Essential Steps to Keep Your Data Safe If Your Phone Gets Stolen or Lost

1. Enable remote tracking

iPhone (iOS)

• Go to Settings ❯ [your name] ❯ Find My.
• Turn on Find My iPhone.
• Enable Find My network (helps locate even when offline) and Send Last Location (sends location before battery dies).

Android (Google)

• Go to Settings ❯ Google ❯ Security ❯ Find My Device (or Settings ❯ Security & location ❯ Find My Device).
• Turn on Find My Device and ensure Location is enabled for the device.
• Make sure the device is signed into your Google account.
• If you are unable to locate Find My Device , simply search this keyword in the settings.

Additional pre-setup steps (both platforms)

• Use a strong device passcode or pattern lock if no face unlock or finderprint unlock setting kept.
• Keep a note of your phone’s IMEI (dial *#06# or check the box/receipt). Store it somewhere safe.
• Enable 2FA on Google Account : This prevents hackers from using your Google account if they steal your SIM or device.

2. How to remotely erase your phone (when stolen or lost)

iPhone

• Visit: Visit your iCloud account ❯ Sign in ❯ Find iPhone ❯ select device ❯ Erase iPhone.
• Note: Erase will remove data and disable further location updates. Use it if recovery is unlikely.

Android (Google Find My Device)

• Visit: Your google Find Hub ❯ Sign in with your Google account ❯ select device ❯ Erase Device.
• If phone is online, erase will start; if offline, it will begin when it next connects.

Warning: Remote erase deletes your data and usually disables further remote tracking. If there’s any chance authorities can recover the device, try to locate it first; erase when recovery is unlikely.

3. Immediate steps to take (within minutes/hours)

1. Try to locate & ring the phone using Find My (Apple) / Find My Device(Android).
2. Block/Suspend your SIM - call your mobile operator immediately (ask to block the SIM). You may visit the nearest service centre. For this a General diary entry at the police station may be required.
3. Block UPI / Bank transactions:
   • Open your banking/UPI app from another device and block or log out all sessions if possible.
   • Inform your bank(s) immediately; ask them to freeze/evaluate suspicious transactions and block debit/credit cards if required.
4. Change passwords for accounts accessible from the phone (email, primary social logins, banking, payment apps). Prioritise the email linked to your phone and financial apps.
5. Revoke active sessions / remove device access:
   • Google: myaccount.google.com ❯ Security ❯ Your devices ❯ Sign out of lost device.
   • Apple: Apple ID settings ❯ Devices ❯ Remove the stolen device.
   • Social apps like Whatsapp, Telegram, INstagram, Faceboox, X etc: log out everywhere / change password.
6. Remote lock or erase (use instructions in section 2).
7. File an FIR at the nearest police station and get a copy. Provide IMEI, time, place, any suspect details and screenshots/conversations if relevant.
8. Report to cyber authorities and fraud portals:
   • Register a complaint on the national cybercrime portal (India) or visit nearest police station
   • Call cyber helplines if available (e.g., 1930 in India).
9. Contact UPI / payment providers to report fraud and request PIN reset / block. Inform them of any unauthorised transfers and ask about recovery/chargeback options.
10. Notify friends/family if accounts (messaging or social) could be used to impersonate you. Ask them not to click suspicious links or send money in your name.

4. Prevention tips (long term)

• Use Authenticator Apps (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS OTP when possible.
• Disable auto-login for sensitive apps. Require biometric / passcode for payments.
• Register and enable two-factor authentication for email and key accounts. Authenticator Apps may be used for this.
• Regularly backup important data.
• Keep app updates & OS up to date.
• Avoid storing UPI PINs, card CVV, or passwords in plain notes.
• Consider a secondary emergency contact for bank/UPI apps.