Losing a smartphone can happen to anyone, even if we look after our device like the apple of our eye. In general, we lose our phone when we're hurrying somewhere and we're not paying attention. For example, if you're in the metro and you're watching a video on your mobile, if you miss your stop, you hurry to put your things away, and it falls on the floor or on your seat. You'll only check your pockets when you get off the train.
Losing your phone is a stressful experience, as it contains your personal information, contacts, and memories. This article explains the steps you can take to secure your data and increase your chances of finding your device, which is no easy task. Did you know, for example, that in the event of loss, there's no need to report your device, but in the event of theft, reporting is mandatory?
What should I do if I lose my phone?
To increase your chances of recovering your lost smartphone, here are some approaches you can use: You don't have to follow these options step-by-step, but it may be necessary to:
Block your telephone line.
Contact your operator immediately to suspend your phone line and SIM card and prevent any misuse of your package. You can do this via your online customer area or by calling your operator's emergency line. You will be billed for any calls made before the line is blocked, so act quickly.
Block your lost phone.
Your phone contains sensitive information. To prevent fraud, block it remotely.
On an Android device:
- Go to Google Find My Device.
- Sign in to your Google account.
- Choose Secure my device or Delete device data for stolen phones.
There are other ways to find your Android, so please consider your options carefully.
On an Apple device:
- Go to iCloud Find My iPhone.
- Select your device.
- Activate Lost Mode or Lock.
Bear in mind that there are several steps you can take to recover your iPhone.
Recover the IMEI number.
The IMEI number (15–17 digits) is unique to each phone. It is needed to prove ownership and to block the stolen phone. Find it on the original box, under the battery, or by dialing *#06# on the phone. Provide this number to your operator, insurance company, and law enforcement agencies.
Visit your operator's website or call their emergency number to order a new SIM card and suspend the old one.
File a complaint and forward it to your operator.
Go to the gendarmerie or police station with the IMEI number, the phone's characteristics, and the circumstances of the loss. Although it's pointless to do this for a lost phone, it can help. Then send a copy of your complaint to your operator so that it can block the phone on other operators' networks, in accordance with French law no. 2011-267 of March 14, 2011 on the orientation and programming of internal security (Loppsi 2).
Contact your mobile insurance provider.
If you have insurance, report the loss or theft within 48 hours and provide a copy of the complaint. Insurance covers various risks, such as:
- Theft
- The scrapyard
- Oxidation
- The loss
- The breakdown
- Fraudulent use of your SIM card and, therefore, of your mobile package.
Change your passwords.
Change all your bank accounts and social network logins to prevent fraudulent access to your personal data. This is imperative, because if someone finds your mobile before you do and guesses your password, they'll have access to all your online privacy.
Locate your lost phone.
The best chance of locating your phone is geolocation. This technology uses various methods to find your lost phone, such as using satellites and maps to visualize its location.
I have an Android smartphone.
- Go to Google Locate my device.
- Ring your phone, lock it remotely, or delete all your data.
I have an iPhone.
- Use the Find My iPhone application or visit the iCloud website.
- Activate the location function and lock your phone remotely, or delete your personal data.
Use these apps if your account is linked between your devices. You can even use third-party services to locate your lost iPhone without iCloud, for example.
Geoloc.be: the solution for everyone
Geoloc.be offers geolocation and security services to help you find your lost or stolen phone. Geoloc.be's intuitive platform makes it easy to track your device's location and secure it remotely. With this solution, you have a reliable way to protect your data and locate your phone with just a few clicks.
How can I prepare for my new smartphone
Protect your new smartphone.
For pre-emptive protection:
- Personalize your PIN code.
- Set an unlock code.
- Use a fingerprint or facial recognition to secure access to your phone.
Prepare your new smartphone.
Once you've finished preparing your smartphone and ensured its protection, all that's left to do is:
- Back up your data regularly.
- Take out mobile insurance.
- Activate the location function.
- Write down your IMEI number so that you can react quickly in the event of loss or theft.
I've lost my phone; what are the right reflexes to have?
Losing a phone can be an unpleasant and stressful experience, but by adopting the right practices, you can minimize the consequences and increase your chances of recovering your device. As soon as you become aware of the loss, immediately block your phone line and your phone to prevent fraudulent use.
Use the geolocation tools available to try and locate your smartphone. Don't forget to recover your IMEI number, file a complaint in the event of theft, and contact your mobile insurance company if necessary. Finally, take preventive measures with your new phone: personalize your security codes, back up your data regularly, and activate the location features. By following these steps, you'll be able to protect your personal information and be better prepared in the event of the loss or theft of your device.
