Lost your phone? Here are 5 things you should do before hitting the panic button

Patting down your pockets to realise your smartphone isn’t in, is probably one of the worst, panic-inducing feelings one can have. And whether we flaunt an anti-theft backpack or consider ourselves careful handlers, no one can really mark themselves safe from an occasional wave of negligence. But if you’re at a juncture where you suspect your phone is lost or stolen, you don’t have to lose hope. We have a checklist prepared that you can keep close – and hopefully never use.

5 things to do if you lose your phone

If you’re here, you’ve probably already lost your phone or are simply reading up to stay vigilant. In either case, here are five crucial things to do – and immediately – to ensure your data stays safe:

1. Check your device’s last location
2. Erase the device
3. Deactivate your SIM card
4. File a police report
5. Alert your contacts

1. Check your device's last location

Have you lost your phone? Or are you only human and have forgotten about the super-secret back pocket in your bag that you were once so excited about? For any of these instances, ensure you look up your smartphone’s last known location. iPhone users can log into their iCloud ID to access the Find My iPhone app.

ALSO READ: 3 ways to find a lost phone

Alternatively, they can also use their iPad or Watch app. If you’ve misplaced an Android phone and have access to the Google Account linked to your phone, visit Find My Device to locate your phone. Further, you can choose to play a sound in case you think it is nearby.

2. Erase the device

Find My Device essentially tells you where your device is, along with the last recorded battery life. So, a tell-tale sign of a stolen phone is when you’re unable to reach or establish a connection with it despite having enough battery left. In such a scenario, the best thing to do is to erase the data using iCloud or Google Account.

This action will remotely wipe any sensitive data off your phone but keep in mind that it will also stop you from tracking it after you do. Ensure you have a backup at all times to have all your important documents and media in one place.

3. Deactivate your SIM card

Once you don’t have your data to worry about, get in touch with your network provider to deactivate the SIM card in your phone. This will stop your contact details from being misused and also help you begin creating a new SIM card for your spare or new phone. Apart from this, if you have any e-wallets and payment apps linked to your number, blocking your SIM could prevent the scammer from generating any one-time passwords to your smartphone.

4. File a police report

While there’s no saying if this step can help you find your phone, filing a police report (FIR) can expedite the process of locating it. Apart from this, the reference number of your police report can even help you claim your insurance. Make sure you know how to find the IMEI number of your device or keep it handy for any unforeseen circumstances.

5. Alert your contacts

Once you’ve followed all these steps, make sure you alert your contacts to let them know you no longer have access to your smartphone. Doing this will alert them of any suspicious activity made using your name or contact number. It will also ensure any important information from your friends or family finds its way to you without any delay.

Although the chances of finding your phone again are low, these steps could help you prevent any data, money or identity theft.