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Keep your mobile phone safe and secure with these tips

Look after your phone in the same way you would your wallet and keys. Never leave it unattended and use these tips:

  • Use a PIN code, which must be entered before gaining access to the handset.
  • Auto lock your screen. Password protection isn't much use if you leave your phone unlocked. Set your phone to automatically lock after a short period of inactivity.
  • Regularly back up your contacts, calendar and photo library to your computer or the cloud to ensure you can recover your valuable data if your phone is lost or stolen.
  • Beware that buying a second hand mobile phone online or at an auction always holds risk because the phone may have been reported lost or stolen and be block listed. Always check the IMEI number before you buy.
  • Update your software. Updates to your operating system (OS) include system vulnerability patches, so it's important to install them.
  • Avoid shopping or banking online via a public WiFi network. Limit yourself to browsing and avoid any transaction that requires private information.


Looking for something else?

Lost & Stolen Phones

Check to see if a mobile phone has been blocked by NZ mobile phone operators by entering the device’s IMEI number here.

Find out more

Learn about recycling

Learn about the RE:MOBILE mobile phone recycling scheme

Find out more

Last Modified On Thursday, 1 June 2023