Lost or Stolen Phone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Losing your phone — or having it stolen — is stressful. Acting quickly can protect your personal data, block unauthorised use and improve the chances of getting it back. Follow these steps in order.

Immediate Steps If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

1. Try calling your phone from another device. It may be nearby, or someone honest may answer and arrange its return.
2. Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device to locate your phone on a map. Apple users: go to icloud.com/find. Android users: go to android.com/find. You may be able to see exactly where it is.
3. Lock your phone remotely. Both Apple and Google let you lock your device from a browser. You can also display a message with a contact number on the lock screen. If your phone is managed by your employer, your IT team can lock it via MDM (Mobile Device Management).
4. Call your network to block the SIM. This stops anyone making calls, sending texts or using data on your account. Use the numbers below from any phone:

   Network	Number to Call
   EE	150 (from EE) or 07953 966 250
   Vodafone	191 (from Vodafone) or 03333 040 191
   O2	202 (from O2) or 0344 809 0202
   Three	333 (from Three) or 0333 338 1001

5. Report to the police. Call 101 (non-emergency) or report online via your local force website. You will receive a crime reference number — keep this safe as your insurance provider will need it to process a claim.
6. Report the IMEI as lost or stolen to your network provider. They will add it to a national blocklist, which prevents the phone from being used on any UK mobile network, even with a different SIM card.
7. Change your passwords. Update the passwords for any accounts accessed on the phone — email, online banking, social media, cloud storage and any work applications. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
8. Contact your insurance provider if you have mobile phone insurance, either standalone or as part of your home contents, bank account or network plan. Have your crime reference number and IMEI ready.

How to Find Your IMEI Number

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your phone. You need it to report your phone as stolen and to make an insurance claim.

• Dial *#06# on any phone to display the IMEI on screen.
• iPhone: Settings > General > About > scroll down to IMEI.
• Android: Settings > About Phone > IMEI.
• Check the original box your phone came in — the IMEI is printed on a label.
• Apple ID account: sign in at appleid.apple.com and check your devices.
• Google Dashboard: visit myaccount.google.com/dashboard under Android devices.

We recommend noting your IMEI somewhere safe now, before you need it.

What About My SIM Card?

If your phone is lost, your SIM may still be active. Blocking the SIM prevents unauthorised use. Once you have a replacement device, your network can issue a new SIM or eSIM with the same number. See our guide on what to do if your SIM is lost for detailed steps.

Tips to Protect Yourself Before It Happens

• Always set a strong passcode or use biometric unlock (fingerprint or face recognition).
• Enable Find My iPhone or Find My Device — it is on by default on most modern phones.
• Back up your phone regularly to iCloud, Google Drive or your computer.
• Note your IMEI and keep it in a secure location.
• Consider mobile phone insurance if your device is valuable.

Need to secure your business mobile fleet? Connection Technologies provides MDM, device security and managed IT services. Get a free quote or call 0333 015 2615.