Losing your phone in Saudi Arabia can be stressful and disruptive. Whether it’s misplaced, stolen, or simply left behind, knowing what to do can help you protect your information and increase your chances of recovery.
Saudi Arabia has a relatively low overall crime rate, but theft—including phone theft—does occur, especially in crowded areas, malls, and from vehicles. Internationally, phone theft is on the rise, with millions of devices stolen annually in major cities.
While there is no official published percentage for Saudi Arabia specifically, the trend of increasing mobile phone theft is observed worldwide. The Saudi mobile phone insurance market is growing, reflecting increased awareness of theft and loss risks.
The market is expected to grow at 8.47% CAGR from 2025–2033, with more consumers insuring high-value devices
This guide covers where phones are commonly lost or stolen, the impact of losing a phone, and the steps you should take if it happens to you.
Where phones are commonly lost or stolen
Phones are most often lost or stolen in:
- Shopping malls and other busy areas and food courts are common spots.
- Taxis, buses, and metro stations.
- Weddings, conferences, or large social events, especially where phones are left at security checks.
- Phones left on tables or counters at restaurants and cafes.
- Places where people may set their phones aside during prayer in mosques or recreational parks
What to do if you lose your phone in Saudi Arabia
Try to locate your phone
- Use built-in tracking services like Find My iPhone, Find My Device (Android), or Find My Mobile (Samsung).
- Log in via a browser on another device and attempt to ring, lock, or locate your phone on a map.
If you think it’s nearby, use the “ring” feature to help locate it by sound.
Secure your data remotely
- If tracking fails, use the remote lock or erase feature to protect your data. This will prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and sensitive information.
- Display a message on the lock screen with a contact number for return, if possible.
Contact your mobile service provider
- Call or visit your provider (Mobily, STC, or Zain) as soon as possible to block your SIM and the phone’s IMEI number.
- Bring proof of ownership (invoice, receipt, or warranty card) and your IMEI number (find it on the box, invoice, or by dialing *#06# on another device).
- Fill out the required declaration form to blacklist your device, making it unusable on Saudi networks.
Report the loss to the police
- File a police report, especially if the phone was stolen. This may be required by your insurer or for official documentation.
- Provide the police with your phone’s serial number or IMEI.
Notify your insurer (if applicable)
If your phone is insured, contact your insurance company promptly to file a claim.
Inform your contacts and change passwords
- Let friends, family, and employers know your phone is lost to prevent confusion or scams.
- Change passwords for important accounts (email, banking, social media) to prevent unauthorized access.
If you find a lost phone
- If you find someone else’s phone, try to contact the owner using emergency contact info on the lock screen.
- Hand the phone in to the nearest police station or lost and found office at the location where it was found.