Mobile phone safety

You might use your phone for lots of different things, so it’s important to keep it and yourself safe.

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What could go wrong with your phone?

Your phone can be a great way to keep in touch with people, share things and get information. But there are things that could go wrong, even when you’re careful. You might:

  • lose or break your phone, or it might be stolen
  • get harassed or bullied
  • share something you regret
  • talk to someone who isn’t who you thought
  • look at something you find upsetting.

Even if something goes wrong, there are ways you can get support. Whatever’s happening, we’ve got advice that could help.

5 ways to keep your phone safe right now

  1. Set a passcode for your phone
  2. Stay aware of what’s going on around you
  3. Always update your phone’s software
  4. Use strong passwords and log out of apps
  5. Only download apps from the official app store

7 tips to keep you and your phone safe

  1. Use a passcode on your phone 
    This can help to protect your data if someone tries to steal or access it. Nobody should be able to guess your passcode, so don’t set it to something other people will know, like your birthday.
  2. Keep your phone with you 
    Store your phone in a safe pocket so that it’s hidden from sight. Be careful when you take it out in public places and don’t let other people use it unless you know and trust them.
  3. Don’t use public WiFi
    Public WiFi may not always be secure, especially in places like cafés. Connecting to it means that someone might be able monitor the sites or apps you’re using.
  4. Check what data your apps can use
    Lots of apps will ask for permission to use your data when you install them. They might want to view things like your location, contacts, photos and even messages. Be careful about what you agree to and check what permissions your apps have in the ‘settings’ menu of your phone.
  5. Add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact number to your phone
    If you lose your phone or something happens, it can be hard for someone to contact you. Add the phone number of someone you trust, like your parent or carer to your lock screen or on the back of your phone with a sticker.
  6. Be careful who you add or talk to
    When you talk to someone online, you don’t always know who they are or whether they’re being truthful. If you’re talking to someone online, be careful about what you share.
  7. Think before you share or save something
    Once you share a message, photo or video you lose control of it. Someone else can save or screenshot it, and they can share it with other people. Sharing or saving nudes can be illegal too.