Update: Found a phone under my couch… not crazy after all

I deleted my last post, but here’s the update with some context.

The apartment above mine was broken into the day before my original post. Their lock was picked, and the place was ransacked in about five minutes while the tenant was briefly downstairs. Nothing major was taken, but it was a weird situation.

I decided to check my own WiFi log after someone in my last thread suggested it, just to make sure nothing strange was going on. I found an unfamiliar Android phone had connected to my network. After some searching, I found the phone under my couch.

TL;DR: Found an unknown phone under my couch after the neighbor’s apartment was broken into. No idea if someone broke into mine or if a friend left it behind, but nothing seems to be missing. Not sure what to make of it.

Honestly, Reddit’s responses last time were over the top. I wasn’t looking to build a bunker or cover my windows in tinfoil—just wanted help figuring out why there was a random phone connected to my WiFi. Anyway, thanks to those who were actually helpful.

Wait, you think someone broke in, logged onto your WiFi, and then left their phone under your couch? Did they steal anything?

Jody said:
Wait, you think someone broke in, logged onto your WiFi, and then left their phone under your couch? Did they steal anything?

Didn’t even ask your friends if they lost their phone? Just jumped straight to the burglar theory?

@Pace
Yeah, because it totally makes sense for a burglar to break in, use the WiFi, lose their phone, and then lock up behind themselves. Classic thief behavior.

Jody said:
Wait, you think someone broke in, logged onto your WiFi, and then left their phone under your couch? Did they steal anything?

Most WiFi routers have the password on the back or an auto-connect button. Still doesn’t explain why a burglar would leave their phone behind though. Maybe they were using it as a listening device?

Jody said:
Wait, you think someone broke in, logged onto your WiFi, and then left their phone under your couch? Did they steal anything?

Half the people I visit have their WiFi password written down somewhere obvious for guests. Easy for anyone to connect.

@Rory
When I break into houses, I always connect to the WiFi so I can stream Bad to the Bone without using my data.

Ellison said:
@Rory
When I break into houses, I always connect to the WiFi so I can stream Bad to the Bone without using my data.

There was a string of break-ins in my town in the 90s where they didn’t steal anything—just rearranged furniture. Never caught the guy.

@Rory
That’s the most passive-aggressive interior designer ever.

@Rory
Honestly, none of my friends have asked about a missing phone, so I’m not sure. Maybe a kid got hold of a maintenance key? I do leave my WiFi password on the counter for the dog sitter.

I’d bet it’s your friend’s phone, not some random thief’s. Why wouldn’t they ransack your place if they broke in?

Cory said:
I’d bet it’s your friend’s phone, not some random thief’s. Why wouldn’t they ransack your place if they broke in?

You’re probably right. I just wanted to be cautious since my neighbor’s place was broken into. Plus, I have a large dog, so maybe that was a deterrent if someone did try.

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? Weird stuff can seem more plausible if your CO levels are high.

Keegan said:
Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? Weird stuff can seem more plausible if your CO levels are high.

CO, not CO2.

Do you leave your WiFi open, or did someone hack your router?

Ellison said:
Do you leave your WiFi open, or did someone hack your router?

Password’s on the counter for my dog sitter. Not the best security, I know.

Sure it’s not your girlfriend’s other phone? Any notifications popping up?

Vick said:
Sure it’s not your girlfriend’s other phone? Any notifications popping up?

I was gone for a year for work, so not sure. Just Snapchat notifications so far.

Riley said:

Vick said:
Sure it’s not your girlfriend’s other phone? Any notifications popping up?

I was gone for a year for work, so not sure. Just Snapchat notifications so far.

Snapchat and being gone for a year? Sounds like side-dude behavior.

If you think it belongs to a thief, hand it over to the police.