What should you do when you lose your smartphone?

Doesn’t it suck when you lose your phone in unforeseeable circumstances such as pickpockets? I’ve had a fair share of that, to the point that I just lost mine last week. Inevitable as it is, it’s always recommended to be prepared for these circumstances. Here are some of the things you can do to further secure your phone’s content and accounts in the long run.

While we don’t wish anyone to suffer the same fate I did, we do want to share some few insights you can hopefully use in case the need arises.

Table of Contents

Remotely locate and lock your device

When in panic, the first thing to do is to locate the device’s whereabouts. Hop on to a nearby desktop and open your respective operating system’s device locators (Device Manager for Android, Find my iPhone for iOS). You’re lucky when mobile data is still up and running, as you can use that to your advantage to ring it aloud, remotely lock it, and even up to the point where you can completely wipe out the entire phone to prevent any fraudulent activity using your own data.

Change your passwords

Everyone has reasons why they use a smartphone — be it for social media, work, school, or just plain old fun. In case you lose your phone, the next step is to make sure the next holder will not have access to any of your accounts. It is recommended to change the password on all logged accounts on your phone. Some websites are offering ‘log out everywhere else’ features, and you may use those too to prevent further access.

Replace those SIM cards

With the loss of the phones come the most important part of communication called SIM cards. Luckily, most telcos can provide immediate replacements of both postpaid and prepaid SIMs upon presentation of proper documents and information.

• For Globe Postpaid or Prepaid and TM, it’s necessary to provide a notarized affidavit of loss and two valid IDs to proceed with the replacement.
• For Smart Postpaid or Prepaid and Talk n Text, you’ll need these:

• Duly notarized Affidavit of Loss
• Two (2) valid Proof of Identification
• Any proof of ownership of the lost/stolen SIM card (PUK slip, SIM casing, personalized Smart Money card linked to the lost/stolen SIM card

• For Sun Cellular, they don’t replace prepaid SIM cards. For Postpaid SIMs, two valid IDs are required to proceed.

Take note that the SIM replacements will incur a maximum Php40USD 0.68INR 58EUR 0.65CNY 5 charge, and the cost may be added on top of your bill if you’re on postpaid. SIM replacement may also be subject to availability depending on your local telco store.

Look for the NTC powers within

Last but not the least, you have the power to render that phone unusable, no matter what SIM card is used. Wait, how do you do that? Simple. The National Telecommunications Commission will help you achieve that.

Every device has a fifteen-digit code embedded onto them called IMEI or the International Mobile Equipment Identity, which the networks can use to block your phone. To do so, you’ll need an accomplished and notarized mobile blocking form from the NTC website 40, a police report detailing the incident, two valid IDs, and your phone box with other IMEI stickers intact as proof of ownership. Once submitted, device blocking may generally take two weeks to accomplish. Sadly for the one who bought your stolen phone, it can’t be used anymore as it is barred from receiving any signal from the country’s telcos.

That’s it for some of those critical tips you should keep in mind when these things happen. Always be safe during your travels, and never leave your belongings unattended. While I’m stuck with a basic phone for the rest of the month, I’d love to see your tips in the comments section, too!