To take action : 5–15 min · Depending on your devices and accounts
Your phone has no passcode?
A screen lock also protects accounts that are already signed in.
PatchYourself · Last editorial revision : · Sources
Fictional example: an everyday situation
After leaving the train, Ana notices her phone is missing. She enabled automatic locking and prepared access to the location service from another device. She follows the provider’s lost-device procedure.
The problem
Your phone and computer may already be signed into email, photos and other services. An unlocked device may expose those sessions without asking for every password again.
A screen-lock code matters. Biometrics can reduce typing it in view of others, but the backup code should remain hard to guess.
What to do now
Step 1: Set up locking
In device security settings, choose a sufficiently long code or password. Avoid simple sequences and personal dates. Enable biometrics if appropriate for your situation.
Step 2: Shorten the automatic delay
Choose a short, practical timeout. Lock manually when stepping away: Windows + L on Windows or Control + Command + Q on macOS. Hide sensitive lock-screen notifications if they expose messages or codes.
Step 3: Prepare for loss or theft
Check the provider’s location and lost-mode features, then note how to access them from another device. On supported iPhones, review Stolen Device Protection, which adds checks for certain sensitive actions even if someone knows the passcode.
Step 4: Check encryption
Review FileVault on Mac or device encryption / BitLocker on Windows. Availability depends on hardware and edition. Before enabling or changing encryption, keep its recovery key separately from the device.
Go further
A stolen code and a stolen device
Someone may watch you enter a code before stealing the device. Shield it and do not share it. Locking, encryption and theft protections complement each other; none alone guarantees exclusive access to every account.
If the device disappears
Use a trusted device, lost mode and official procedures. If accounts or payments are affected, consult the emergency guide.
Sources and verification
References used for this revision. Menus and offers can change; consult the provider’s help for your version.