If ever you need to find a stolen phone in Ireland, whether it was pickpocketed from you or taken by force, there are steps you can take to either reclaim your device or to remediate any potential loss of sensitive data.
There’s no doubt that losing your phone is frustrating, but it’s important to try and collect your thoughts and take action as soon as possible. Quick and decisive action can potentially help you to get your phone back and even seek justice against the thief. In Ireland, there are resources available to assist you in these endeavours.
1. Confirm That Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen
Retrace Your Steps
For a lost phone that wasn’t necessarily stolen, you should retrace your steps to see if you can find it. If you left it at a cafe or on a park bench, it may still be sitting there or an employee may have placed it behind the counter, for example. If you cannot retrace your steps or locate your missing phone, it may have been stolen.
Use Another Device to Call or Text Your Phone
Using another phone or applicable device (e.g. via WhatsApp) you can try calling your number. Perhaps a good Samaritan found your phone and can arrange to return it to you if they answer. If you hear a ring or vibration, the phone may be nearby. Otherwise, it is safe to assume that your phone is stolen.
2. Use Tracking Services to Locate Your Missing Phone
2.1. For iPhones: Use Find My iPhone
Accessing Find My iPhone
iPhone owners can and should use their device’s “find my iPhone” feature to track and locate a lost iPhone. Apple is increasingly conscious of data protection and security and as such it’s essential to take advantage of the Find My iPhone feature at the earliest opportunity in the event that your device is lost or stolen. Log into iCloud with your Apple ID and familiarise yourself with how to locate the iPhone on a map.
Activating Lost Mode
In addition to Find My iPhone, Lost Mode can be activated remotely from iCloud or the Find My app by selecting “Mark as Lost” once you’ve identified your lost device. This setting can lock the device completely, activate remote tracking, display custom messages, and receive calls from the person who found your iPhone.
Erase Data Remotely
Using the same app as above or through iCloud, you can remotely erase your iPhone and all data if you fear the loss of sensitive data and/or if you believe you will never reclaim the device. Try to backup your data to iCloud regularly to avoid losing too much data.
2.2. For Android Phones: Use Find My Device
Accessing Find My Device
Most newer Android-based phones come with a similar Find My Device feature as standard that allows device owners to track a stolen phone, secure the device, erase data remotely, ring it remotely, and find it on a map.
Securing Your Device
Using the same feature, you can secure your device by remotely locking it. You may need to access your Google account elsewhere (e.g. on a laptop or another phone) and the lost/stolen phone needs to be on. A notification message can be displayed if anyone finds the phone and wants to contact you.
3. Report the Theft to the Authorities
Contacting the Gardaí (Irish Police)
Gardaí recommends that you contact them and your service provider immediately if you’ve lost your phone. They’ve published a useful guide on what to do if your phone is lost or stolen. Be prepared to provide them with a description of your phone and its IMEI number so they can identify it.
How a Police Report Can Help
Unfortunately, tens of thousands of phones are reported missing or stolen in Ireland and only around 10% are ever returned. By filing a police report as soon as possible, you maximise your chances of reclaiming your device.
4. Inform Your Mobile Service Provider
Reporting to Your Carrier
Your phone service provider should be contacted immediately. Irish mobile providers can block your SIM card and IMEI, thereby protecting you from any charges and fees that may accrue.
Prevent Unauthorised Usage
Blocking access to your phone’s SIM prevents the misuse of your device, such as making international calls or using data.
5. Protect Your Personal Information
Change Passwords Immediately
At the earliest possible opportunity, consider changing passwords to sensitive accounts in order to prevent unauthorised use. Personal email addresses, banking login details, and social media accounts should be prioritised.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Ideally done before losing or having your phone stolen, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) upgrades security drastically and makes it extremely difficult for thieves to access your accounts.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Check your email inbox and social media accounts for any signs of unauthorised use as well as attempts to make transactions with your account details.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company (If Applicable)
Check Your Coverage
For phone owners with insurance, check your policy for coverage details on stolen/lost phones and contact your insurance provider to file a claim.
Filing a Claim
Obtain all relevant documentation such as a police report and proof of purchase for your device to submit your claim to your insurance provider.
7. Consider Remote Data Wipe
When to Wipe Your Device
If you firmly believe there is no way to reclaim your lost/stolen phone, you should consider erasing the device completely through the remote services listed above. Note that this is irreversible.
How to Perform a Remote Wipe
Both Android and iOS devices have different methods of remotely wiping data. Familiarise yourself with the Find My Device feature for your device, preferably before it’s needed.
8. Preventive Measures for the Future
Secure Your Device
Always use strong passwords, 2FA, and biometrics such as FaceID or fingerprint lock screens. Update your device’s firmware and software for maximum security.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
Try to get in the habit of routinely backing up data. Cloud-based data synchronization can make this process simple, as can scheduling routine backups to prevent data loss.
Install Security and Tracking Apps
Consider downloading the Find My Device app for your phone before needing to use it. Use authenticators and apps with 2FA.
Be Cautious in Public Places
Avoid showing your phone in public places when alone, at night, or in suspicious areas. Keep your phone secure, especially in crowds where pickpocketing is more likely to occur.
9. Consider Purchasing a Refurbished Device
Affordable and Reliable Replacement Options
If you’ve given up on your stolen phone, Refurbished Phones may help ease the sting of having to replace your device. Refurbished phones are much cheaper than buying brand new and there are plenty of high-quality devices available through Wisetek Market.
Assurance of Legitimacy
Buying refurbished phones is not the same as buying second-hand (which are sometimes stolen devices!). You should always endeavour to choose a reputable, established seller such as Wisetek Market that offers certified refurbished phones.
Environmental Benefits
Unlike buying a new phone, a refurbished phone from Wisetek Market is 100% sustainable and helps to reduce needless electronic waste.
Where to Buy Trusted Refurbished Devices
The best place to buy refurbished phones in Ireland is Wisetek Market. All products are refurbished to an “as-new” condition with any cosmetic flaws clearly indicated in the product description.
Customer Support and Warranties
All purchases made at Wisetek Market are backed by our comprehensive 12-month warranty, with extended 2-year and 3-year warranties available optionally.
Additional Resources to Find a Stolen Phone in Ireland
Useful Contacts and Links:
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Buy Refurbished Phones and More at Wisetek Market
If you’ve lost your phone in Ireland, you may be able to get it back by retracing your steps, contacting the authorities, and tracking your device using a Find My Device app or feature on another device. If it’s gone for good, try to erase all data to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Choose Wisetek Market for “as-new” refurbished phones, including iPhones, Refrubished Tablets, desktop PCs, laptops, and much more.