Protect your account if your phone is lost or stolen

Losing your phone or having it stolen is stressful, but acting quickly limits the damage. Follow these five steps to secure your personal data and reduce the risk of financial loss.

If you can't access the N26 app or the N26 web app, call us at +44 2035 107126 or +49 303 6428 6881 (both lines in English) to block your card or account.

Contact your mobile service provider immediately to block your SIM card. This prevents unauthorized use of your mobile contract and protects you from potential misuse and extra charges.

Act as quickly as possible — this step is especially important if theft is suspected. You're financially responsible for any charges on your mobile contract until you report the phone as lost or stolen. Blocking the SIM stops anyone from making calls, sending messages, or using data on your contract while you sort out the next steps.

Remotely lock your device as soon as you can. This stops anyone from accessing your social media accounts, bank details, emails, and photos.

As a preventative measure, set up a lock screen — a PIN, pattern, or biometrics. Don't use personal information like your birthday or name as a code.

1. Go to Google Find My Device: https://www.google.com/android/find (new tab)

2. Log in with the Google account linked to your device.

3. If your phone is lost, select Secure Device. This locks the phone, signs you out of your Google account, and shows a message or phone number on the lock screen.

4. If your phone is stolen, select Erase Device to delete all data. This also stops you from tracking the device.

1. Go to iCloud Find My iPhone: https://www.icloud.com/find (new tab)

2. Select **All Devices** and choose your iPhone.

3. Select Lost Mode or Lock to secure the device. You can optionally show a contact message on the lock screen.

Change the passwords for all your important accounts — social media, banking apps, and email. This helps prevent identity theft and unauthorized access.

To keep your passwords secure:

• Don't store passwords on your phone.
• Don't store sensitive data on your phone, such as ID documents. If thieves find this information, they can use it to access your accounts.
• Don't reuse the same password across multiple apps. Unique passwords make it much harder for anyone to access your accounts.

File a report with the local authorities as soon as possible — ideally within 48 hours. Give them your phone's IMEI number. You can find it on the phone's box, your purchase invoice, or through your mobile provider. Dial *#06# on any phone to get the IMEI number.

It's also required when filing an insurance claim — it serves as proof of the theft.

If you have mobile insurance, contact your provider to report the loss or theft. Do this as soon as possible after filing your police report. Include a copy of the police report when you submit your claim. The coverage and compensation you receive depend on your specific policy details, so check your policy for what's included.

A few good habits now can limit the impact of a lost or stolen phone in the future:

• Change the default PIN code.
• Set a password to lock your phone's home screen.
• Activate fingerprint authentication for extra protection.
• Back up your phone data regularly — for example, to the cloud.
• Note your IMEI number. If you don't know it, dial *#06# to get it.
• Turn on your device's location services.
• Use a phone case with a strap so you can keep it close.

For more on keeping your N26 account secure, see how to protect your account (new tab). If you think unauthorized activity has already happened, see how to report fraud (new tab). To manage which devices are connected to your account, see how to pair or unpair your smartphone (new tab).