
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.
Related Articles
Program Updates
State-Level Innovations in the Free Government Phone Program
Discover how different states are implementing and improving free phone programs for their residents.
7 min read
Device Comparison
Free Government Tablets vs Phones: Which One Should You Choose?
Compare free government tablets and phones to make the best choice for your needs. Learn about availability, features, and which device suits different lifestyles.
9 min read