Stolen phone while you're traveling: what to do
- The Introvert Traveler
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
The other day I found myself thinking about how many “sensitive” apps I’ve installed on my iPhone — from banking apps to trading platforms, digital ID apps, my car app (which, by the way, locks and unlocks the doors), my kids’ GPS tracker, and even the fitness app I haven’t used in two years… okay, maybe that one doesn’t count. But there’s definitely a lot of stuff I don’t want falling into the wrong hands — and just as much that I always want to have at hand, especially if I suddenly lose access while in a remote country.
It’s relatively unlikely that your phone gets stolen at the local grocery store, but when traveling, the odds increase dramatically. And if you’re abroad — say, in the middle of a desert or a slum — that’s just about the last place you want to discover your phone is gone.
Have you ever thought about or planned what to do the moment you reach into your pocket and realize your phone’s missing? Or are you ready to be completely unprepared for a stolen-phone emergency?
If you haven’t thought it through, don’t worry — I’ve done it for you. Here’s a preventive and reactive action plan to help you avoid chaos in the unlucky event your phone is stolen.
These steps are iPhone-specific, but most of them can be easily adapted for Android users.
1. PREVENTIVE MEASURES (DO THESE NOW)
A. Device Security
Enable Face ID or Touch ID, plus a strong alphanumeric passcode.
Require Face ID or Touch ID for access to sensitive apps like finance, digital signatures, messaging, emails, cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive), smart home, GPS tracking, Notes, etc.
Enable Erase Data after 10 failed passcode attempts (Settings > Face ID & Passcode > bottom of the screen).
Turn on Find My iPhone and ensure Activation Lock is enabled (Settings > [Your Name] > Find My).
Disable Control Center and Siri access from the lock screen to prevent a thief from disabling Wi-Fi or using voice commands.
Starting from iOS version 17.3, it is possible to type 'Stolen Device Protection' in the Settings menu search to access a set of security settings designed to delay and hinder potential thieves from accessing the contents of the iPhone. Personally, I have enabled the use of Face ID for all functions and, in the 'Allow Access When Locked' section, I have removed access to Control Center, Siri, Home Controls, and Wallet. I have also activated the feature that erases all data after 10 failed passcode attempts.
B. Backup & Digital Identity Management
Turn on automatic iCloud backups (daily at minimum).
Consider periodic full backups to a Mac or PC via Finder or iTunes.
Maintain a secure list (on paper or via a password manager) with:
Key accounts and apps to block
Emergency contacts
Customer ID numbers
SIM card serials and PUK codes
Your phone’s IMEI number (found in Settings > General > About)
C. Password Manager
Use a secure password manager (e.g. 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane) accessible from multiple devices (PC, tablet, backup iPhone).
Set up 2FA (two-factor authentication) using an app or physical key — avoid relying on SMS alone.
D. Backup Device
Having a spare iPhone is one of the quickest and safest fallback options; It’s obvious—just try to picture the scenario: your smartphone has just been stolen and you need to immediately block your payment apps, locate the stolen phone… how do you manage without another smartphone? Some actions could be done using a travel companion’s phone, if you’re not traveling alone, but having a backup device to quickly initialize the stolen phone and be immediately operational is the best thing to do..
Preconfigure it with:
Your Apple ID
Password manager
Banking and trading apps
An eSIM or the ability to swap your SIM quickly
Ideally, keep it locked and stored in a safe place — or take it with you when traveling in high-risk areas.
Naturally, any measure you apply to your main phone should also apply to the backup.
E. Use eSIM Instead of Physical SIM
An eSIM allows you to transfer your number to another device in minutes if your phone is stolen.
Some carriers allow remote SIM suspension and reactivation via app or customer portal.
When abroad, I highly recommend Airalo, which I’ve found excellent worldwide. If you’d like a discount on your first eSIM, use my referral code: THEINT2929.
2. STOLEN PHONE: WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY
A. Immediate Actions from Another Device
Go to iCloud.com/find and:
Locate your device
Turn on Lost Mode
Erase the device remotely
Immediately change the passwords of your:
Apple ID
Main email account
Password manager
Banking and trading apps
B. Suspend or Block SIM/eSIM
Contact your mobile carrier immediately to suspend your SIM/eSIM.
Some carriers offer instant blocking via app or online account.
C. Revoke Access to Sensitive Apps
Log into online banking and unlink the stolen device from your account.
If you use a digital signature certificate (e.g. DocuSign, GlobalSign, DigiCert):
Revoke the certificate
Notify your certificate authority or digital ID provider
For trading platforms (e.g. Charles Schwab, eToro, Interactive Brokers):
Change your password
Block access from unrecognized devices
D. File a Report
3. OPTIONAL BUT USEFUL SECURITY MEASURES
Use a VPN that launches automatically when connecting to unknown or public Wi-Fi.
Avoid SMS-based 2FA. Instead, use:
Authenticator apps (Authy, 2FAS, 1Password)
FIDO2/NFC security keys (e.g. YubiKey)
When possible, use only Apple-synced devices to keep your digital ecosystem more secure and easier to isolate in case of theft.
👉 You can download a PDF checklist with just the immediate post-theft actions — handy to print or store on both your main and backup phones.
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