Safety and security advice for your mobile phone

Losing a mobile phone can be very upsetting and disruptive. Here are some top tips to keep your mobile phone safe and secure.

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 find owners of stolen 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 your device by connecting it 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 important apps, like digital wallets and banking apps, use strong passwords that are different from the phone's access code. Use biometric authentication, like face or fingerprint identification, for these apps
  • 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 don't send via device or email
  • don't store pictures or copies of official ID documents that can be used on your phone or email account without more security

Need to know

If your phone has been stolen, this article explains how to report your lost or stolen EE device, ensuring quick action to block unauthorised use and secure a replacement.

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.

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