September 12, 2023
Discover essential tips to recover your lost or stolen Cox mobile phone or other device and secure your valuable data.
Losing your mobile phone or having it stolen can be a stressful experience — and it happens more often than you may think. Each year, 20 percent of people will see their phone lost, stolen or damaged.*
With so much of our personal and sensitive information stored on these devices, it's crucial to act quickly and smartly to recover your phone and protect your data. Whether you have a Cox Mobile phone or use another provider, these tips will help you maximize your chances of recovering your lost or stolen device and safeguarding your information.
1. Use Tools to Track Down Your Phone
The moment you realize your phone is missing, try calling or texting it to determine if it's nearby. Next, turn to your device's tracking tools — Google's "Find My Device" feature on Android or "Find My" app on iPhone. These can help you locate your phone on a map, make it ring at maximum volume (even if it's on silent) and even lock it remotely.
2. Secure Your Phone
If you suspect your phone is lost and you can't retrieve it immediately, take action to protect your personal data. Remotely lock your phone with a strong PIN or password to prevent unauthorized access (click Secure Device on Android's “Find My Device" or Lost Mode on iPhone's “Find My Phone"). This step is critical to safeguarding your sensitive information.
3. Change Passwords, Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Do you think your phone was stolen? Then it's important to take proactive measures. Change your main passwords, especially those associated with sensitive accounts like email, financial platforms and social media. Enable two-factor authentication where possible to add an extra layer of security.
4. Report the Loss to Your Cell Phone Provider
Contact your mobile phone service provider to report the loss or theft of your device. You can temporarily suspend your service to prevent unauthorized use, and you may be eligible for a replacement. In most cases, you can keep your existing phone number.
5. File a Police Report
If you're certain your phone has been stolen, file a police report. Provide all the relevant details, including the make, model and serial number of your device. (Make note of these for future reference before anything happens to your phone.) While your local law enforcement agency may not have the resources to investigate the theft, the police eport may be required to submit an insurance claim.
6. Notify Credit Card Providers
If you have linked your phone to mobile payment services like Apple Pay or Google Pay, contact your credit card providers to alert them. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and take necessary actions to prevent unauthorized transactions.
7. Beware of Phishing Scams
Inform your family and friends about the loss or theft of your phone. Advise them to be cautious of any unexpected messages or requests coming from your number, as thieves may attempt to exploit your contacts for phishing scams. This tactic is also known as "social engineering."
8. Erase Your Phone's Data Remotely
If you can't recover your phone and you're concerned about the security of your data, use the remote wipe feature provided by the "Find My Device" or "Find My" app to erase all the data on your phone. This ensures that your personal information doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Losing a mobile phone or having it stolen can be a distressing experience, but by responding quickly and purposefully, you can increase your chances of recovering your device and safeguarding your personal data.
*According to data from 2018 Asurion Claims Data and 2017 CTIA Wireless Customer Information.
More Ways to Improve Your Mobile Experience
Did you know a cell phone protection plan from Cox Mobile can help not only if your phone is lost or stolen but also if the screen gets cracked or the battery needs replacing.
