How to return a stolen smartphone and protect your data

Smartphones have become an important part of our lives and losing or stealing a phone can seriously affect your daily rhythm.

In order to get your device back as quickly as possible or to secure your data, it is important to know how to proceed.

First of all, keep the IMEI code of the phone in a safe place, as the police or operator will need it to find the device. You can find out the IMEI by dialing *#06# on Android, in the iPhone settings (section “General information”) or find it on the smartphone packaging.

If you set up search services in advance, it will make the task much easier. iPhone owners can use Find My iPhone by turning on Find My Network and Send Last Location. Through iCloud, you can find your phone, lock it, play sounds, or erase data. Remember that deleting data makes further searches impossible.

For Samsung devices, the Find My Mobile function is provided. It must be activated through your Samsung account settings by enabling remote unlocking and sending your last location. The service site allows you to lock the device, play sounds, block shutdown or delete data.

Other Android devices can be tracked using Google's “Find My Device”.

You can use the android.com/find site to manage your device: find, block or wipe data.

If the phone is missing, quickly use the search functions to locate the device. secure your accounts and disable mobile payments.