10 things to do after stolen iPhone
Having the iPhone stolen is a terrible situation, but it can happen to anyone. So you need to be as prepared as possible to deal with it as soon as you realize that your smartphone is gone. This goes for security apps or simple steps you should take as soon as possible.
We know you can't always figure out what to prioritize at these times, so we've listed some of the most important factors. If you're curious, you can check everything you should do first after your iPhone is stolen. Check out all our tips and suggestions on our list below!
1. Locate iPhone via GPS
Most iPhone users use the “Search” app for situations like this. Its configuration is highly recommended early in its use with the device, ensuring that it can be found in any situation that is lost.
With it turned on, you can easily access the iCloud website to find it when your iPhone is stolen. You can do this by logging into your account via the following link.
If you have another Apple device with the same Apple ID, you can also search for it. You can even make the phone sound if you notice it is near your current location.
This helps a lot in finding you, but remember to prioritize your safety. Having the iPhone stolen, it may be best to go after the device with the police.
2. Make the device lost
Another advantage that iPhone has is that it can be marked as lost at any time. This completely locks the device remotely and you get a special passcode.
This way, only you will have to unlock it if you can recover the device. Other than that, after enabling this option, the stolen iPhone will display a special message.
This will indicate that this iPhone has been lost and that the person who finds it may contact its owner on a specific phone.
All this can be done through the “Search” app. You can check more about this through the link.
3. End social networking sessions
Even when iPhone is locked, it is good to take some security measures to protect your data. This includes logging out of all social media you have previously logged in to.
In general, chat apps, social networks, and email accounts allow you to end specific sessions on the official website. Use this opportunity so that the person who stole the iPhone has no access to anything.
This access could endanger your information, but also open the possibility of scams. So it is important to pay due attention to this.
4. Remove Your Credit Cards
Some have credit and debit cards added to Apple Pay, something you can and should remove on the Apple website as soon as possible when your iPhone is stolen. Other than that, it is good to remember any shopping site you have accessed on the device.
They may still have the session active and their purchase information available on the device. In this case, you can remove the cards from the site or try to end these active sessions on the iPhone in question.
5. Change your passwords
Here's another very important tip on your most used networks and apps. If you can't log out of any of them or just want an extra security guarantee, change your passwords.
This almost always forces a new login to certain websites, which makes the information and data on the stolen iPhone much less accessible. It can be a bit annoying process, but it is highly recommended.
6. Report theft
One of the first things you should do is report the stolen iPhone to the police. This not only makes it easier to find it later, it is also a necessary step for those who have insurance on the device.
Make your report and find out how to try to recover the device as soon as possible in your area.
7. Call your carrier
Another step you should take very quickly is to call your mobile carrier. Report that you have just stolen iPhone and give all the information you need to be able to find it.
The important thing here is to ask your number to be deactivated. This way, no one can use it to send messages, make calls, or try to authenticate themselves in some two-step security process.
Remember that you can also transfer this number to a new chip if you need to. You can take advantage of this call with your carrier to find out exactly how to do this.
8. Delete the data
Now that most security measures have been taken, it is good to start thinking about erasing your stolen iPhone data. This is a more drastic measure and should only be taken in certain situations.
This includes cases in which you were unable to delete specific information or personal files. Having no hope of getting your stolen iPhone back is also one of these cases. This is because when you delete the data, it will no longer be possible to use the “Search” app to find it, for example.
Of course you will still have the old backup of your account to use on a new iPhone. This makes the process more acceptable in these cases.
Everything can be done from Apple's website, as you can see in the following link.
9. Notify Your Insurer
As mentioned earlier, you may be insured if your iPhone is stolen. It may not seem so, but it has become common practice with more expensive smartphones.
The most obvious coverage used in the case of iPhones is AppleCare + from Apple itself. However, if you have an insurance contract for the iPhone, it is good to contact them as soon as possible to try to reduce their damage.
10. Let anyone know
We also recommend that you let anyone know of the phone theft. This ensures that your friends, family, and co-workers do not fall for possible scams.
This can happen through text messaging, chat apps or even phone calls. The thief can also pick up your iPhone contacts and try a later call.
Overall, one post on your social networks is enough to alert everyone of the situation. It is a simple but extremely useful measure.
Did you like the tips of what to do when your iPhone is stolen?
Could you take advantage of our list to find out how to handle the stolen iPhone situation? So be sure to leave your comment telling us what you think of the tips and if there is another factor you would like to see on our list.