We rely on our mobile phone for loads of things in summer. Festival tickets, holiday snaps, maps, playlists, boarding passes - they’re with us every step of the way.
But it’s not all good news. Summer is also the time when a lot of phones go missing or have a bit of a meltdown. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 272,000 thefts were reported across the UK last year. They peaked in July, when festival season kicks off and summer getaways get underway.
Then there’s the weather. Direct sunlight, hot sand and the occasional pool splash can all take their toll on your phone. Luckily, keeping it protected doesn’t take much effort. A few simple habits can help keep your phone (and everything on it) safe throughout the busiest weeks of summer.
Lock it down before you leave the house.
The best time to protect your phone is before anything goes wrong. Most theft protection features work best when they’re switched on in advance. So if you spend five minutes (right now is a good time) checking your settings, it could save you lots of hassle later.
Start by turning on Find My iPhone if you’re using iOS. If you’re on Android, it’s Find Hub. These tools let you locate, lock or wipe your phone remotely if it gets lost or stolen.
It’s also worth enabling Stolen Device Protection on iPhone, or Theft Detection Lock on Android. These features are designed to recognise when a phone might have been snatched, and automatically lock it to make life harder for thieves.
Now take a look at your lock screen. If message previews are visible, someone could potentially read verification codes or account information without unlocking your phone. Hiding those previews adds an extra layer of security.
You should also protect your banking, payment and wallet apps with Face ID, fingerprint authentication, or any biometric option that’s available on your phone. And make sure you have a strong screen lock, a short auto-lock timer, and regular backups enabled through iCloud or Google. That way, even if the worst happens, your photos, messages and important files won’t disappear with your phone.
Finally, make a note of your phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#. Think of it as your phone’s unique fingerprint. If your device is stolen, you’ll need it when reporting the theft.
Festivals and crowds: where snatch theft can happen.
Festivals, concerts, sporting events and busy city centres are all great fun. They’re also some of the easiest places for phone thieves to operate. Crowds create the perfect opportunity for someone looking to grab a device and disappear before you know what’s happened.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk is to think carefully about where you keep your phone. A zipped pocket, cross-body bag or secure front pocket is much safer than a back pocket or an open bag.
It’s also worth being mindful when taking photos or videos. Holding your phone high above your head in a packed crowd might get you a great view of the stage, but it’s also one of the moments thieves look out for.
Keep it cool when the sun’s out.
Your phone might love taking holiday snaps, but it definitely doesn’t enjoy sitting in the sun.
Most smartphones are designed to operate comfortably between around 0°C and 35°C. Once temperatures climb beyond that range, you might notice slower performance, faster battery drain, and warning messages about overheating.
The easiest solution is simple: keep your phone out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Avoid leaving it on a beach towel, a café table in full sun or the dashboard of a parked car, where temperatures can rise surprisingly quickly.
If your phone does overheat, move it into the shade and give it a chance to cool down naturally. Closing apps, switching on flight mode and removing the phone case can all help speed things up.
One thing you shouldn’t do is plug in a hot phone to charge. Charging generates additional heat and can put extra strain on the battery.
And while it might sound tempting, never put an overheated phone in the fridge or freezer. Sudden temperature changes can create condensation inside the device, potentially causing much more damage than the heat itself.
Be phone-smart on holiday abroad.
For many of us, our phone is the one thing we use more than anything else while travelling. It’s our map, camera, boarding pass, travel guide and way of staying in touch.
Yet despite taking valuable tech abroad, plenty of travellers still leave without checking whether their devices are protected.
One easy way to stay safer is to avoid relying on public WiFi for sensitive tasks such as online banking or logging into important accounts. With Inclusive Roaming across 50 destinations, you can use your usual data allowance in eligible locations and reduce the need to connect to unfamiliar networks.
Holiday environments can be surprisingly tough on phones too. Sand can work its way into charging ports and buttons, while water damage remains one of the most common causes of holiday phone disasters.
A waterproof pouch is an inexpensive addition to your packing list and can offer useful protection at the beach, pool or on boat trips.
It’s also worth staying alert in tourist hotspots, where crowded attractions can create opportunities for opportunistic thieves. Hotel rooms can be another risk, so avoid leaving your phone out in plain sight when you’re not using it.
Before you travel, take a moment to check whether your phone is covered by your travel insurance, home insurance or any device protection you may already have in place.
What to do if your phone does get taken.
If your phone is stolen, acting quickly can make a big difference.
If you’re with iD Mobile, contact us as soon as possible to block your SIM and IMEI. This helps prevent your number and device from being used fraudulently.
Next, report the theft to the police by calling 101. Having your IMEI number ready will help, and you’ll receive a crime reference number that might be needed for insurance claims.
Contact your bank if you have payment cards, banking apps or digital wallets linked to the phone. They can freeze cards and help monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
If you’ve enabled Find My iPhone or Find Hub, use a trusted device to log in. You can then either lock your phone remotely or erase its contents.
A quick round-up.
Before summer gets into full swing…
- Switch on Find My, Stolen Device Protection or Theft Detection Lock, and make sure your banking apps are properly secured.
- When you’re out in crowds, keep your phone zipped away and make a note of your IMEI number before you go.
- When travelling abroad, use Inclusive Roaming where available instead of relying on public Wi-Fi, and take precautions against sand and water damage.
And remember to protect your device from the heat by keeping it out of direct sunlight and letting it cool naturally if it overheats.
What’s your top tip for keeping your phone safe on a summer getaway? Let us know in the comments below.
