A moment of inattention and suddenly your mobile phone has disappeared from your field of view. Maybe it was stolen or lost somewhere. Whatever happened, the result remains the same: you don't have a mobile phone. What now? Take a deep breath and follow these steps.
Where to start?
Block the SIM card
Can't find your mobile anymore? Before taking any action, try calling your number several times. Write down the date and time you did this. This information may be useful during a potential police investigation.
No one picks up? Is the mobile on silent?
If you are sure that you have not simply misplaced your mobile phone, then you should block your SIM card . To do this, you must contact the customer service of your mobile operator :
- Base: 0486/19 19 99
- Orange: the number 0800/95 955
- Proximity: 0800/33 800
- SFR: 02/226 53 53
- Telenet: 015/66 66 65
In the event of loss or theft, the relevant telecom operator will immediately block your SIM card so that it cannot be used by a malicious person. Also note that this service, reserved for such emergencies, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Two important things to remember: the SIM card will be deactivated, but not your mobile subscription . If you find your mobile phone, you can use it again if the SIM card is deactivated. Note: a prepaid card cannot be blocked.
2. Block your mobile
If you call your operator to block your SIM card, you can immediately ask to have your mobile phone blocked as well.
It is the police who are responsible for receiving your theft report, but they have no power to block your mobile phone or tablet . To do this, you must provide the IMEI number of your device to the operator. That number corresponds to the serial number.
You will find this 15-digit code on the packaging for your mobile phone, the purchase invoice and under the battery. If you type the code *#06# on your cell phone and press the call key, you will get them too. But if your mobile phone has been stolen or you can't find it again, then of course you don't care much about it.
Your operator can use this number to block the device remotely as soon as it is used. Once this is done, the number will be blacklisted from the IMEI database. For example, a potential thief cannot request a new subscription from any Belgian operator.
3. Request a new SIM card
Now that your SIM card and bentley phone are blocked, you can order a new SIM card. Depending on the company, you can either request a new SIM card online and/or visit your operator's point of sale.
Did you have a subscription before the loss or theft occurred? In this case, your subscription will not be interrupted and you will continue to enjoy the benefits of your rate plan.
Did you have a prepaid card ? That's good news for you: the money that was on your old card is automatically transferred to the new one!
4. File a complaint with the police
In case of theft or loss of your smartphone, it is best to file a complaint with the police. You need the following information for this:
- the IMEI number
- the number of your SIM card
- your phone number
You will receive proof of theft from the police, which you will need for insurance purposes.
How can you locate your lost device?
You may not know it yet, but some smartphones have a device tracking feature. Of course, it must be activated before the device is lost or stolen.
For iPhone / iPad
Provided that the application is enabled on the lost device, you can use “Find My iPhone” to find your device and protect your data from another iOS device.
- Sign in to icloud.com/find on a Mac or PC, or use the Find My iPhone app on another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Locate the device . Open Find My iPhone and select a device to see its location on a map. If the device is nearby, you have the option of playing a sound to help you or someone nearby find it.
- Enable “lost mode” . This mode allows you to remotely lock the device with a passcode. If you do this, a custom message with a phone number will appear on the lock screen. The person who finds your smartphone can call this number to let you know where and when you can pick up your device. Important to know: If you had added a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, no payments can be made thanks to Lost Mode.
- Delete the device . You can remotely wipe your iPhone to prevent anyone else from accessing your data. Wiping the device will delete all data on the device. Attention: you can no longer find the device via Find My iPhone.
What if the “Find My iPhone” feature wasn't enabled?
In this case, you can still put it in lost mode, lock it or wipe it remotely. When the device goes back online, these actions are performed.
How do you enable the “Find my iPhone feature?
Go to Settings → iCloud → Find My iPhone
For Android
Android Device Manager is a tool launched by Google. You can manage this tool remotely to find your tablet or smartphone.
This online service is also able to find devices connected to your computer via your Gmail address and thanks to Google Maps. Other interesting possibilities: blocking your device and erasing data remotely. You can have the device make a sound if, for example, you think you have lost the device in the house.
To use this service, go to Settings → Security → Device administrators → Android Device Manager. Then log in to the site from your computer and provide a password for your device.
For Windows Phones
Again, don't panic! You can use a free location service for Windows Phone . Like similar competitor services, this tool allows you to block your mobile, delete data and locate your mobile on a map.
Follow the link for more details about this tool for Windows Phone.
Insurance for a mobile phone or tablet
When buying a new device, you may have noticed that the seller offers insurance for the smartphone (or tablet). That insurance will cover you in the event of theft, loss and accidental damage, he says. But is that really true?
It all depends on the mobile operators or insurers and the terms they have in their contracts. You often pay a fixed amount each month for limited coverage. Let's give an example: if someone steals your smartphone, which you left in the locker room of your sports hall, you will not be refunded. The same applies if you leave your smartphone on the table in the train, for example. Under most contracts, you will only receive compensation if you are mugged or if the mobile phone is stolen during a burglary at your home.
So be sure to read the fine print of the contract so that you know for sure in which situations you are covered!
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