It’s hard to overstate the importance of our smartphones. They keep us connected to the people we love, they help us stay on top of our work, and they even provide a wealth of information and entertainment. So it’s no wonder that losing or having your phone stolen can be such a devastating experience.
On that note, we’ve decided that it would be a good idea to help you protect yours by giving you a few tips. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Right? Right.
Keep It Near You
A fairly obvious one, huh? But it really is the most important thing you can do. If you’re not using your phone, keep it in your pocket or bag. Don’t just leave it unattended and haphazardly thrown about. If you do – someone will pocket it. So, keep it close.
That way, you’ll always know where it is and you won’t have to worry about leaving it somewhere or having it stolen.
Well, you still might worry, but there’s a lot less chance of theft happening if you keep your smartphone close.
Don’t Carry Your Phone In The Back Pocket
Please, for the love of God, don’t do this. Not only will you look like a douche bag or an early-2000s-PCD-wannabe-chick with their phone peeking from their back pocket, but you’re also just asking to get mugged. And, no, we’re not victim-blaming. We’re stating facts.
Carrying your smartphone in your back pocket makes it far too easy for someone to quickly and easily snatch it without you even knowing. So, front pockets only from now on, okay? Be smart and don’t look ridiculous.
Be Careful About Where You Leave Your Phone Unattended
This one ties in with the first tip, with the main focus being on handling your phone in public places. Let’s say you’re at a restaurant and you need to step away from the table for a minute. What do you do with your phone?
If you’re like most people, you’ll probably just leave it sitting there on the table. But that’s not really the best idea, is it? If someone were to walk by and see your phone just sitting there, they’d be far more likely to snatch it and make a run for it.
Instead, try and find a safe place to put your phone before you step away. A pocket, for example. Or, if you have a purse or bag, put it in there. That way, you can be sure that your device is safe and sound while you’re away from it.
Keep Your Phone In Your Hands While Riding Public Transport
Buses and trains are notorious for pickpockets. So, it’s important to be extra careful with your belongings while riding on public transport.
That means keeping your phone in your hand at all times. Or, if you must put it away, make sure it’s in a safe place where it can’t be easily snatched – like a front pocket or your jeans or an inside pocket of your jacket.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
This is a good tip for life in general, but it’s especially important when it comes to protecting your electronics.
When you’re out and about, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people around you and be on the lookout for anything suspicious. If you see someone who looks like they might be up to no good, trust your gut and keep your distance.
Now, we’re not saying be paranoid. It’s not like people are stealing phones left and right, but just be careful.
Install A Tracking App On Your Device
Here’s a neat trick that won’t actually save your phone from being stolen (or lost), but it will make it far easier for you to retrieve it if it does happen.
There are a number of tracking apps available for both Android and iOS devices. Once installed, these apps allow you to track the location of your device in real-time, with pinpoint accuracy. So, if it does get stolen, you’ll be able to see exactly where it is and, hopefully, get it back through your phone spy app from https://www.spyphone.com/.
Set Up A Built-In Tracking App
In addition to third-party spying and tracking apps, there’s a built-in tracking feature on both Android and iOS devices.
On Android, it’s called “Find My Device” and it’s available through the Google Play Store. On iOS, it’s called “Find My iPhone” and it’s available through iCloud.
Once you have either of these services set up, you’ll be able to track your phone’s location in real-time (or at least see its last known location) even if it’s turned off or the battery is dead.
Have A Passcode/Fingerprint/Face ID On Your Phone
Now, we get into the tips and tricks that probably save your device, but, will prevent your data, personal info, and other sensitive details from being accessed by whoever stole it.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your information is to set up a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID. That way, even if someone does manage to steal your phone, they won’t be able to use it, resell it, or access any of your personal information.
So, in a way, they might even be discouraged to take it in the first place.
Keep A Backup Of Your Data
In the event that you lose your phone, or it gets stolen and you can’t get it back, it’s important to have a backup of your data. That way, you won’t lose anything truly important, like your photos, contacts, or other files.
There are a few different ways you can go about backing up your data. You can use a cloud storage service, like Google Drive or iCloud. Or, you can back up your data to your computer.
Either way, it’s important to have a backup plan in place, just in case.
Report Your Phone As Lost Or Stolen As Soon As Possible
Finally, if your phone does happen to get stolen, it’s important to report it as soon as possible.
If you have a tracking app installed, you may be able to locate it on your own. But, if not, you’ll need to report it to the police so they can help you track it down.
You should also contact your service provider and let them know that your device has been stolen. They’ll be able to deactivate your service and, hopefully, help you get a replacement.
Conclusion
Losing your phone can be a frustrating and even scary experience. But, by following the tips and tricks listed in this article, you can help protect your device from theft or loss. So, be sure to keep them in mind the next time you’re out and about.