In today's digital world, mobile phones are no longer just communication tools — they've become "digital organs" that store personal information, financial accounts, and social connections. Losing your phone isn't just about losing a device — it can put you at serious risk. Here's what you should do if your phone goes missing, along with tips to prevent future problems.

Step 1: Block your tour SIM card

The first priority is to prevent unscrupulous actors from using your phone for malicious activities. Contact your mobile operator right away to report the loss and deactivate your SIM card. This will prevent others from using SMS verification codes to access your accounts.

For China Mobile users:

Call the customer service hotline at 10086 to remotely suspend your SIM card. Then, visit a physical service center with your ID card to get a new SIM card. The old one will be automatically deactivated.

 

Step 2: Secure your financial accounts

Next, protect your money by freezing any bank cards linked to your phone. Call your bank's customer service hotline or visit a branch to freeze your accounts and prevent unauthorized transactions.

For third-party payment platforms:

Alipay: If you can't log in, call 95188 to temporarily freeze your account.

WeChat Pay: You'll need to borrow a device, log into your WeChat account and go to "Me" > "Settings" > "Account and Security" > "WeChat Security Center" > "Freeze Account." Alternatively, call WeChat Pay at 95017 and dial 9 to freeze your account.

 

Step 3: Prevent future risks

Prevention is always better than damage control. Here are some measures to safeguard your phone and data:

• Set Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable Device Tracking: Activate features like Apple's "Find My iPhone" or Huawei's "Find Device" to locate or remotely lock your phone.
• Use Dual Authentication: Combine biometrics (like fingerprint or facial recognition) with dynamic passwords for added security.
• Back up Data Regularly: Store contacts, photos, and other important files in the cloud to minimize loss if your phone is lost.
• Manage Payment App Permissions: Avoid binding all your bank cards to one payment platform and set unique payment passwords for each payment app.
• Avoid Storing Sensitive Information: Don't keep photos of your ID card, bank cards, or other sensitive documents on your phone. Use encrypted USB drives or paper backups instead.

 

Source: China Mobile