How to prepare for a lost, stolen or broken smartphone

You may never have to deal with a missing device, but planning ahead with a few simple steps can make it easier when disaster strikes .
< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">The average smartphone contains so much about their personal life - photos, contact list, calendar, e-mail, digital wallet - that the loss of this plate of glass and metal practice can be very disruptive and disorienting. You may never have to deal with this situation, but it would be wise to plan for it, especially if you have children with their own phones.
Here a guide to what you can do before and after you lose or break your phone.
Basic precautions
A sturdy drop-resistant case and a screen protector are the first steps to protect your phone from physical damage. Wirecutter, a product review site owned by The New York Times, offers case recommendations for iPhones.
A lost phone can pose a security risk , so make sure you have face protection or fingerprint recognition enabled and a strong passcode in place to lock the screen.
ImageIn addition to helping you find your way on a map or by highlighting nearby businesses, the Location feature on your Android, Left or iPhone phone can also help to find a lost device - as long as the setting is enabled.Credit...Google; Apple
Your phone's location services feature can also help you find the device if you lose it, so be sure to turn on location in your Android or iOS settings if you have turned off. Remember that you can adjust app access to your location in the privacy settings.
ImageKeeping a copy of your phone identification numbers is useful for filing police reports and identifying lost or stolen devices.Credit...Google
Keep a record of the phone's identification numbers (the serial number and the International Mobile Equipment Identification Number) in case you need this information later to file a police report. You can find the numbers in the settings or by dialing *#06# on the phone keypad. Take a screenshot and send it to your computer for safekeeping.
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Technology Feb 9, 2023 0 35 Add to Reading List

How to prepare for a lost, stolen or broken smartphone

You may never have to deal with a missing device, but planning ahead with a few simple steps can make it easier when disaster strikes .

< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">The average smartphone contains so much about their personal life - photos, contact list, calendar, e-mail, digital wallet - that the loss of this plate of glass and metal practice can be very disruptive and disorienting. You may never have to deal with this situation, but it would be wise to plan for it, especially if you have children with their own phones.

Here a guide to what you can do before and after you lose or break your phone.

Basic precautions

A sturdy drop-resistant case and a screen protector are the first steps to protect your phone from physical damage. Wirecutter, a product review site owned by The New York Times, offers case recommendations for iPhones.

A lost phone can pose a security risk , so make sure you have face protection or fingerprint recognition enabled and a strong passcode in place to lock the screen.

ImageIn addition to helping you find your way on a map or by highlighting nearby businesses, the Location feature on your Android, Left or iPhone phone can also help to find a lost device - as long as the setting is enabled.Credit...Google; Apple

Your phone's location services feature can also help you find the device if you lose it, so be sure to turn on location in your Android or iOS settings if you have turned off. Remember that you can adjust app access to your location in the privacy settings.

ImageKeeping a copy of your phone identification numbers is useful for filing police reports and identifying lost or stolen devices.Credit...Google

Keep a record of the phone's identification numbers (the serial number and the International Mobile Equipment Identification Number) in case you need this information later to file a police report. You can find the numbers in the settings or by dialing *#06# on the phone keypad. Take a screenshot and send it to your computer for safekeeping.

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