A comprehensive list of all the things you should do if your phone gets lost or stolen…
These days, losing your smartphone can be a very traumatic experience. Considering the amount of data we carry around with us on our device at all times – passwords, emails, photos, videos – there is a lot we stand to lose if we our phone gets misplaced or stolen.
But taking immediate action can help protect your data and increase your chances of recovering your phone.
Here is a comprehensive list of things you can do to recover your phone if it gets lost or stolen:
- Use Built-In Tracking Features
Use Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find My Device to track your phone’s location. If this has been enabled on your device, it will allow you to ring your phone, lock it or erase your data immediately. - Call or Text your Phone
Try calling your phone immediately from another number. If it has been misplaced, a passerby might find your phone and return it to you. Texting your contact information to your phone might also be helpful in case someone finds it and unlocks it. - Lock & Mark Phone as Lost
These days, you can remotely lock your device and add your contact information on your screen. This action will also help you to disable payment features like Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Erase your Data Remotely
If it seems improbable that you will get your phone back, erasing your data remotely is the next best thing you can do. You cannot retrieve it but at least it will prevent unauthorised use of your personal data.
- Contact your Network Service Provider
Call up your network service provider and get your SIM card suspended immediately. This will prevent unauthorised usage of your phone. They can also help in tracking your device through the location of the SIM. - Report to the Police
File an FIR with the local police station immediately. It is best if you can provide your device’s IMEI number. Filing a report is very important for insurance claims and also for potential recovery of your phone. - Deactivate Mobile Payments
You should also immediately call your bank and credit card company and disable services like your bank account and credit card which might have been added to your phone as well as UPI payment modes like Google Pay and PhonePe.
- Change your Passwords
Update all your passwords immediately. This applies to your email, social media, bank accounts and other critical apps that you might have on your phone. Even after this, monitor your accounts to check for any suspicious activities. - Check Financial Statements
Keep checking your financial statement to check for any unauthorised transactions in your bank account or credit cards. Set up alerts to notify you in case of any activity. - Enable Strong Authentication
If you haven’t already, enable stronger authentication settings like fingerprint recognition or facial recognition as well as two factor authentication to prevent unauthorised entry into any of your accounts. - Inform your Insurance Provider
If your device is insured, make sure you inform your insurance provider immediately. This will come in handy later when you’re trying to get a replacement or get a reimbursement for the same. - Make Regular Backup of Important Data
Make it a habit to regularly backup of all important data so that in the event of theft or misplacement of your device, at least your critical data remains safe.
- Attach a Bluetooth Tracker
Adding a Bluetooth tracker like an AirTag or Tiles can come in useful if your phone gets lost or stolen. Having the tracker exponentially increases your chances of getting your phone back. - Record Essential Information
Make sure you note down your phone’s IMEI number. It is available on the packaging of your phone. This will come in handy when you are reporting or tracking a lost device.
Also adding your information like your contact details on your phone’s back cover might be a good idea, in case someone finds it and wants to return it.
So, these are the things you can do to ensure that you get your phone back in case you lose it or it gets stolen.
Have any more suggestions? Let us know in the comments section.
In case you missed:
- 12 Ways to Protect Yourself from UPI Fraud
- 7 Online Scams to be Wary of in India
- New Year, New Scam: All You Need to Know About Brushing
- TalkBack, Circle To Search & 3 More Google Features added on Android
- Presenting Gemini Live, Google’s Response to ChatGPT Voice
- Active Listening Feature on Phones raises Privacy Concerns
- How Meta AI stopped Lucknow Woman from committing Suicide
- Samsung S25 Review: A Powerful Upgrade with AI Enhancements
- WWDC 2025: Apple unveils Liquid Glass Design & AI-Powered Future
- India’s AI Ambitions in the Spotlight amidst DeepSeek’s Disruption
