What to do if your phone is lost or stolen

Because we rely on our phones so much, losing yours or having it stolen can feel like a mini-crisis. Suddenly, your connection to the world, your photos, messages and even financial information are all at risk. While it’s very easy to be hard on yourself when it happens, the truth is that it most of us have lost our phones at some point. According to Uswitch, more than half the UK population have had their phone lost or stolen at one time or another.

And because it’s so common, it means that industry giants like Android and iPhone are here to help. Whatever type of phone you have.

We’ll break down the steps of what to do if it happens. Then we’ll let you know what you can do to protect yourself in the future.

First things first, take a deep breath. Panicking won't help. Try to remember where you last had your phone or when you last used it. Did you leave it at a restaurant, in a taxi or was it taken from your bag? It’s easy to think the worst when all along it might be down the back of a sofa!

Both iPhones and Android devices come with built-in features that can help you locate your phone if it's lost or stolen…

iPhone
For iPhone users, you can use the "Find My" app or log in to iCloud.com. From there, you can locate your device on a map, play a sound to help you find it if it's nearby, put it in Lost Mode to lock it and track its location, or remotely erase all your personal data if recovery seems unlikely.
 

Android
Android users can use the Find My Device feature, which is typically linked to your Google account. Just visit android.com/find on any browser, log in with your Google credentials and you can locate your device, ring it, lock it or even erase its data remotely.

NB: Only wipe your phone remotely as a final step. This will erase all data and return it to its factory settings. While this is a last resort, it can provide peace of mind knowing that your personal information is safe.

If you're unable to find your phone using tracking features, it's time to get in touch with us. That way, we can block your SIM card and stop anyone else from using it. You can either do this in online in My Account, on the iD app or over the phone. All the details are on our Lost and stolen advice page.

If you believe your phone has been stolen, it's essential to report the incident to the police. They may not always be able to recover your device, but having a record of the theft can be helpful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Your phone likely contains a wealth of personal information, from emails to social media accounts to banking apps. To stop unauthorised access to these accounts, change your passwords immediately. This step is crucial for protecting your privacy and financial security.

Inform your contacts
Let your friends, family, and colleagues know that your phone is lost or stolen. This is especially important if you suspect someone may try to use your phone to impersonate you or scam your contacts.

Check for insurance coverage
If you have insurance on your phone, now is the time to check your policy and see if it covers lost or stolen devices. Many policies do, but there may be specific steps you need to follow to file a claim.

Losing your phone can be the worst, but there are things you can do now to make it less painful and make finding it easier…

1. Back up your phone –  contacts, images, apps, info etc can be backed up to the Cloud. That way you can replace your phone without losing anything. Individual apps like Whatsapp offer back ups too. So, no more “New phone, who dis?”
    
2. Enable passcode or biometric authentication – this makes it much harder to get into your device and will keep it safe. For iPhone users, enable Stolen Device Protection in settings. There’s also a feature called Security Delay, which beefs up your phone’s security when your phone appears in an unfamiliar location.
    
3. Add a third-party GPS tracker – while Android and iPhone already have this function built in, you’ll need another device just to find your phone. Not always convenient when you’re out and about. If you attach a Tile to your keys (for example), your phone will make a loud noise with the press of a button. This can be a gamechanger when you’ve only just realised you don’t have it. Chances are that it’s nearby.

Losing your phone or having it stolen is never pleasant, but by staying calm and taking proactive steps, you can stop it from ruining your day and hopefully recover your device. Remember, while your phone may be replaceable, your personal information and peace of mind are priceless.

Have you had your phone lost or stolen before? What did you do about it and what tips do you have for the rest of the Community? Share your advice below…