Phone snatching is often planned. Thieves watch you type your passcode, then grab the phone while it is unlocked, sometimes from a bike or e-scooter. Their real target is often your financial apps, not the handset. A few habits make your phone far less useful to them.
Out and about
- Keep your phone away from the curb side of the pavement, and step into a shop or against a wall if you need to use it.
- Be aware of people nearby when you unlock your phone. Use Face ID or fingerprint in public rather than typing your passcode.
- Use headphones or a smartwatch for directions and calls so your phone can stay in your pocket.
- Be careful at stations, café tables and busy crossings. Never leave your phone on a table.
Lock down your phone
- Use a strong device passcode: six digits or more, or an alphanumeric one. Avoid birthdays and simple patterns like 123456.
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Turn on theft protection:
- iPhone: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection. This requires Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive changes when you are away from familiar places, even if someone knows your passcode.
- Android: Turn on Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock (in Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection; the location can vary by device).
- Hide lock-screen previews: Set notifications to show content only when unlocked. Your verification codes and emails then cannot be read from a locked screen.
- Add a SIM PIN: This stops a thief from moving your SIM into another phone to receive your texts and calls.
- Turn on Find My (iPhone) or Find Hub (Android): You can then locate, lock or erase your phone remotely.
Protect what is on your phone
- Do not store passwords in Notes, Photos or messages. Thieves search these first. Use a password manager protected by biometrics.
- Secure your email account with its own strong password and 2FA. Your email is the key that resets everything else.
- Keep a record of your phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06#) somewhere other than the phone itself. You will need it to report the theft.
📝 Note
If your phone is stolen, act fast:
- Contact us straight away at info@trading212.com, or through the chat on our web platform from another device. We will help secure your account.
- Lock or erase your phone remotely using Find My (iPhone) or Find Hub (Android).
- Call your mobile network to block your SIM.
- From another device, change the password to your email account first, then the passwords for any financial apps.
- Remove the stolen phone from your trusted devices in your Trading 212 account and in your other accounts.
- Report the theft to the police and get a crime reference number. Also tell your bank.
🤓 Tip
See also Stay Cyber Smart: Safeguard your Trading 212 account for more guidance on passwords, 2FA and spotting scams.