What to do if your phone is lost or stolen (act fast)

By Iulian · Published 31 May 2026

Losing your phone is a horrible, sinking feeling — partly because it’s an expensive object, but mostly because it’s the key to your email, your bank and your accounts. The good news is that a few quick steps, done in the right order, limit the damage a lot. Stay calm and work through these.

In the first few minutes

1. Locate and lock it. From another phone or any computer, sign in to Apple’s Find My (iPhone) or Google’s Find My Device (Android). You can see roughly where it is, and — more importantly — put it into Lost Mode, which locks the screen and shows a message with a contact number.
2. Don’t go and confront a thief. If it’s clearly been stolen, leave recovery to the police. The locking and wiping below protect what actually matters: your data.
3. Decide whether to erase it. If there’s no realistic chance of getting it back, use the same tool to erase the phone remotely. You’ve got a backup, so the data isn’t lost — only the device.

Block the SIM

Call your mobile network and ask them to block the SIM. This stops anyone running up calls and data, and — crucially — stops them receiving your text messages, which can include security codes. Your network can also block the handset itself by its IMEI number so it can’t be used on any UK network.

Lock down your accounts

A stolen phone is often signed in to everything, so:

• Change your email password first — it’s the master key that can reset everything else. See what to do if your email has been hacked.
• Then change passwords for your bank and main social accounts.
• Make sure two-factor authentication is on, using an app or a backup method rather than only texts to the missing number.

Report it

Report the theft to the police (call 101, or report online) and get a crime reference number — your insurer will want it. Tell your bank if any banking apps were on the device.

Once the dust settles, it’s worth knowing how to wipe a device properly before selling it on, and how to tell if a phone has been hacked. More in our devices and accounts section.