Stolen phone? The things to do before you swap your SIM 

Phones play a huge part in our daily lives. We rely on them for so much more than just staying in touch with our nearest and dearest. So, it’s no wonder that having your phone stolen or losing it, is so gut-wrenching.

Do you know what to do if the worst happens?

Firstly, you need to look after yourself. Get somewhere safe and report the incident to your local police station.

Make sure that you get a crime or loss reference number, you’ll need this to make an insurance claim.

And remember to change your passwords on apps and accounts you had on your phone to be extra careful.

If your phone’s gone missing, let us know as soon as you can. Cancelling your SIM stops anyone from using your account.  We can blacklist your phone too. So, if it’s fallen into the wrong hands, it’ll be useless. Once blacklisted, it’ll be blocked on our network within 24 hours, and within 48 hours on all other networks.

And to get you back up and running quickly, we’ll sort out a replacement SIM for you.

If the worst happens, it’s a good idea to have an emergency Pay As You Go SIM to hand. You can use it to stay connected ‘til your replacement SIM arrives. Pick up your free Pay As You Go SIM today.

For lost and stolen phones call 333 from any Three phone, or 0333 338 1001 from any other phone.

For Mobile Broadband call 500 from any Three phone, or 033 338 1003 from any other phone.

If your phone or tablet is lost or stolen while travelling abroad, call +44 7782 333 333.

Worry not. The days of saving all your important stuff to your SIM are over.  And that’s mainly thanks to bigger phone memories.

But we’d always recommend that you back everything up to the cloud too. That way your info stays safe, even if your phone is wiped or restored.

It’s always good to be prepared – especially when it comes to your beloved phone. And that’s why you should take advantage of apps like Find my iPhone or Find My Device for Android. From finding your phone and locking it to wiping it completely, they help keep your info safe.

And using 2-step verification gives you an extra layer of protection. It varies from app to app but once you’ve set it up, logging in becomes a 2-step process.  Enter your password as normal, then an additional bit of info, like a code. This either gets sent to you by text or to another device you own.

Phones are expensive – that’s no secret. And the thought of replacing yours can make your eyes water and bank account flinch. So, the most sensible move to make is to get it insured. It might seem like the boring, grown-up option, but will save you and your bank balance in the long run.

What if losing your phone’s not the issue but dropping it is? If your phone’s always wrecked, you need Three Insurance in your life. So, if your phone accidentally ends up smashed, you’re covered. And we’ll send you a replacement the next day.

Main image: Getty via Antonio Guillem