Lost your phone or had it stolen? Here’s what to do

Our phones play a huge part in our lives. We rely on them every day. And not for just staying in touch. They’re now likely to contain our most precious photos, key financial information and a whole lot more. Losing your phone or having it stolen can be a real problem.

Handsets are expensive, too. Whether we’re talking about a new iPhone or Samsung phone, or a device you’ve had for years, losing your device or having it stolen can be gut-wrenching.

So, if the worst happens, do you know what to do next? While having your phone stolen or lost is a stressful experience, quick action can minimise potential damage and improve your chances of getting your handset back.

It doesn’t matter what kind of smartphone you have - when you lose a handset or have one stolen, your main priority is to protect your personal information.

You can use services like Find My iPhone for Apple devices or Find My Device for Android to lock your phone remotely. This will prevent unauthorised access to your apps, emails, and personal files.

Next, you should log out remotely from critical things like email, banking apps and social media platforms through their websites or any linked devices.

If you’re sure that your phone is gone forever, use remote wipe tools to delete all the data on it. On iPhones, this can be done via iCloud. For Android devices, use Find My Device services.

If you think that your phone’s been stolen, you need to do a couple of things.

File a report with your local police station. Make sure that you get a crime or loss reference number, because you’ll need this to make an insurance claim. Try to include your phone’s IMEI number.

If you’ve got phone insurance, submit a claim as quick as you can. Most policies will need you to give a police report as part of the claims process.

If your phone’s gone missing, let us know as soon as you can so we can cancel your SIM.

Cancelling your SIM stops anyone from using your account.  We can blacklist your phone too, so if it’s fallen into the wrong hands, it’ll be useless. Once a device has been blacklisted, it’ll be blocked on our network within 24 hours - it’ll be blocked on all other networks within 48 hours. And to get you back up and running, we’ll sort out a replacement SIM for you. 
 
But if the worst happens, it’s a good idea to have an emergency Pay as You Go SIM. If you’ve got a backup, you can use it straight away and stay connected until your replacement SIM arrives. Pick up a free Pay As You Go SIM today. 
 
For lost and stolen phones call 333 from any Three phone, or 0333 338 1001 from any other phone. 
 
For Mobile Broadband call 500 from any Three phone, or 033 338 1003 from any other phone. 
 
If your phone or tablet is lost or stolen while travelling abroad, call +44 7782 333 333.

Lots of people wonder how to find a lost phone. Can you track a stolen phone? Can you use tracking to locate a lost device? Does it make a difference whether we’re talking about a lost iPhone or a lost Samsung handset? 
The good news? Many modern smartphones are equipped with GPS and tracking tools. If your phone has gone walkabouts, this can be a great help. 

If you’ve activated location services, you can see where your phone is on a map through Find My iPhone (Apple) or Find My Device (Google). 

If you lose your phone and think it might be nearby, use the “Play Sound” feature on the relevant iPhone or Android website. This’ll make a noise which might help you find it.

If you can locate your phone but think it’s been stolen, don’t try and get your phone back. Always share the tracking information you have with the authorities rather than attempting to retrieve it yourself.

It’s always good to be prepared – especially when it comes to your beloved phone. And that’s why you should take advantage of apps like Find my iPhone or Find My Device for Android. From finding your phone and locking it, to wiping it completely, they help keep your info safe.

Using 2-step verification also gives you an extra layer of protection. This feature varies from app to app but once you’ve set it up, logging in becomes a 2-step process. Enter your password as normal, then an additional bit of info, like a code (this either gets sent to you by text or to another device you own).

The thought of replacing your phone can make your eyes water and bank account flinch. The most sensible move to make is to insure your handset. 
Insurance doesn’t just help if you lose your phone or have it stolen. What if you drop it? Well, if your phone gets wrecked, you need Three Insurance in your life. When you’re covered, we’ll send you a replacement the next day.