Losing your phone, especially to theft, can be incredibly stressful. It's not just about the device itself; it's about the personal information, memories, and access to your digital life that are suddenly vulnerable. If your Verizon phone has been stolen, acting quickly and methodically is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential step to report your phone stolen to Verizon, protect your data, and navigate the recovery or replacement process.
Has Your Verizon Phone Been Stolen? Let's Get Started!
First off, take a deep breath. It's a frustrating situation, but panicking won't help. The most important thing is to take immediate action to protect yourself and your account. Are you ready to secure your information and begin the process of reporting your stolen device? Let's go!
Step 1: Initial Actions to Protect Your Data & Device
Before even contacting Verizon, there are critical steps you should take to minimize potential damage and maximize your chances of recovery.
1.1 Try to Locate Your Device (If Possible)
Call your phone: Use a friend's phone or a landline to call your stolen Verizon number. While it might seem obvious, sometimes the phone is just misplaced nearby or found by someone honest who will answer. If you hear it ringing, you might be able to pinpoint its location.
Text your phone: Send a text message to your phone with a contact number, offering a reward for its return. Some kindhearted individuals might find it and respond.
Utilize "Find My" Features:
For Android phones (Google's Find My Device): Go to
android.com/find See its location on a map (if Location Services were enabled).
Play a sound (even if it's on silent, to help you find it if it's nearby).
Lock the device and display a message on the lock screen with a contact number.
Erase the device's data (as a last resort if you're certain it's stolen and irrecoverable).
For iPhones (Apple's Find My): Go to
icloud.com/find Locate your device on a map.
Play a sound.
Put it in Lost Mode, which locks your device, displays a custom message and contact number on the screen, and tracks its location.
Erase the device (if all else fails).
1.2 Change Important Passwords Immediately
Your phone likely has access to many of your online accounts. It's imperative to change passwords for the following, even if you've locked your device remotely:
Email accounts (especially the one linked to your Google or Apple ID)
Banking and financial apps
Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.)
Shopping sites (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
Any other apps or services where you store sensitive information or have payment methods saved.
Step 2: Suspending Your Verizon Service
This is a crucial step to prevent unauthorized usage and charges on your account.
2.1 How to Suspend Your Service Online
Go to the official Verizon website:
verizon.com Sign in to your My Verizon account. If you can't access your account due to multi-factor authentication on your lost phone, try accessing it from a trusted computer or another device where you might still be logged in. You may need to use an alternate verification method or contact Verizon customer service for assistance with login.
Once logged in, navigate to the "Support" or "My Devices" section.
Look for an option like "Lost or Stolen Device" or "Suspend or Reconnect Service."
Follow the prompts to select the line associated with the stolen phone and choose the option to suspend service due to loss or theft.
Verizon typically allows a temporary suspension for up to 30 days to prevent unauthorized calls, texts, and data usage. Be aware that device payment charges or recurring subscription charges may still apply during suspension.
2.2 How to Suspend Your Service by Phone
If you cannot access your My Verizon account online, or prefer to speak with someone:
Call Verizon Customer Service immediately.
From another Verizon phone: *611 (this is airtime-free)
From any other phone: 1-800-922-0204
Explain that your phone has been stolen and you need to suspend service on that line.
Be prepared to verify your account information (account PIN, last four digits of your social security number, etc.).
2.3 Understanding the Suspension Policy
When you suspend service for a lost or stolen device, Verizon also blocks the device from connecting to their network, even if someone tries to use it with a different SIM card on a Verizon account. This is a significant security measure.
You typically have 30 days to either reconnect service with a replacement device or find your original phone. If you don't reconnect within this period, your line may be automatically disconnected, and you could lose your phone number.
Only one lost or stolen suspension is generally allowed per line every 12 months through the online portal. If it's your second time, you might need to call customer service.
Step 3: Filing an Insurance Claim (If Applicable)
If you have device protection through Verizon (like Verizon Mobile Protect, Total Equipment Coverage, or Wireless Phone Protection), you'll want to file a claim. Verizon partners with Asurion for device protection plans.
3.1 Determine Your Coverage
Check your My Verizon account: Go to the "Services & perks" page in My Verizon to see if you're enrolled in a device protection option. It will typically list options like:
Verizon Mobile Protect
Verizon Mobile Protect Multi-Device
Total Equipment Coverage
Wireless Phone Protection
Verizon Extended Warranty (this primarily covers malfunctions, not loss or theft)
3.2 How to File a Claim with Asurion
Online (Recommended): The easiest way to file a claim is through Asurion's dedicated Verizon portal:
phoneclaim.com/verizon You'll need your Verizon mobile number and account PIN.
Be prepared to provide details about the theft, including the date, time, and circumstances.
You'll likely need your Device ID (IMEI or MEID). You can usually find this in your My Verizon account under the "My Devices" page, even if your phone is stolen.
By Phone: Call Asurion directly at 1-888-881-2622.
Through the My Verizon App:
Go to your Device Overview.
Scroll to the device that is lost or stolen and select "Manage".
Select "Lost, stolen, or damaged device? Start a claim."
Enter the requested information and follow the on-screen prompts.
3.3 What to Expect When Filing a Claim
Deductible: Like most insurance programs, you will likely need to pay a deductible. The amount varies based on your device and protection plan. You can often get an estimate on the Asurion website before filing.
Replacement Device: If your claim is approved, Asurion will typically ship a replacement device. Depending on the device and your location, same-day delivery might be available for select smartphones in certain areas if the claim is approved by a certain time. Otherwise, next-business-day delivery is common.
New or Refurbished: Replacement devices can be new or refurbished.
Tracking Your Claim: You can track the status of your claim on Asurion's website.
Step 4: Filing a Police Report
While it might not directly lead to the recovery of your phone, filing a police report is a very important step for several reasons:
Insurance Requirement: Many insurance providers (including Asurion) require a police report number when you file a claim for a stolen device.
Fraud Protection: A police report can serve as official documentation if fraudulent charges appear on your Verizon bill or if your stolen phone is used for other illicit activities.
Potential Recovery: Though rare, sometimes stolen devices are recovered, and a police report is essential for their return.
4.1 How to File a Police Report
Contact your local law enforcement agency (police department or sheriff's office) in the jurisdiction where the phone was stolen.
You may be able to file a report online through their website, or you might need to go in person to a police station.
Provide them with as many details as possible:
Date and time of the theft.
Location where it occurred.
Description of your phone (make, model, color).
Your phone's IMEI or MEID number (you can get this from My Verizon).
Any other relevant information (e.g., if you saw the thief, what they looked like).
Obtain a copy of the police report or the report number. Keep this for your records and for your insurance claim.
Step 5: Secure Your My Verizon Account
Beyond just suspending service, take additional steps to enhance your account security.
5.1 Review Account Activity
Once you can log into My Verizon, check your recent call history, text messages, and data usage for any unauthorized activity before the suspension. If you spot anything suspicious, report it to Verizon.
5.2 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If you haven't already, enable 2FA on your My Verizon account. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code from a trusted device (not your stolen one) to log in, even if someone has your password.
5.3 Set a Strong Account PIN
Ensure your Verizon account PIN is strong and not easily guessable. This PIN is often used to verify your identity when you call customer service.
Step 6: What to Do While You Wait for a Replacement
Monitor Your Accounts: Continue to monitor your bank accounts, credit card statements, and other online accounts for any suspicious activity.
Consider Credit Monitoring: If you're concerned about identity theft, you might consider signing up for a credit monitoring service.
Backup Your Data: In the future, regularly back up your phone's data to cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud) or a computer to prevent data loss.
Explore Temporary Device Options: If you need a phone immediately, consider:
Using an old phone you have as a backup.
Borrowing a temporary phone from a friend or family member.
Purchasing a low-cost temporary phone until your replacement arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to block my stolen Verizon phone from being used?
Verizon automatically blocks a device reported as lost or stolen from connecting to their network on any Verizon wireless account when you suspend service for loss/theft.
How to find my Verizon phone if it's off or dead?
"Find My" features (Google's Find My Device or Apple's Find My) can often show the last known location of your phone before it died or was turned off. However, live tracking won't be possible until it's powered on and connected to a network.
How to transfer my data to a new Verizon phone after theft?
If you regularly backed up your data to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone), you can restore your data to your new Verizon phone during the setup process.
How to report unauthorized charges on my Verizon bill after my phone was stolen?
Contact Verizon Customer Service immediately to report any unauthorized charges that occurred while your phone was stolen. Provide them with your police report number if you have one.
How to get a temporary phone from Verizon after my phone was stolen?
Verizon does not typically provide temporary phones. Your best option is to use an old device, borrow one, or purchase a low-cost temporary phone while awaiting your insurance replacement or a new purchase.
How to reactivate my suspended Verizon line?
You can reactivate your line online through My Verizon under the "Suspend or Reconnect Service" section, or by calling Verizon Customer Service, once you have a replacement device.
How to check if my stolen Verizon phone has insurance coverage?
Log in to your My Verizon account, go to the "Services & perks" page, and select the device line to see its protection plan details.
How to find my phone's IMEI number without the device?
You can find your phone's IMEI or MEID number by logging into your My Verizon account online, navigating to the "My Devices" section.
How to prevent future phone theft or loss?
Enable strong screen locks, use "Find My" features, activate two-factor authentication on important accounts, regularly back up your data, and be mindful of your surroundings.
How to contact Asurion for a Verizon stolen phone claim?
You can file an Asurion claim online at
