The first 15 minutes
If it is safe to do so, use the device maker's official find or lost-device service to locate, lock or mark the phone as missing. Contact your mobile provider to protect the number and SIM. If banking access or card details may be exposed, contact your bank through its official website or a number you already trust.
Do not put yourself at risk to recover a device, and do not follow a link sent by someone claiming to have found it. A lost-phone message can become a second attempt to steal a password or recovery code.
- Lock or mark the device as lost using the official device service.
- Tell the mobile provider and bank promptly when access may be exposed.
- Keep a written note of the time, actions taken and any suspicious activity.
Protect the email account first
Email is often the recovery route for other accounts, so secure it early from a trusted device. Change the password if the lost phone could reveal it, review signed-in devices and remove the missing handset where the provider allows.
If you use two-step verification, move carefully. Use official recovery options or a backup code you stored separately. Never give a one-time code to an unsolicited caller, even if they know your name or some account details.
Review banking and payment activity
Tell the bank what happened and ask what it recommends for your account, cards and digital access. Review recent transactions and alerts, including small unfamiliar amounts that could be a test. Report anything you do not recognise promptly.
When access is restored, create a new unique password and confirm that contact details, notification settings and trusted devices are correct. Use only the official banking address or app-store listing.
Get back online without creating a second risk
A replacement SIM or device may trigger legitimate security checks. Complete them through the provider's official channel rather than an unexpected email or text. Install apps only from the official store and update the operating system before adding sensitive accounts.
Be cautious with public charging stations and shared computers. A delay is inconvenient, but a rushed recovery on an untrusted device can compound the original loss.
Prepare before the next trip
Turn on a strong device passcode, biometric lock and remote find or erase features. Keep your bank's official contact details and one recovery method somewhere separate from the phone. Back up important data securely, but never store card PINs, passwords or one-time codes in a note beside the relevant account.
Secure the phone number and email first, contact the bank through a known channel, then review access and activity before returning to normal use.