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uk Technology & digital loss phone missing • lost phone • stolen phone • can’t find my mobile • misplaced phone • phone left somewhere • locked out of accounts • can’t get verification code • not receiving 2fa codes • two step verification stuck • sms code not arriving • authenticator app on lost phone • only device for codes • can’t access email on phone • account recovery • sim replacement • keep my number • phone number security • secure my accounts • remote lock phone • remote wipe phone

What to do if…
you cannot find your phone and it is the only device you use for verification codes

Short answer

Lock/locate the phone from a trusted device, then contact your mobile network to bar the SIM and move your number to a replacement SIM/eSIM so you can receive verification codes again.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t keep trying to log in and request new codes repeatedly — you can trigger security lockouts that slow recovery.
  • Don’t use shared/public devices for email or password manager sign-ins if you can avoid it. If you must, use a private/incognito window, don’t save passwords, sign out fully, and remove that device/session from your account security page afterwards.
  • Don’t post “I lost my phone, text this number” messages with personal details on social media (it can attract scammers).
  • Don’t remove an iPhone/iPad from your Apple Account/Find My in a panic — it can weaken your ability to track/lock it.
  • Don’t assume it’s “just lost” if it was last seen in public — act as if someone else could access it until you’ve locked it.

What to do now

  1. Lock/locate it from a trusted device right away.
    • If you use iPhone: go to iCloud.com/find and use Lost Mode / Mark as Lost.
    • If you use Android: use Google’s “Find my device” tools to lock/secure it (and “ring” if it may be nearby).
  2. Call your mobile network provider immediately to bar the SIM and protect your number.
    • Ask them to bar the SIM and issue a replacement SIM for the same number (or move your number onto an eSIM).
    • Ask how they can block the handset by IMEI on UK networks, and what they need from you.
  3. Regain access to the accounts that control everything else (start with email).
    • On a trusted device, try to sign in to your primary email using the provider’s account recovery options (recovery email, backup codes, recovery prompts).
    • If you submit a recovery request, do it once and then stop — repeated retries can slow things down.
  4. As soon as your number is live on the replacement SIM/eSIM, reset verification on the accounts that matter most.
    • Prioritise: email, password manager, banking, Apple/Google account, messaging apps.
    • Where possible, move away from SMS codes to an authenticator app on the new phone, a passkey, or another method offered.
  5. If you think it was stolen, report the theft to the police and keep the reference.
    • Use your local force’s online reporting, or call 101 for non-emergencies (use 999 only for emergencies).
    • Keep the IMEI (often on the box/receipt or available from your network) for the report if asked.
  6. If you suspect fraud or account access (not just a missing device), report it as fraud/cyber crime too.
    • In England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, report cyber crime/fraud to Report Fraud (Action Fraud).
    • In Scotland, contact Police Scotland via 101 for non-emergency reporting.
  7. Tell your bank(s) if finance apps/cards were on the phone or you see anything suspicious.
    • Ask them to watch for unusual activity and help you re-secure mobile banking access.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether the phone is “definitely stolen” — secure access first.
  • You don’t need to change every password today — focus on email + phone number + password manager + banking first.
  • You don’t need to erase the device immediately if you’re unsure — locking it and moving your number first is often the priority.

Important reassurance

This feels especially trapping because the phone is both the device and the “key.” Once your number is moved to a replacement SIM/eSIM and you’ve re-anchored access through email recovery, most people can get unstuck and regain control.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise access and reduce harm. Later, when you’re calm and back in, you can add backups (backup codes, alternative recovery methods, passkeys) so one missing device can’t lock you out again.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, or technical advice. If you see signs of fraud (unexpected number change/porting messages, new logins, password resets you didn’t request, payments you didn’t make), treat it as urgent and contact your bank and relevant providers immediately.

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