Act Within the First Hour

Modern smartphones contain access to your bank accounts, emails, UPI apps, and entire digital identity. Acting fast can prevent substantial damage.

Step 1 — Try to Locate It

  • Android: Go to android.com/find on any computer or device. Sign in to your Google account.
  • iPhone: Go to icloud.com/find or use another Apple device.
  • If nearby, you can make it ring even if on silent
  • If you suspect theft, use "Lock" — don't try to retrieve it yourself

Step 2 — Block Your SIM

  • Call your telecom provider (Airtel: 121, Jio: 198, Vi: 199) to report the SIM stolen
  • Ask for a SIM block immediately — this prevents OTP interception
  • You can get a replacement SIM with the same number at any store with ID proof
Critical: Until your SIM is blocked, a thief can receive OTPs and access your bank accounts, email, and UPI. This is your most urgent step.

Step 3 — Sign Out of All Accounts

  • Google Account: myaccount.google.com → Security → Your Devices → Sign out
  • Apple ID: appleid.apple.com → Sign out remote device
  • Change passwords for: email, banking apps, UPI apps, social media

Step 4 — Block UPI & Banking

  • Call your bank to disable net banking and UPI linked to that number
  • Log into your UPI apps from another device and deactivate the old device

Step 5 — Remote Wipe (Last Resort)

If you're certain it's stolen and can't be recovered, use "Erase Device" in Find My Device/iCloud. This permanently erases all data. Only do this as a last resort.

Step 6 — File a Police Report

  • Get an FIR or NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) from your local police station
  • You'll need the IMEI number — find it on your phone's original box or at imei.info
  • The IMEI can be used to blacklist the phone and prevent it from being resold

Step 7 — Report the IMEI to CEIR

  • India's Central Equipment Identity Register (ceir.gov.in) can block stolen phones nationwide
  • Submit the FIR number + IMEI to permanently disable the device on all networks