A finance expert has given a major tip to iPhone and Android users to type a five-digit code into their devices now.
The internet is a pretty helpful place when it comes to staying ahead of potential problems and keeping our data safe online.
Whether it's learning how to protect your device before crossing US borders, or figuring out when it's finally time to retire that ageing handheld, a little preparation and knowledge goes a long way. And with the abundance of scammers and phone thieves, you can never be too lenient on security measures.
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An estimated 78,000 people had their phones or bags snatched on the street in the year ending March 2024, which is equivalent to 200 thefts a day, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales 2024. Meanwhile, in February 2025, the Metropolitan Police reported seizing 1,000 stolen phones and arresting 230 people for phone theft.
While fingerprint scanning and face recognition are both solid ways of preventing unwanted access, finance expert Martin Lewis warns that this 'isn't enough.'
During his ITV show, the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, the money-saving guru advised that every phone owner should follow a few simple steps to reduce their risk of waking up to a drained bank account.
A viewer named Paula asked on the show: “What can I do to stop access to my bank apps if my phone is stolen? I have a strong passcode and biometrics to open my phone. What else can I do?”
Martin answered: “My instant response is biometrics to open your phone isn’t enough.
"You need biometrics to open your phone which is a fingerprint or face ID and to open your banking app. It should be up on any secure app you should have that too.”
Lewis also urged that iPhone and Android users should keep a copy of their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number handy in case of theft.
To find the number, open your dialler and type in the simple code: *#06# and your unique 15-digit number will appear, the Money Saving Expert explained.
Users can also dig out this code in their device settings.
“What this does is if your phone were to be nicked, you give that to the police and they can block your handset," Lewis explained. "The network can block your SIM, but they can actually stop your handset from being attached to any other network, which makes it much less valuable to see, and the more of us that are there, the less encouraged the thieves will be.”
Most importantly, Lewis urged users to screenshot the IMEI number or note it down in a safe place, as it can be passed on to the police if something happens to your phone.