How to Protect Your Mobile Phone from Unauthorised Use

Losing your phone - or having it stolen - can put your personal information at risk. These simple steps will help keep your device and data secure.

  1. Use a strong PIN or password
    • Always lock your phone with a PIN, password or biometric security.
    • Avoid easy-to-guess patterns or PINs based on birthdays.
    • The National Cyber Security Centre recommends using three random words for the strongest passwords.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings
    • When entering your PIN or password, make sure no one is watching.
    • Screen patterns can be easy for someone to memorise or work out from smudges on the screen.
  3. Add a second layer of protection
    • Many devices allow you to lock individual apps (e.g., email or banking apps).
    • Even if someone gets past your lock screen, they won't be able to open sensitive apps without another password.
  4. Turn off message previews
    • Disable message previews on the lock screen so thieves can't see reset codes or login messages.
  5. Back up your data regularly
    • Back up over WiFi so you don't lose important information.
    • Make sure you can receive 2FA authentication codes on another device.
    • Keep essential phone numbers stored somewhere safe - not just on your handset.
  6. Don't store your phone and bank cards together
    • If your phone is stolen with your cards, criminals could use both for fraudulent transactions.
  7. Enable device tracking
    • Set up a tracking app (e.g., Find My iPhone, Find My Device for Android).
    • Use it as soon as possible after the phone goes missing - before thieves can switch it off.
  8. Know how to remotely wipe your device
    • Apple, Samsung, Google and other manufacturers allow you to:
      • Remotely wipe your phone's data
      • Lock the handset
      • Prevent unauthorised resets
    • If you're unsure, ask in-store or check the manufacturer's online help pages.
  9. Know your IMEI number

    Every UK handset has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number - like a fingerprint for your device.

    • Dial *#06# on your phone to display it.
    • Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
    • If your phone is stolen, your network can block the handset from working on all UK networks.
    • Some dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs - use IMEI 1 as the main reference.
Posted by Penny on 11 March 2026