A lost phone Doesn’t mean lost data

If you are ever in the situation where you have lost your phone, or it has been stolen, there are ways to help locate it and keep your data safe. Read the steps below to know what to do if this ever occurs to you. This page will also take you through filing a police report for your lost phone.

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Steps to take if you have lost your phone

Please read through each section carefully to ensure everything has been done correctly. The steps differ slightly depending on model of phone.

· Do NOT chase or confront a thief. Your safety comes first.
· Move to a safe place and use another device (a computer, tablet, or friend’s phone).
· Ask for help if needed. If you’re elderly, a child, or feel unsafe, immediately reach out to a nearby trusted person, security, or call someone.
· If threatened, call 911 right away. Even before worrying about the phone

(iOS) Option 1: From a computer
  1. Open browser and go to https://www.icloud.com/find
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and Password.
    • If asked for a 2-factor code ad you can receive it, click “Didn’t get a verification code?” and choose phone call or text to another trusted number.
  3. Click “All Devices” (or Devices list) and choose your stolen iPhone/iPad.
  4. Click “Mark As Lost”
    • Set a new passcode (if asked)
    • Add a phone number where a finder can reach you
    • Add a short message (eg. “This phone is lost. Please call ###-###-####.”)
  5. If the map shows it nearby, you can click Play Sound.
  6. If you believe it’s gone for good. click Erase Phone.
    • This deletes your data on the device.
    • Note: After erasing you can’t track its live location anymore.
(iOS) Option 2: From another Apple device

This will only work if you are part of a Family Sharing group.

  1. Open the Find My app on their device.
  2. Go to the Devices tab then select your stolen iPhone.
  3. Tap Mark As Lost → follow the same steps as above (passcode, number, message)
  4. Use Play Sound if nearby. Use Erase This Device if unrecoverable.

If the device is offline or powered off:

  • Your actions will apply once the device is online again
  • Keep checking Find My later
(Android) Option 1: From a computer
  1. Open a browser and go to https://www.google.com/android/find/about.
  2. Sign in with the Google account linked to the phone.
    • If you have multiple Google accounts, try each until the device appears.
  3. Click your stolen device on the left panel or the device card.
  4. Click Secure Device (locks the phone).
    • Set a new lock screen if asked
    • Add a message and callback number for the lock screen.
  5. If nearby, click Play Sound.
  6. If unrecoverable, click Erase Device.
    • This deletes your data. After erase, you cannot track the phone anymore.
(Android) Option 2: SmartThings Find (External Tool)
  1. Go to https://smartthingsfind.samsung.com/login and sign in with your Samsung account.
  2. Select your device → you may see Lock, Ring, Erase, and sometimes “Unlock” or “Back up”.
  3. Use Lock + message/number, Erase if needed.

  • Call your carrier immediately (Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom, etc.).
  • Ask them to:
    • Suspend service.
    • Block the phone’s IMEI number (this makes it unusable on Canadian networks).
  • Use Device Check Canada: https://www.devicecheck.ca/check-status-device-canada/ to confirm IMEI status.
A. Apple ID/iCloud
  1. On a computer/other device, go to https://account.apple.com/ → Sign in.
  2. In Sign-In and Security, click Password & Security → Change Password.
    • Pick a new, strong password (at least 12 characters).
  3. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) if not already on.
  4. Go to Devices (left side) → click your stolen iPhone → Remove from account (if you already erased it) or leave it while Lost Mode is active.
    • Tip: If you plan to track it, keep it on your account. If it’s gone for good and erased, you can remove it.
  5. Review Apple Wallet cards. Lost Mode disables Apple Pay, but also call your bank to cancel/reissue cards.
B. Google Account
  1. Go to https://myaccount.google.com/ → Security.
  2. Under “Your devices”, click Manage all devices.
    • Click the stolen phone → Sign out (or Don’t recognize this device? → Secure account).
  3. Under “Signing in to Google”, click Password → Change password
  4. Turn on 2-Step Verification (text/phone call or an Authenticator app).
  5. Open Google Password Manager (passwords.google.com) → Review compromised/reused passwords and change important ones (email, banking, social).
C. Email Accounts (Gmail, Outlook, yahoo)

Gmail:

  1. Change password (myaccount.google.com → Security → Password).
  2. Review devices (Security → Manage all devices → Sign out the stolen phone)
  3. Check Recent security activity and Recovery phone/email.

Outlook:

  1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security → Security → Change password.
  2. Security options → Manage how I sign in → Two-step verification → Turn on.
  3. View all sessions/devices (sign-out of the stolen device if shown)

Yahoo:

  1. Go to https://login.yahoo.com/myaccount/overview/ → Change password.
  2. Turn on Account Key or 2-Step Verification.
D. Social & Messaging Apps

Facebook:

  1. App or web → Settings & privacy → Settings → Meta Accounts Centre → Password and Security → Change password
  2. Where you’re logged in → Log out of all sessions (or just the stolen phone)
  3. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication

Instagram:

  1. App → Menu (☰) → Accounts Center → Password & security → Where you’re logged in → Log out stolen device.
  2. Change password and turn on 2FA.

WhatsApp:

  1. On a new phone, install WhatsApp and register your number → this automatically logs out the stolen phone.
  2. If you can’t use a new phone: email support@whatsapp.com with the subject “Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account” and include your phone number in full international format.
  3. Turn on 2-Step Verification: Settings → Account → Two-step Verification (6-digit PIN) in WhatsApp settings when you regain access.
E. Banking, payments and wallets
  • Call your bank(s) from a safe phone. Ask to freeze cards and monitor for fraud.
  • Apple Pay is disabled when you Mark As Lost, but still inform the bank.
  • Google Wallet: wallet.google.com → Payment methods → Remove cards if needed
  • Check PayPal, Venmo (if used), and Interac e-Transfer settings in your bank app. → Change passwords and enable 2FA
F. Password Managers
  • iCloud Keychain: Changing your Apple ID password protects Keychain sync.
  • Google Password Manager: See section B.5 above.
  • Other managers (1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden):
    • Change master password.
    • Turn on or re-confirm 2FA.
    • De-authorize the stolen device from the vault’s Devices/Sessions page.
g. Recovery contacts & Alerts
  • Add or update a Recovery email and Recovery phone on your Apple support.apple.com/ – Google support.google.com/account/answer/
  • Apple: https://appleid.apple.com/account/home → Sign-In & Security → Recovery Contacts (add recovery contact)
  • Google: https://myaccount.google.com/ → Personal info → Contact info (add recovery email/phone).
  • Always set a strong passcode (not 1234 or birthdays).
  • Enable Face ID / Fingerprint unlock.
  • Use 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all key accounts.
  • Back up data regularly to iCloud/Google Drive.
  • Teach kids & seniors in your family how to use Find My Device before something happens.
Special Tip for Different Audiences
  • Seniors: Keep a trusted family member’s number as your “emergency contact” in device settings.
  • Parents & Kids:
    • Parents: Turn on Family Sharing (iOS) or Family Link (Google) for easier tracking.
    • Kids: If your phone is taken, tell a parent/guardian immediately.
  • Teens & Young Adults: Be mindful of public spaces, don’t leave phones unattended at cafes, gyms, or buses.
Why Prepare?

Taking a few minutes when you get a new phone can save hours of stress if it’s ever lost or stolen. Having these settings turned on and information stored safely will make the recovery process much easier for seniors, parents, kids, and young adults.

1. Keep Important details in a Safe Place
  • Phone make, model, and colour.
  • IMEI/Serial number (find it on the box, carrier bill, or by dialing *#06#).
  • Purchase receipt/contract (keep a printed or digital copy).
  • Carrier’s customer service number.
  • Example: Fido Customer Service Number: +1 (888) 481-3436
  • Apple ID / Google login (store securely, not on paper in plain sight). Tip: Put everything in a small envelope labelled “Phone Info” or in a secure digital folder
2. Turn on Tracking features Immediately

These tools only work if you enable them before theft.

For iPhone/iPad (iOS):

  1. Go to Settings → tap your Name/Apple ID → Find My.
  2. Turn on Find My iPhone.
  3. Turn on Send Last Location (helps if the battery dies).

For Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Google → Find My Device.
  2. Turn on Find My Device.
  3. Ensure Location is also enabled in Settings.
3. Set up strong locks and recovery options
  • Use a 6-digit PIN or longer passcode (not 1234 or birthdays).
  • Enable Face ID or Fingerprint unlock if available.
  • Add a recovery email/phone number to your Apple ID or Google account.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
  • Apple: Settings → [your name] → Password & Security → Two-Factor Authentication
  • Google: myaccount.google.com → Security → 2-Step Verification.

How to File a Police Report

1. choose which way to report:

Emergency (call 911) if:

  • You’re in danger, the thief is nearby, or violence is involved.

Non-emergency / online report if:

  • The phone is already gone, and there’s no immediate danger.

Where do I report?

  • Your local police station
  • Your city police website → “Online Reporting” / “Report a Crime.” (Example: Toronto Police Online Reporting: https://www.tps.ca/services/online-reporting/ )
  • If unsure, call your local non-emergency number (look up “<City> police non-emergency”). For example, in Toronto, call 416-808-2222 or *TPS (*8-7-7) on your mobile device to reach non-emergency police services, staff, and programs.

Helpful numbers for Seniors

If you are unsure how to report the theft or if the police reporting websites feel confusing, call 211 for guidance. 211 is a free, confidential helpline in most provinces that can connect you to the correct police non-emergency line or victim services and help you with the phone-theft reporting process.

2. Now gather the information you need

1) your phone details

  • Make & model (e.g., iPhone 13, Samsung A54).
  • Colour & case description (e.g., red case with floral print).
  • IMEI/Serial number (Check the barcode label on the back or bottom of your phone’s original box. The IMEI/Serial is printed there).
  • Phone number (including area code)

2) What happened

  • Date & time you last had the phone.
  • Where it was stolen/lost (address or landmark).
  • How it happened (pickpocketed, grabbed, left on the seat, etc.).
  • Any witnesses (names/contact if available).
  • Any tracking info (screenshot of Find My / Find My Device).

3) Proof and Confirmation

  • Proof of purchase (receipt/invoice/email from carrier).
  • Carrier actions (date/time you suspended service & requested IMEI block).
  • Actions you took: Marked as lost, remote lock/erase (include timestamps if possible).

How to find your iMEI

You can file a report without your imei, but having it greatly helps
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Option A — Apple ID (for iPhone)

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com → Sign in.
  2. Devices → click your iPhone → look for Serial and IMEI/eSIM

Option B — Google Account (for Android or anyone using Google)

  1. Go to myaccount.google.com → Security → Your devices → Manage all devices.
  2. Select your phone → look for IMEI/Model (may appear under “Details” or in the Find My Device app).

Option C — Carrier account or bill

  1. Log in to your carrier account; some show device/IMEI under “My Devices.”
  2. Check your purchase receipt/contract for IMEI.

Option D — The phone’s original box

  • IMEI/Serial is usually printed on the box barcode label.

3. Filing the report

If filing online:

  1. Open your police service’s website → Online Reporting.
    • Choose “Theft / Stolen Property” or “Lost Property” (depends on your situation).
      • Theft = you believe someone took it.
      • Lost = you’re not sure it was taken.
  2. Fill the form slowly:
    • Your info (name, address, contact).
    • Incident details (date, time, place, what happened).
    • Device details (make/model/colour/IMEI/phone number).
    • Tracking screenshots (if any).Receipts/proof (if the form allows uploads).
  3. Review everything once more. Click Submit.
  4. You should get a confirmation or occurrence number by email/on-screen.
    • Write this down or print it.

If filing by phone (non-emergency):

  1. Dial the non-emergency number for your police service.
  2. Use this simple script:
    • “Hello, I’d like to report a stolen phone. I am safe right now. It happened on [date/time] at [location]. The phone is a [make/model/colour]. My number is [phone number]. I have the IMEI and proof of purchase, and I’ve already locked/erased it and blocked the IMEI with my carrier. Could you please tell me what you need from me and give me a file/occurrence number?”
  3. Write down the occurrence number and the officer/call-taker’s name.

4. After you file – what to do next

  • Keep your file number somewhere safe.
  • If you find new info (e.g., new tracking ping, CCTV time), update the report using the same portal or by phone.
  • Tell your carrier and your insurance the police report/file number.
  • Watch for phishing: Scammers may pretend to be the police or/carrier to get your codes.
  • IMPORTANT: Police will not ask for your passwords, 2FA codes, or money to “track” your phone.

special notes

For seniors:

  • Ask a trusted family member to help.
  • Use large text on the screen (Ctrl/Cmd + to zoom).
  • Keep a paper list of: Apple/Google login, carrier number, phone make/model, and IMEI.

For parents & kids/teens:

  • If it happened at school, also report to the school administration/campus security.
  • Parents: If you use Family Sharing (iOS) or Family Link (Google), note any location history and include it in the report.

For students on transit/campus:

  • If theft happened on transit, note the route number, vehicle number (if known), stop/station, and time.
  • Many campuses have campus police/security — report to them as well.

Simple “Police Pack” for Lost Phone

Download and print this sheet as a resource to help keep track of your police report information. You can fill it out by hand and keep it in a safe place for future needs.

Download Here
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What’s behind the surge in cellphone thefts in Toronto?

Check out this in-depth CTV News Toronto article exploring why cellphone thefts in the city are climbing sharply after pandemic lows. The piece breaks down recent data from the Toronto Police Service showing thousands of phones reported stolen, expert insights into how organized thieves are targeting crowds and high-traffic areas, and tips on how residents can better protect their devices, from strong PINs to tracking your IMEI.

Read Article Here
Modern AI

“The phone theft is often the entry event in a crime chain that can go around the world” – Claudiu Popa

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