Tactic 1 – your screen auto-locks when they activate flight mode (iPhone)

Most thieves will switch phones to flight mode to avoid being tracked — here’s how you set a smart trap that locks them out the moment they do.

Tactic 2 – Your phone will auto-lock when it receives the text ‘Lock’  (iPhone)

Set up this automation so that if your phone gets snatched, you can ask a member of the public to text ‘Lock’ to your stolen phone to activate the screen lock.

Tactic 3 – Your phone screen auto-locks when detached from your AirPods (iPhone)

Phones are often swiped as distracted owners listen to music or podcasts, so this is the perfect automation to set up — as soon as your AirPods lose Bluetooth range, your screen locks automatically.

Permanently erase all data from your phone, including apps, messages, and saved accounts

Locking the screen is just your first line of defence. Now it’s time to act fast:

Log in from a computer or laptop and initiate a remote wipe immediately. It may be wise to have a ‘remote wipe buddy’ in case you can’t access a device quickly. Your remote buddy is someone you can trust to do it in an emergency—every second counts. A clean wipe protects your identity, finances, and privacy before anyone else can access.

After Phone Is Stolen, Activate Screen Lock From Someone Else’s Phone

Ask a kind passer-by if you can use their mobile to access the ‘Google Find Hub’ website and activate the remote phone lock.

Remote Wipe All Data and Apps From Stolen Phone

To be absolutely sure your data stays safe, you need to accept the phone is gone — and remotely erase all data and apps from the device.