What to Do If the ETC Device Is Lost?

[McMiles]

ETC device replacement method: The vehicle owner should bring their ID card, the original and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to the bank counter to handle the change, replacement, or reissuance of the card. The installation process of the ETC device is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU; the red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly with your hand for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front facing the driver and the back facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is properly inserted into the OBU device. ETC device activation method: Insert and remove the ETC card twice in succession until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If "Tag Invalid" appears when inserting and removing the card twice without attaching the electronic tag, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, press the button on the top of the electronic tag directly to enable Bluetooth. Turn on the phone's Bluetooth, open the corresponding mobile app (usually with a download QR code on the electronic tag), and enter the device activation interface. Click on "Device Connection" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. Once connected successfully, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete the activation.

[DiMadelyn]

Last time I also lost my ETC device, which made me always worry about toll stations while driving. The first thing to do is to call customer service to report the loss—they helped me freeze the old card to prevent unauthorized charges. Then, I applied for a new device, waited two days for delivery, and the installation was simple enough to do myself. Now, I’ve linked it to an app to check bills anytime and handle any suspicious activity promptly. When parking, I always lock the windows and avoid leaving valuables in sight—even though it’s small, it’s an easy target for thieves. I recommend making it a habit to check monthly if the device is securely fixed. Losing it once wastes time and costs extra for replacement fees, which isn’t worth it. If you’re driving without ETC, cash payment is fine, or you can use the ETC mini-program on your phone temporarily. Bottom line: don’t delay—safety first!

[McCharlotte]

As a tech-savvy newbie, I think losing an ETC device is quite manageable. It utilizes Bluetooth and RFID technology, allowing instant remote account deactivation if lost. I've downloaded my bank's ETC app – just a few taps to request replacement cards and devices, eliminating branch visits. The new device supports 5G quick-connect auto-activation, no manual setup required. At toll stations, temporary payments via Alipay or WeChat work just as conveniently as ETC. Daily recommendation: enable location sharing to track the device – recovering it could save money. Technically, losing the hardware causes minimal data loss as long as account credentials remain secure. As someone who frequently tinkers with car gadgets, I believe regular firmware updates significantly reduce failure rates.

[AdrielMarie]

When I noticed my ETC device was missing, I immediately thought of the privacy risks. I quickly contacted the service provider to report the loss and lock the account, and they helped me generate a new key to prevent fraudulent charges. Then, I scheduled an appointment at a physical store to pick up a new card, feeling more at ease by going in person. On the road without ETC, I used the manual lane to pay in cash, which wasn’t a big deal but took a few extra minutes. Everyone should be vigilant about information leaks—avoid posting photos carelessly online. For daily storage, don’t leave it on the front windshield where sun exposure can accelerate aging. I always make it a habit to double-check that the car doors are locked after parking; these small actions can be a big help. Prioritize safety over saving money or cutting corners, and ensure the dashcam is functioning normally without any unusual recordings.

[SerenityLee]

I was driving like crazy and lost my ETC card, which made me furious. I immediately reported the loss and applied for a new card via a mobile app. The customer service advised me to complete the process within three days to avoid service fees. As a temporary solution, I used the payment app linked to my ETC to scan at the toll gate, which was much faster than using cash. Usually, I neglect maintenance, but this time I learned my lesson and now check the card slot weekly to ensure it's secure. The new device arrived, and the installation was foolproof—done in five minutes without affecting my commute. Don't bother with complicated methods; simply report the loss and monitor via the app for peace of mind. Losing it once costs at most a hundred bucks, but work delays are far more costly. Avoid piling clutter over the device to prevent forgetting it.