Phone theft is becoming an all-too-common experience, especially in bustling cities. In London alone, phone theft has risen by a staggering 150% in the past year, with devices stolen every five minutes. Last week, Paul Gurney, Founder and CEO of BecomingX, had his phone stolen by a thief on an electric bike.
The consequences of losing your phone extend beyond the physical device – it’s a gateway to your personal data, financial security, and peace of mind. To help you stay prepared, Paul has shared a comprehensive guide on how to protect your iPhone from theft and reduce the damage if it’s stolen. Here are his top tips.
The Essentials: First Steps in Phone Security
These basics may seem simple, but they’re often overlooked. Implement these steps today to ensure your phone and personal data are as secure as possible.
Get Phone Insurance
Phone insurance is your safety net. While it won’t stop theft, it can save you significant costs when replacing your device. Research policies that cover theft, loss, and accidental damage to find the best plan for you. Many banks also offer insurance as part of premium accounts.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Be cautious when using your phone in public, especially near busy roads or crowded areas. Thieves often target distracted users who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings.
Save Your IMEI Number
Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for your phone. Save it now by going to Settings > General > About. You’ll need this number if your phone is stolen to report it to the police and your network provider.
Strengthening Your iPhone’s Security
Modern iPhones come equipped with robust security features – if you know how to use them. Follow these steps to make your phone less attractive to thieves and harder to exploit if stolen.
Enable ‘Stolen Device Protection’
Activate this feature in Settings > Face ID & Passcode. It prevents anyone from changing your passwords—even if they know your passcode—when your phone is away from trusted locations.
Turn on ‘Find My’ and Learn How It Works
The ‘Find My’ app is your lifeline in case of theft. It allows you to track your phone’s location, mark it as lost, and even erase its data remotely. Ensure this is activated by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My.
Set a Short Screen Lock Timer
Reduce your screen lock time to 30 seconds in Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-lock. A locked screen limits what thieves can do with your device.
Require Face ID for Secure Apps
Protect apps containing sensitive information by enabling Face ID. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or press and hold an app icon to adjust its settings.
Disable ‘Control Centre’ from the Lock Screen
In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, disable Control Centre access when your screen is locked. Thieves often enable airplane mode immediately after stealing a phone to prevent you from tracking it.
Phone Theft Is on the Rise: Protect Your iPhone with These Top Tips
Advanced Security Tips
For added protection, consider these advanced security measures.
Automate Screen Locks with Airplane Mode
Configure your settings so your phone locks automatically and requires Face ID to enable airplane mode. This step limits what thieves can do within the first few moments of theft.
Set Up a ‘Stolen Phone’ Focus Mode
Create a new focus mode in your settings, similar to Work or Sleep, to respond quickly if your phone is stolen. This mode can:
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- Dim the screen brightness to zero, making the phone hard to see.
- Activate low power mode, prolonging the time it remains online.
- Automatically capture photos using the front and back cameras.
- Lock the screen instantly.
What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen
If the worst happens, act swiftly using the following steps:
Activate ‘Stolen Phone’ Focus Mode
Use your watch or another Apple device to trigger this mode as soon as you notice your phone is missing.
Mark Your Phone as ‘Lost’ in Find My
Log into the ‘Find My’ app, mark your phone as lost, and choose the option to erase its data remotely.
Report the Theft to the Police
Call the police and provide them with your IMEI number. You’ll also need a crime reference number for your insurance claim.
Cancel Your SIM Card
Contact your network provider immediately to deactivate your SIM and prevent unauthorised usage.
Test Your Readiness
Take a few minutes to test these steps now. Familiarise yourself with your phone’s security settings and practice how you would respond in the event of theft. Being prepared can save you time, money, and stress.
Why It Matters
In today’s digital world, our phones are more than just communication devices—they’re hubs for our personal and financial information. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with phone theft.
Stay vigilant, secure your device, and share these tips to help others protect themselves.
A special thanks to Paul Gurney, Founder and CEO of BecomingX for allowing us to share his tips to protect your iPhone from phone theft.