Protect your smartphone
Advice to protect your phone from being stolen, and how to set your phone up to help you if it gets stolen.
Since our smartphones hold much of our lives and our personal data nowadays, it is vital to protect yourself and your device.
Thieves are not solely trying to steal your phone; some of them are trying to access your financial information from it.
Protect your phone from theft
Here are some steps you can take before your phone gets stolen.
Use remote tracking apps
Set up a device tracking app to add a significant layer of protection to your phone’s security.
These allow you to:
- mark your phone as stolen or lost, which can suspend payments
- remotely wipe all data from your phone – take a back up before you do this
- remotely lock your phone, if it is an Android device
See how to set up Find My on Apple devices, SmartThings Find on Samsung phones, and Find My Device on Google.
Set up fingerprint or facial recognition
Most smartphones support facial or fingerprint recognition.
Use these biometrics for your phone, digital wallets, and banking apps, so you can unlock your phone with your face or finger rather than a PIN.
Find and store your IMEI number
Every phone has an IMEI number, which is usually represented as 15 digits, often broken into sections such as 12-345678-910111-2.
Find your IMEI number by calling *#06# and either display it on your phone’s lock screen or make a written note of it. This can help us and your insurer identify it if it is stolen.
If your phone is stolen, report the IMEI number to your mobile provider to stop it being used across its networks.
Turn off preview notifications
Banks and other organisations send notifications or security codes to your phone, and these will often show on your screen, even when your phone is locked.
This means thieves could be able to view personal info or security codes without having to unlock your phone.
To avoid this, make sure you turn off preview notifications.
Back up your phone regularly
When it comes to protecting your personal data, backing your phone up is essential.
By having a backup of your phone, you can comfortably wipe your device remotely should it be taken, without worrying about losing anything on there.
Apple devices automatically back up your iPhone to iCloud daily when locked and connected to power and Wi-Fi, as long as you have it turned on.
Find out how to back up Android devices to Google Drive.
Protect against snatch thefts
Snatch theft involves criminals lurking around victims.
Often victims are approached from behind while talking or texting on phones. They keep an eye out for your PIN number, before snatching your phone while it is unlocked.
An unlocked phone opens the door for thieves to steal your money and your personal data as your apps, emails and other information make it easier for them to commit identity theft and fraud.
Consider going hands-free when using your phone in a busy area – it can prevent a thief from snatching your phone out of your hand.
If you need to call or use your phone on the street, keep an eye out for anyone on a high-speed e-bike or a moped near you.