What to Do Before and After Your Phone is Lost or Stolen: Essential Tips to Protect Your Data

Phones are central to our digital lives, storing personal data, social media accounts, banking apps, photos, and more. Losing a phone or having it stolen can cause major disruptions, but following some essential steps can help secure your information and potentially recover the device.

What to Do Before Your Phone Goes Missing

1. Enable Phone Tracking Features

Activate built-in tracking services like Find My iPhone (iOS) or Find My Device (Android). These allow you to locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely.

2. Set Strong Lock Mechanisms

Use biometric authentication (like fingerprint or face unlock) or strong passcodes to secure access to your phone. Adding passwords to sensitive apps, such as banking and messaging, adds an extra layer of protection.

3. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Make sure to back up important data, including contacts, photos, and documents, to cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud. External backups (like a hard drive or memory card) are also good alternatives in case your phone is lost or compromised.

4. Record Your IMEI Number

Keep a note of your phone’s IMEI number, which can be retrieved by dialing *#06#. This unique identifier can help authorities track your device if it’s stolen.

Photo: Michael DiMarco for Envint Media

What to Do After Your Phone is Lost or Stolen

1. Try to Locate Your Phone

Use tracking tools to view the last known location of your phone. For Samsung users, SmartThings Find offers similar functionality, and Google Pixel devices can even be tracked for several hours after being powered off.

2. Lock and Erase Your Device Remotely

If you cannot recover your phone, use remote lock features to secure your data. You can also wipe the device remotely to prevent unauthorized access to personal information. On iOS, Lost Mode suspends Apple Pay services, while Android provides an option to lock the phone immediately.

3. Notify Your Carrier and Police

Inform your mobile carrier to suspend services and prevent unauthorized SIM use. Some carriers can also block the device, making it unusable even with a new SIM card. Report the theft to the police, especially if you suspect fraudulent use of your accounts.

4. Change Passwords on Linked Accounts

Log out of all accounts accessible via your phone and change passwords for essential services like banking, email, and social media. This prevents thieves from accessing your sensitive information.

Photo: Michael DiMarco for Envint Media

Why Immediate Action is Crucial

Mobile phone theft is a growing issue worldwide, with some regions reporting hundreds of cases daily. Tools like Apple’s Stolen Device Protection and Android’s Private Spaces offer advanced options to deter thieves, but fast action can make the difference in safeguarding your data.

Conclusion

While no one expects to lose their phone, being prepared with backups and tracking features can reduce the stress if the worst happens. Act quickly by locking, tracking, or erasing the device, and alert the appropriate authorities to protect your information and finances.

Taking these proactive and reactive measures ensures your data stays secure, even if your phone doesn’t. For more detailed advice, you can refer to resources like Asurion and AP News.