Lost or Stolen Device? Here’s What to Do Next
Immediate actions
Remotely lock your device
You should immediately lock your device remotely as soon as you notice it’s missing, even if you know its location, to minimise the risk of your money being spent or personal data being stolen. If you’re an Apple user, log in to iCloud on another device and activate Lost Mode to lock your device. If you’re an Android user, log in to your Google account and use the Remote Lock feature in Find Hub to lock your device.
Freeze important accounts
Even if you've already locked your lost device, it's worth remotely locking anything valuable that may be on the device. From another device, you can freeze payment cards stored on the lost device. It could also be worth remotely signing out of any social media or email accounts that are logged in on the device.
Track your device
If you don’t know where your device is, you can use another device to try to locate it. If you’re an Apple user, log in to iCloud and use the Find Devices platform. If you’re an Android user, log in to your Google account and access the Find Hub.
These services should display the last recorded location of your device and include options to play a sound to help you find it, or to show a message with contact details so people can return the phone to you. It’s worth noting that you’ll only have access to these tracking options if you’ve previously set them up on your device.
If you don’t have access to another device, consider whether any loved ones you share your location with can help you track down your lost device.
Image courtesy of apple.com
Next steps
Restore your data
Even if you need to replace your device, that doesn’t necessarily mean all your previous data is lost. On your new device, you can log in to your existing Apple or Google account. If you’re still missing some beloved pictures, there’s no need to worry just yet: you should be able to access your latest backups of photos, contacts and apps through iCloud or Google Drive.
Update your passwords Whether or not you’ve reunited with your lost device, it’s still in your best interest to update all your passwords. Make sure to prioritise your most personal accounts, such as email and social media, along with any accounts connected to your payment information, like bank or shopping accounts.
Future protection
Having a device stolen is a stressful and overwhelming situation. Whilst some factors are beyond our control, you can still take specific steps to reduce the risk of losing your device in the future.
Turn tracking on
If you haven’t already, you should activate the built-in tracking function on your device so it’s ready to track. You could also enable location sharing with loved ones in advance if you’re comfortable doing so.
Image courtesy of
android.com
Back up your dataIf the worst-case scenario occurs, you’ll want to be fully prepared. You should regularly back up your data so you can access your photos, contacts and documents from the cloud. If you struggle to remember to back up, you can schedule backups routinely for effortless peace of mind.
Accessorise If you frequently misplace your device or want extra protection in busy city environments, anti-theft accessories could be a useful option. These include straps that connect to your phone and can be worn around your wrist or neck for added security.
Turn on Theft Detection For Android users, it could be worth enabling the Theft Detection Lock. This function uses AI and motion sensors to detect when someone unexpectedly takes your device and automatically locks it so that your personal data cannot be accessed.
Final thoughts
Losing a device can feel overwhelming, but taking swift and informed action can make all the difference in protecting your data. In a world where our devices hold so much of our lives, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your digital world secure.
