Phone theft is more than just losing a device, it can open the door to serious data and financial loss. Thieves not only sell stolen handsets but often access banking apps, emails, and personal data, potentially netting £1,000s. That’s why phone theft prevention is critical. This blog outlines the top steps to make your phone far less vulnerable, and ready to defend.
1. Enable Tracking & Remote Actions
Set up device tracking apps before theft occurs. Apple’s Find My, Samsung’s SmartThings Find, or Google’s Find My Device let you locate your phone, enter lost mode (suspending payments), remotely wipe data, and, even on Android, lock the device
2. Use Secure Biometric Authentication
Enable fingerprint or facial recognition for both device unlock and banking or wallet apps. This protects against “shoulder surfing”, where thieves watch as you key in your PIN
3. Record Your IMEI Number
Dial *#06# to display your unique 15‑digit IMEI, then save it elsewhere (e.g. email it to yourself). You’ll need this when reporting the theft to the police or your mobile network
4. Disable Lock‑Screen Notifications
Turn off preview of text messages and notifications so security codes or personal info are not displayed when the phone is locked
5. Back Up Regularly
Use cloud services (iCloud for Apple, Google Drive for Android) or local backups via cable and computer. Regular backups ensure you can safely wipe your stolen phone without losing photos, contacts, or app data
6. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Mobile phone insurance generally covers replacement of the handset, not financial fraud. Confirm what’s included in your policy, and check whether your bank account includes mobile insurance as a perk
7. Stay Vigilant & Avoid Drawing Attention
Keep your phone hidden in crowded or high-risk areas (e.g. stations or busy streets). Consider accessories like strap-attached cases, and avoid storing passwords directly on your device, use a secure password manager instead
8. Add Smart App‑Hiding Layers
- Secure or private folders (protected by a different PIN or biometrics)—for hiding banking or sensitive apps.
- Control Centre lockdown on iPhones to prevent thieves from enabling Airplane Mode when your phone is locked
- Screentime PIN on iPhones to stop thieves from altering key settings like your Apple ID or disabling Find My
- Theft Protection for Samsung/Android that auto‑locks on motion detection or when offline
- Optional extra: Use an old spare phone exclusively for banking, kept safely at home
- Digital wallet audit limit stored cards and keep watch on unauthorized transactions
- Use 2FA via authenticator apps, and add backup phone numbers to avoid relying solely on SMS which a thief could intercept
What to Do After Your Phone Is Stolen
If theft occurs despite precautions, act swiftly:
- Log in to your tracking app (e.g. Find My) via another device to locate, lock, or wipe your phone.
- Report the theft to the police (via 101 in the UK) and supply your IMEI.
- Contact your bank(s) to freeze accounts and monitor credit files—consider adding a CIFAS fraud marker
- Change passwords on key apps (e.g. bank, wallet, shopping, streaming services).
- Contact your insurance provider with the crime reference number.
- Remain alert for scam attempts or impersonation tactics
Summary Table
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enable tracking & remote lock/wipe | Recover or protect the phone before thief accesses data |
| 2 | Add biometric security | Blocks thieves even if they get your PIN |
| 3 | Record IMEI | Essential for reporting and blacklisting the device |
| 4 | Hide lock-screen notifications | Keeps codes and alerts private |
| 5 | Back up data | Ensures you can restore your info after wiping |
| 6 | Review insurance | Know what costs and risks are covered |
| 7 | Stay alert and discreet | Reduce risk of choosing victims |
| 8 | Harden app access | Makes sensitive data harder to reach |
Bonus Tip – Use SafeKab’s SafeWalk Feature for Extra Protection
If you’re out and about, especially late at night or in unfamiliar areas, phone theft isn’t the only concern, your personal safety matters too. That’s where the SafeWalk feature on the SafeKab app comes in.
SafeWalk lets friends or family virtually accompany you as you walk to your destination. It shares your live location in real time, letting someone you trust keep an eye on your journey, even if they’re miles away. If anything goes wrong, they’re instantly alerted, and so are SafeKab’s monitoring systems.
