What to do when you lose your smartphone: A guide to protecting your personal data

Last year, I lost my smartphone. It wasn't the first time—I had also lost phones back in 2012 and 2014. However, this recent incident made me realize how much more inconvenient it is to lose a phone today.

- By LIONELL GO MACAHILIG

In the past, losing a phone mainly meant losing contacts, photos, emails, and access to social media accounts. Today, however, smartphones have become central to our digital lives—they serve as wallets, banks, marketplaces, and even trading platforms. Most of our financial activities now run through mobile apps, which makes modern smartphones prime targets for cybercriminals once they fall into the wrong hands.

To help safeguard your data and digital identity, here are essential steps to take if your smartphone gets lost or stolen, based on my own experience:

Using your personal computer or a backup phone, try locating your lost smartphone through the “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” feature.

If it appears to be misplaced, you might be able to retrieve it safely. However, if you suspect that it has been stolen, do not attempt to recover it yourself. Instead, report it to the authorities. Always prioritize your personal safety above all else.