Technology
Computer won't start
The computer is dead or stuck. Rule out power and the simple things before assuming the worst.
View what to do
Phone lost or stolen
Your phone is gone. Lock it remotely and protect your accounts before anything else.
Act carefully and stop if anything feels unsafe. When in doubt, call a professional.
Because your phone unlocks so much of your life, securing it matters more than getting it back. Act on the accounts first.
Quick checklist
Your progress is saved on this device only.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Lock it remotely
Use Find My or Find My Device to mark it lost.
5 min -
2
Change your important passwords
Email first, then banking and social.
20 min -
3
Call your network provider
They can suspend the SIM so calls and codes are not abused.
10 min -
4
Report it to the police
Needed for insurance and for the IMEI block.
1 hour -
5
Wipe it as a last resort
Only once you are sure it is not coming back.
5 min
What NOT to do
- Do not chase the phone alone if a location appears; tell the police.
- Do not approve two-factor prompts you did not request; it may be the thief.
Possible causes
Left behind
Common and often recoverable.
Stolen
Treat accounts as compromised.
Related situations
Technology
Forgotten password
You are locked out of an account. Use the official recovery route and protect your email.
View what to do