Find out how to protect yourself from mobile phone theft, and how to set your phone up to help you if it gets stolen.
Protect yourself from mobile phone theft
Don’t leave your phone, iPad, tablet or camera unattended, out of your sight, or left on a table. Thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds.
Be aware of your surroundings and only use your mobile when it feels safe to.
When you’ve finished using it, put it away.
Things to do now that will help if your phone gets stolen
Secure your phone
Use your phone’s security features to stop someone using your phone if it’s stolen. Choose a strong PIN, passcode, password or pattern.
Get your IMEI number
Get your phone’s IMEI number by typing *#06# on your phone keypad. Keep a note of it somewhere other than on your phone. The IMEI can help track the phone down if it’s lost or stolen.
Use a tracking app
Set up a tracking app on your phone so you can see where it is from another device like a laptop. Use it as soon as possible, before thieves have a chance to disable it.
Turn off message previews
Turn off message previews, so that thieves won’t see any messages about reset or login codes when your phone is locked.
Make sure you can still access your data
Make sure:
your phone data is regularly being backed up, either automatically over wifi or by plugging it into a computer
there’s somewhere else you can get access codes sent to (two-factor authentication codes) to access your data from another device
you keep important information like family and friends’ phone numbers and passwords somewhere else secure, not just on your phone
Help setting your phone up
See your device's help pages for help with device location tracking, account recovery and message preview settings.
If your phone is stolen, report it to your network operator, also report it to Immobilise on 08701 123 123 (if registered with them) and Greater Manchester Police. Your phone can be blocked, just like a stolen credit card. Once blocked, it cannot be used again.
