Summer is here and it's time to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. But of course, You may be worried about how to avoid cell phone theft at the beach this summer.
This type of behavior has increased exponentially, so it's best to be cautious and prevent thieves from stealing your phone on the beach.
How to prevent your phone from being stolen
As you'll see below, we've left you a series of tips that will help you prevent your phone from being stolen. So don't miss this compilation where you'll find The best tips to avoid cell phone theft on the beach this summer.
Be cautious and activate your mobile location with Find my Phone. One of the most effective ways to protect your phone at the beach is to be prepared to find it if it's lost or stolen. For Android devices, Google offers a tool called Locator that you can activate in just a few steps.
To do this, just follow these simple steps:
- Sign in with your Google account. To do this, open Settings > Google. Make sure your email address appears.
- Turn on location by going to Settings > Location and turning it on. This is key to tracking your phone.
- Enable “Find My Device” in Settings > Google > Personal & device security > Find My Device. Make sure it’s turned on correctly.
- Turn on offline search by going to Google > Locator > Find offline devices and selecting “Network available in all areas” to maximize your chances of finding your phone, even if it’s off or has no battery.
- Verify that the device appears in Google Play accessing this link and confirming that the “Show in menus” option is checked.
- Finally, take a test and log in with your account and verify that your device appears on the map.
Never lose sight of your things
At the beach it's easy to relax and let your guard down, but that's exactly what thieves are looking for. If If you're going swimming, avoid leaving your phone in plain sight or on your towel. Ideally, carry it in a waterproof fanny pack around your neck, or if you're going with someone, take turns watching your belongings. And if you're going for a swim alone, ask a "beach neighbor" if they can take a look at your things.
Use anti-theft security bags
There are backpacks, fanny packs, and holsters designed with hidden closures, cut-resistant materials, and interior pockets that make it difficult for thieves to access. They're a small investment that can save you a lot of trouble. Here's a model that has sold very well on Amazon and has excellent reviews.
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Don't use it ostentatiously
Holding a high-end mobile phone in your hand while walking along the beach or strolling through a beach bar is like holding a neon sign that says "steal here." Be discreet. Put it away when you don't need it and avoid leaving it unattended on the table.
Save your mobile's IMEI
The IMEI is the unique identifier of your phone.You can get it by dialing *#06# on the keypad. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe (not on your phone, obviously). If it's stolen, you can block it through your network so no one else can use it.
Activate automatic lock with PIN or fingerprint
It seems basic, But many users still have their mobile phones without any security system. Set up a fingerprint, PIN, or pattern lock. And if you can, also add biometric authentication for sensitive apps like WhatsApp, banking, or email.
Use additional security apps
In addition to Google Finder, there are apps that allow you to take photos with the front camera if someone tries to unlock your phone, or that trigger an alarm if motion is detected. Some recommended options include:
- Cerberus: offers advanced features such as remote control by SMS.
- Prey: multiplatform and with active real-time tracking.
- McAfee Mobile Security: includes anti-theft and antivirus protection.
Have an emergency action plan
Think about what you would do if you lost your cell phone. Do you know where you could track it from? Do you have the necessary passwords? Can you access your Google account from another device? Spend 5 minutes setting this up and you won't be caught off guard.
Leave your cell phone at home if you don't need it.
It seems radical, But if you're only going to be at the beach for a few hours and don't need your phone, the safest option is to leave it at home or at the hotel. Bring an old cell phone or just enough to communicate if necessary.
Disable face unlock in public places
On some models, Basic face unlock can even be activated with a photo of yourself. If your phone doesn't have advanced facial recognition (with 3D sensors, like Apple's Face ID), it's safer to temporarily disable it when you're in crowded places.
Beware of “opportunistic thieves”
Often, it's not an organized robbery, but someone who sees your phone lying on the towel and snatches it up as they pass by. A few seconds of distraction is all it takes. If you're going alone, talk to the person next to you and ask them to watch your things while you shower. It's not foolproof, but it's better than nothing.
Don't trust "hidden" covers
Slipping your phone into a camouflaged case, shaped like sunscreen or a pack of wipes, may fool some, but thieves already know these tricks. It's better to use real security features than to play hide-and-seek.
Activate automatic backups
If all else fails, make sure your photos, contacts, and data are backed up to the cloud. That way, if you lose your device, at least you won't lose your memories or information. Use Google One, Google Photos, or any other service you prefer.
As you may have seen, these are very simple tips to follow and will help you avoid unnecessary scares. So don't miss these tips. Tips to avoid cell phone theft on the beach this summer.
