The Genius Phone Tip That Can Help You If You Get Lost In The Woods

Imagine you're hiking deep in the woods, miles away from the trailhead, when you realize you've lost your way. The trees all look the same, the path seems to have vanished, and worst of all — there's no phone signal. It's every adventurer's worst nightmare. But don't panic — there are steps you can take if you get lost in the woods, like looking for a river to guide you, or even using the stars to navigate. But, there's another genius technique that can help you if you're lost, and it's likely sitting right in your pocket: your phone. 

Even without a signal, your phone can still help, thanks to a simple yet genius tip: updating your voicemail. Before heading into remote wilderness, change your outgoing voicemail greeting to include details about where you're going. This could be as simple as the name of the park you're venturing into, or even the trails you'll be traversing. Even better, get a map or GPS app to retrieve the specific GPS coordinates of your location. 

Then, simply re-record your voicemail to include the location you're hiking through. If you plan to visit multiple locations or if you'll be out for several days, update your voicemail whenever you have signal with your latest location. 

Here's why this works: if you get lost, your phone may not be able to make calls or send texts due to a lack of signal. However, if someone tries to call you, they'll be able to hear your voicemail message, which is true even if your phone is dead. This provides crucial information that could help search and rescue teams locate you more quickly. By hearing your general location, they can alert authorities or rescuers to your general area, giving search efforts a valuable head start. 

Unfortunately, the trick does not work if you're already out in the woods without a signal and want to record your voicemail. This is why it's essential to prepare before losing connectivity. Always set up your voicemail in advance, ideally before you enter remote areas, so you have the peace of mind that help can find you more easily if needed. 

Luckily, many cell phone providers do allow you to call 911 for help when hiking in an area with no service. So, if your battery hasn't died, you can still reach out for emergency assistance. Either way, if you find yourself lost and don't have a clue how to navigate yourself back, the best thing you can do is stay put, instead of wandering off  and risking straying even further away.