Lost phone guide
Emergency Guide

What to Do If You Lost/Stolen Your Free Government Phone

7 min read

Act Quickly!

If your phone was stolen, file a police report immediately. This documentation may be required for a free replacement and helps protect you from potential fraud.

Immediate Actions

For Lost Phones

  • Contact your service provider immediately
  • Suspend your service temporarily
  • Try locating through Find My Device

For Stolen Phones

  • File a police report
  • Get the report number
  • Report IMEI number as stolen

Protect Your Data

  • Change passwords for all accounts
  • Log out of all services remotely
  • Enable remote wipe if available
  • Contact your bank if mobile banking was used
  • Monitor accounts for suspicious activity

Getting a Replacement

Provider Policies

  • First loss: Often free replacement
  • Second loss: May require fee
  • Stolen (with police report): Usually free
  • Waiting period may apply

Required Documentation

  • Government-issued ID
  • Police report (if stolen)
  • Proof of residence
  • Original account information

Need Immediate Help?

Contact your service provider's emergency support line or visit govtphones.org for provider contact information and detailed replacement procedures.

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