Losing a phone is stressful, but the first few minutes matter. The tools below only work if they were switched on before the phone went missing, so the last section is worth doing today.

Step 1: ring it

Call your number from another phone. If it is nearby it may just be on silent. Ask whoever answers to keep it safe.

Step 2: use the finder tool

• Android: sign in to your Google account from a computer or another phone and look for Google’s Find Hub (earlier called Find My Device). It can show the last known location, play a sound, lock the screen and erase the phone.
• iPhone: use Find My on another Apple device or sign in on the iCloud website. It can show the location, play a sound, put the phone in Lost Mode and erase it.
• Some brands have their own finder service in the account that came with the phone. Look in your phone’s settings for it.

Step 3: lock it and leave a message

Lock the phone remotely, and if the tool allows it, add a message with another number someone can call.

Step 4: block the SIM and protect your accounts

Call your mobile operator to block the SIM, and change the passwords of your main accounts. See how to block a lost or stolen phone for the full process, including the phone itself. Also protect your WhatsApp account, and log it out on other devices if the phone is gone for good.

Step 5: erase only when you are sure

Erasing the phone remotely protects your data but usually ends your ability to find it. Do it when you believe you will not get it back.

If the phone was stolen

Do not go after it yourself. Report the theft to the police and keep the phone’s box or invoice, which shows the IMEI.

Prepare now, before you lose it

1. Turn on the finder tool in your settings.
2. Turn on a screen lock.
3. Write down the IMEI (dial *#06#) and keep it somewhere other than the phone.
4. Back up your photos and contacts: how to switch phones without losing anything.