We've all been there or at least know people who suddenly realized their gadgets weren't on their persons anymore. Thieves on trains, on buses and in busy streets are able to your device without you even noticing or sometimes will simply take it out of your hands.

Some of us might have left a phone in a cab or lost a device while riding a bike. There are several scenarios we can lose our smartphones, tablets and other personal devices, but there are preventative measures that can you protected whether the device is lost or stolen. Here are a few tips to follow after your gadget is gone:

1. Log your information
You should always be prepared for a lost or stolen device by taking pictures of the device, its serial number and any other specific identification numbers, The Corsair reported. Keep these photos on file and retrievable in email or somewhere they could be found if all your devices were lost. This can also help with the insurance claim process.

2. Retrace your steps
It's absolutely essential to retrace your steps and think about all the possibilities and why your phone or tablet isn't on your person anymore. Think of every place you'd been to when you had the device and consider every possible way it could be lost or possibly snatched from you.

Additionally, check common spaces around you or places you've lost your device before. If you're lucky, the device is still in your possession, and you don't have to follow the rest of these tips.

3. Download a recovery app
There are numerous recovery apps available for all major smartphone brands. These apps have retrieval features that allows you locate a phone and activate the device's ringer at maximum volume even while on silent mode, Digital Trends reported.

Some retrieval apps allow users to send text messages and lock the phone completely so whomever has it cannot use it. Another great feature about recovery apps is that they allow you to wipe your personal information on the fly, the source reported. If you know your device was stolen, it's best to erase your data before someone uses it to get sensitive information.

However, the only downfall to recovery apps is that they do not work when the phone isn't on, and many thieves will remove the SIM card or battery to make sure you can't locate the device.

4. Contact your carrier
If your smartphone is gone, you can't get a hold of anyone on the other end and you don't have a "find my phone" app, it's best to contact your carrier. According to Digital Trends, contacting your wireless service provider will alert it to stop any transactions or expensive calls if someone uses your device.

This can save you money and a serious headache. Also, some carriers offer GPS locating systems to find the phone, but check with your provider first.

5. Call the police
If you're certain the device was stolen, contact the police and give them as much information as possible on the device. This is where having serial numbers and other information is truly helpful. According to The Corsair, even the New York Police Department is training its officers on how to use traceable phone finder apps to help people locate their devices.

No matter the situation, it's always best to get personal insurance so your phone can be replaced without the headache. Personal insurance helps smartphone users replace their devices with a brand new one instead of having to receive a refurbished electronic that many carriers provide as replacements.