Losing your phone - or worse, having it stolen - can feel like a nightmare. Phone snatchings, whether in London or across the UK, have been in the headlines recently and can make for grim reading.
But don’t panic. Whether it slipped out of your pocket or was snatched on the street, there are clear steps you can take to protect your data, report the theft, and even get a replacement.
Here’s your go-to guide for what to do next, including what to do if your phone goes missing or gets stolen.
Track down your phone
First things first: try to locate your device using Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device if you’re on Android. And there’s a find my phone Samsung too. These tools can track your phone and keep you up to date on its last known location. These tools can also help lock your phone or wipe it remotely.
Important: If your phone appears in an unfamiliar place, don’t go there yourself. Contact the police and let them handle it.
Did you know?
In 2024, over 34,000 phones were stolen in Westminster alone, according to Metropolitan Police data.
Report stolen phone
Contact the police
Once you’ve confirmed your phone is missing, report it to your local police station. You can also report a stolen phone to the police by calling 101. You’ll need to provide your phone’s IMEI number. They should give you a crime reference number, which you’ll need if you want to claim on insurance.
Contact your network provider
Also, notify your network provider immediately. They can block your SIM to prevent any unauthorised use and help you avoid a hefty bill. They’ll also give you your IMEI number, if you don’t have it written down.
Disable payments that can be done through your phone
If you’ve stored payment cards on your phone, contact your bank or credit card company. Your Apple Pay will be disabled when you “Mark as lost” on your Apple account. For Google Pay, use the Google Pay Help Center.
Get your IMEI number
Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number that identifies your phone. You can find it:
On the original packaging
On your phone bill or invoice
By dialling *#06# on your phone
By contacting your network provider
This number is essential when reporting your phone to the police or your insurer.
Erase your phone’s history
To protect your personal data, remotely erase your phone using your device’s security settings. You can do this remotely through your Apple or Google accounts. Also:
Change your passwords, starting with your email.
Remove your phone from any linked accounts. This will log it out and stop thieves from accessing sensitive data.
Contact your mobile phone insurance
If you’ve got mobile phone insurance, now’s the time to use it. Contact your provider to check your coverage and start a claim. They’ll also let you know if they’ll cover a new phone and start the process for you. You’ll likely need a crime reference number from the police.
No insurance? Our mobile phone insurance makes claims easy, provides 24/7 support and you’ll get a replacement phone with next-day delivery.
How to protect yourself from phone theft in the future
Once you’ve sorted the immediate crisis, think about how to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips:
Use an anti-theft phone strap or case
Avoid using your phone in public places where it could be snatched
Keep your device locked with a strong passcode or biometric security
How to keep your data safe
Most phones have added security measures, but you’ll have to activate them yourself.
- iPhone users
Enable Stolen Device Protection. This helps prevent identity theft. You’ll find this option in Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Android users
Under Theft protection in Settings, there’s Theft Detection Lock - which will lock your phone if it detects that someone has snatched it and ran away. And while you’re there, also enable Offline Device Lock which will lock your device if it goes offline.
Get into good habits
It’s important to keep your data safe. So here are some security tips that will help you in the long run:
Secure sensitive apps with built-in app locks or secure folders.
Avoid storing sensitive data like PINs or ID photos unless protected by an extra password or secure app.
Keep your device updated to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
Losing your phone is stressful - but with the right steps, you can take back control quickly and safely. Need help setting up security features? Talk to our tech experts in-store or online.
What’s next?
Check out our mobile phone accessories for more ways to help keep your phone safe. And if you’re thinking of a new device, check out the best Ai smartphones.
