Stolen mobile phone - what to do? You have to keep that in mind

The mobile phone is the daily companion for many. It is all the worse if your cell phone is stolen. You can find out what you can do if your cell phone is stolen in this practical tip.

Cell phone stolen? Contact the mobile operator immediately

If you notice that your cell phone has been stolen, you should contact your mobile operator as soon as possible. This can lock your SIM card to prevent the thief from making expensive calls with your mobile phone. Proceed as follows:

1. Find out your cell phone's IMEI number. You will find this on the packaging box of your mobile phone. The IMEI number is required by the police in order to be able to identify your device beyond any doubt.
2. If you no longer have your box, you can also look up the number on the Internet on Android or iOS phones.
3. On Android phones, you can view your IMEI number here. Alternatively, you can simply enter the code "+ # 06 #" (without quotation marks!) In the phone app of your smartphone, even then your IMEI number will be displayed. You should ideally do this once before going on vacation to be on the safe side.
4. If you have an iPhone, you can find out the IMEI number via iTunes. However, you must have made a backup beforehand. Open the settings in iTunes and go to Backup. If you move the mouse over here, the IMEI number will be displayed.
5. With the IMEI number you can now contact your mobile operator and have your SIM card blocked.
6. This is particularly important if the smartphone has got into the hands of criminals.

Mobile phone stolen: file a complaint with the police

After you have blocked your SIM card, you should report it to the police.

• Many mobile phone providers also make an advertisement a prerequisite for the limitation of liability for calls made after the theft.
• If you have taken out cell phone insurance that also covers theft, an advertisement is a condition for a later payment.
• The police report your device's IMEI as stolen. So it can be clearly identified if it should reappear.

Find your phone and delete data remotely

Now that your cell phone is locked and reported as stolen, you should try to delete your data remotely and locate the cell phone. To do this:

• Note: A prerequisite for deletion and location is that the thief has not yet switched off the cell phone or inserted a new SIM card.
• If you have an Android device, you can log in here with your Google account.
• You then have the option of ringing, blocking or completely deleting your cell phone. The current location of the device is also displayed.
• If you have an iPhone, you have to register here. Then click on "Find my iPhone".
• Here you have the option of locating, locking or deleting your iPhone remotely.

Preventive measures

To make it harder for a potential thief, consider the following:

• Set up a SIM lock. For example, a PIN code must be entered when the device is switched on.
• Activate the screen lock on your device. So it is not possible for the thief to operate the stolen device without the code.
• It is also a good idea to make a regular backup of your data so that you can still access it if your smartphone is lost.