Keep your mobile phone safe
- Be aware of your surroundings when using your device, especially when entering your PIN or passcodes
- Shield your phone PIN when unlocking your device
- Never leave your device unattended in a public place or in plain sight
- Don’t carry your device in a pocket or bag that’s easy to access for a pickpocket
- Be aware of people who might try to distract you to get access to your device
Keep your mobile phone secure
- Register your device on Immobilise, a free national register that helps the police identify owners of recovered property.
- Regularly back up your device. This can be done automatically through iCloud on an Apple device or through a Google account on an Android. Check the manufacturer's website if our Device Guides don’t have instructions for your specific device. You can also back up by connecting your device to your computer and copying your files.
Help with your iOS device from Apple
Help with your Android device from Google - Turn on Find My Device to give you more options if your device gets lost or stolen. You can also use Find My Device to remotely lock your device. If you have an iPhone, you can display a lost-and-found message with your contact details on the lock screen if someone finds your device.
Help for Android devices
Help from Apple for iOS devices - For high-value applications, such as digital wallets and banking applications, use strong passwords different from the handset access code and enable biometric authentication, such as face or fingerprint identification.
- Be aware that thieves may be able to access sensitive data and applications if your device is stolen while in use.
- Remove single sign-on/keychain auto-fills to access applications with valuable or confidential information.
- Install manufacturer security updates promptly and turn on anti-theft features (the names of these vary between device providers, e.g., Stolen Device Protection for iPhones).
- Set up a security lock on your device that only you know.
- Use multi-factor authentication solutions which do not send via device or email.
- Don’t store images of, or copies of, official ID documents that can be used on your device or email account without additional security measures.
If your mobile phone is stolen
- Contact your mobile network provider for them to block further calls from your device, and they can block your device from being used. BT and EE customers can call us on 0800 800 150.
- Call 101 from any other phone to report a stolen device to the police and get a crime reference number. You will need this to make insurance policy claims.
- Change the passwords for the services you use on your device, especially social networks, email accounts and online banking.
- Notify any banks following the theft of a device if you have access to bank accounts or financial apps via your device.
- Log out of your accounts on all devices and applications, including email accounts, which can be used to reset other passwords.
Important information to keep about your mobile phone
Note down and keep details of your device, such as:
- your phone's make and model
- your phone number
- your device's IMEI number (a 15-digit manufacturer’s code - dial *#06* on your device's keypad to see this)
- our contact centre details (0800 800 150) for lost or stolen mobiles
Put this somewhere where you can find it (or tell someone else to find it) if your device is lost or stolen; set up a voicemail PIN that only you know.
Be able to provide the police details of your Find My Device information.