (800) 922-0204
- Sprint Nextel (888) 211-4727
- T-Mobile: (877) 453-1304
3. Now that your phone can't be used, think again. Where have you been since you last saw or used your phone? Call those places or businesses where your phone might be and ask if it's in their lost-and-found or, if you can give them a specific location where you sat or shopped, perhaps a nice employee or manager might take a look for you.
4. If your phone still hasn't turned up, call your provider back and ask if there is any way, pretty please, that you can get a free replacement. Or perhaps you have insurance that will cover at least part of the new phone. If not, don't sink a lot of money in a new phone, because your old beloved cell might still turn up somewhere (like in that black hole you call a purse perhaps).
5. If you didn't have it before, now's a good time to sign up for insurance on your phone. My experience with Verizon is that it costs $5 per month, and that insurance will cover the cost of a replacement phone if yours is lost or damaged.
Can You Imagine?
You're away on vacation, oblivious to the fact that your cell phone back home has been stolen, and the thief has run up a $26,000 bill!
This really did happen to Wendy Nguyen. Read the story and learn the outcome in:
Customers Pay For Lost Cell Calls
In Related Cell Phone News....
Some useful and interesting cell phone-related links
- Don't Lose That Number (Or Phone)
- An article from the Minnesota Fantasy Legislature Commissioner's Blog, including tales of lost cell phones and proposed legislation to protect customers.
- TrackItBack
- A lost and found recovery service. I have no personal experience with this service, but it may be something to consider. The company claims to have returned over 85% of their customers' lost mobile devices, keys, luggage, and more, and that they usually get them back to their rightful owners within 24 hours.
- "Find My Cell Phone" ideas on WhyNot.net
- Some creative suggestions from cell phone users, including this one: "I'd like to be able to log into my Verizon account online and enter a password. Then my phone will automatically ring (possibly gradually getting louder) until I can find it. It would be great for when my phone falls behind my bed or I leave it in my pants pocket. The website would override my phone setting if it is set to silent ring or vibrate."
- Mobile Commuting: If You Lose Your Cell Phone
- On a Saturday night in a crowded restaurant bar, James Martin's cell phone disappeared. "The events that followed were sometimes surprising, sometimes frustrating, and ultimately satisfying. Here's an account of what happened, with lessons learned to help you avoid a similar ordeal..."
Just In Case....
Don't lose all those phone numbers you once had at your fingertips.
Read Lost Cell Phone? Your Carrier Has Your Backup from The Wall Street Journal's "The Mossberg Solution."
Tips For Keeping Track Of Your Cell Phone
From www.ArticlesBase.com
- Keep your car keys next to your phone as it's charging.
- Place your purse or wallet next to the phone and charger.
Read more here....
Ways To Keep Your Cell Phone Attached
To You
The following are some handy accessories--cases, arm and wrist bands, and lanyards--for keeping your phone from wandering off.
Many of these products are also handy for attaching other gadgets--like iPods, MP3 players and digital cameras--to your personal person.
Genuine Leather Cell Phone Case & Wallet
with Wristlet & Shoulder Strap
Genuine Leather Cell Phone Case & Wallet with Wristlet & Shoulder Strap (Black)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Other Similar Cell Phone Accessories
for encasing and protecting your phone
Lewis N. Clark Waterproof flip phone pouch
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $10.00
Body Glove Universal Pro Cellsuit (Black)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $19.99
Kwik Tek Universal Dry Pak Case
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $14.99
Cellet Small Soft Cell Phone Universal Holster / Pouch / Case with Swivel belt clip
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $17.99
Genuine Leather Cell Phone Case & Wallet with Wristlet & Shoulder Strap (Wine)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Red Cellet Neoprene Armband Case
for cell phones, iPODS, & MP3 players
RED CELLET NEOPRENE ARMBAND CASE for CELL PHONES, iPODS, & MP3 PLAYERS.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/27/2009)
Compatible with:Motorola V3, V3i, V3c, V557, SLVR, V188, V360, PEBL, C290, Samsung A900, T809, T629, E635, T309, A800, A920, A840, A560, Blackberry 8100 Pearl, iPod nano, Shuffle, mini, video and other similar sizes
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Other Similar Cell Phone Accessories
for keeping track of your phone while you run, hike or walk your dog
Hold-a-Phone cell phone holders for runners
Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price:
Universal Fit Armband / Arm band for all iPods, Zune models, Cell Phones (HTC G1 Android, Blackberry Pearl / Curve), and all other MP3 players.
Amazon Price: $12.98 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $19.98
Orange Prima Metrocase Elastic Front All Purpose Pouch for Every Handheld Device
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Hold-a-Phone cell phone holders Bar Style phones
Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price:
Cell Phone Lanyard
Krusell Multidapt Neck Strap
Krusell Multidapt Neck Strap - Neck strap - black
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 12/27/2009)
This device can also be used for cameras and other gadgets. Many excellent reviews on Amazon.
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Other Similar Cell Phone Accessories
for keeping your cell phone hanging around
Cell Phone Strap - Colorful Stars - 8"
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $5.99
Eforcity Pink Phone Neck Strap with Swivel Buckle
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price:
Cellet Blue Hand Strap
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $13.99
Cell Phone Strap Black/ Silver Tone Split Ring (10)
Amazon Price: $2.02 (as of 12/27/2009)
List Price: $5.19
Where Do You Keep Your Cell Phone?
Comments on this lens are welcome.
**You don't have to be a member of Squidoo to leave a message.**
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Reply
- divacratus divacratus Dec 22, 2009 @ 5:02 am
- Thankfully I haven't lost my cell phone till now! I take my cellphone everywhere I go!
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Reply
- puzzlemaker puzzlemaker Nov 11, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
- I've found so many cell phones I've lost count. All rightfully returned.
This lens is extremely helpful for those feeling panicked about what to do.
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Reply
- aDeepBreath aDeepBreath Nov 2, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
- I always rely on calling my cell phone to find it. I know have a special pocket in my purse just for my cell phone - that has been really helpful. My brother in law just lost his in a pile of leaves that he just raked in the yard that day. It took a couple hours and lots of calling to find that one! Great lens and thanks for the igoogle calling service - did not know that was available. Also, I appreciate you giving me some tips on improving my cookie lens!
Jody
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Reply
- AddaptAbilities AddaptAbilities Oct 3, 2009 @ 1:46 am
- It's good to know that if I lose my phone, the phone company still has my data.
OK, it's also a little creepy. But the convenience factor is worth it. Thanks!
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Reply
- missbat missbat Sep 17, 2009 @ 1:23 am
- My cousins are always losing their cells. I think I will send them the link to this lens as a hint. You've got some perfect tips, great job!
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A Bit About Me
Lensmaster Ramkitten has been a member since December 7 2008, has rated 2,449 lenses, favorited 198, and has created 111 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "100 Things I'm Thankful For". See all my lenses
My Bio
I'm glad you've stopped by! So what's with the Ramkitten thing, you ask? Well, that's my trail name in the long-distance backpacking community (and now just about everywhere else), but you can call me Deb if you'd like.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the greatest experience of my life, and I have plans for more long-distance treks in the future. That's me in the photo, celebrating at the official end of the A.T., excited about the accomplishment, looking forward to being home again, but a little sad inside, too, because an amazing journey has come to an end. That was in 2000 but feels like yesterday, as I remember everything in such detail. That's often how it is when you're moving through life at no more than 3 miles per hour along the simplicity of a trail.
Anyhow, I'm originally from Rhode Island but now live in Flagstaff, Arizona with my mustached man, Steve, and beloved pooch, Sassafrass Tea (or Sassy, for short). I'm a Search & Rescue volunteer (love it!) and a writer of both fiction and non-. In late 2008, I began working on my own internet-based business, selling pre-equipped 24-hour packs for hikers and other outdoorsy folks. And, as a 40th birthday gift to myself, I quit my "real job" in favor of doing things I truly enjoy on a full-time basis.
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On September 25th, 2000, I completed a six-month journey from one end of the Appalachian Trail to the other, a 2,175-mile walk from Georgia to Maine otherwise known as a thru-hike. Along the way, I embarked on another type of journey, a creative adve... view lens -
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Standing thirty feet away or thirty inches, he spoke in the same loud voice. That's why we called him Screamer. "We" were hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Each year, millions of people use those 2,175 miles of footpath extending from Georgia to Main... view lens -
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Some people laugh at my nickname, but, me, I'm proud of it. And it makes me smile too. Why? Because "Ramkitten" reminds me of special times and adventures. The name originated on RamCat Farm in southwestern Pennsylvania, where Steve and I lived... view lens
by Ramkitten
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