By Emma Reynolds 
As our reliance on smartphones increases, so does the risk of losing these vital devices to theft or misplacement. The Associated Press brings you one tech tip that could be a game-changer in such unfortunate scenarios: knowing what to do before and after your phone is stolen or lost.
Before the unfortunate event, there are a few precautionary measures you can take to safeguard your data and increase the chances of recovering your device. First, ensure that your phone has a strong, unique password that would be difficult for thieves to guess. Secondly, regularly back up your data to a cloud service or your computer. This ensures that even if your device is lost, your data isn’t.
Thirdly, enable the ‘Find My Device’ feature on your phone. For iPhone users, this is found in the ‘Find My iPhone’ app. Android users can access this feature through the ‘Find My Device’ app by Google. This feature allows you to track your phone’s location, remotely lock it, display a message with a contact number, and in the worst-case scenario, erase all data on it.
In the unfortunate event that your phone is stolen or lost, the first step is to contact your service provider to report the loss and have them disable your SIM card. This prevents unauthorized use of your phone number and protects you from fraudulent activities. Next, use the ‘Find My Device’ feature to track your phone’s location and, if necessary, erase all data.
It’s also important to report the loss to the police, especially if you believe your phone was stolen. Provide them with your phone’s IMEI number, which is a unique identifier for your device. This can be found on the phone’s original packaging, or it can be accessed through your account on your service provider’s website.
Lastly, regularly monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity. If your phone is stolen, thieves may try to access sensitive information like your banking details. Alert your bank and other financial institutions about the loss so they can monitor your accounts for fraudulent activities.
In conclusion, while losing a phone can be a distressing experience, taking these precautionary and responsive steps can greatly mitigate the potential damage. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this certainly applies to safeguarding our smartphones.