If your mobile phone is lost or stolen in India, report it to the police as soon as possible. If the phone was stolen, the police may register an FIR because theft is a cognizable offence. If the phone was simply misplaced and there is no indication of theft, the police may record a lost-property complaint, diary entry, or another form of report according to the applicable state procedure.
You should also block your SIM card, secure your online accounts, and block the phone’s IMEI through the Government of India’s CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register). CEIR allows users to request blocking of lost or stolen mobile devices and states that a successfully submitted device-blocking request can result in the handset being blocked from use on mobile networks across India.
What Should You Do If You Lose Your Mobile Phone?
If your phone is missing, do not wait several days before reporting it. Take these steps as soon as possible:
- Call your mobile network provider and block the SIM.
- Report the lost or stolen phone to the police.
- Give the police the phone’s IMEI number and other identifying details.
- Obtain a copy or acknowledgment of the police complaint or FIR.
- Request a duplicate SIM for your mobile number.
- Use the Government’s CEIR service to block the lost or stolen phone.
- Change passwords for important accounts connected to the phone.
- Contact your bank if mobile banking, UPI or payment applications were active on the device.
- Monitor your bank and other financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Quick Answer
An FIR is generally appropriate when your mobile phone has been stolen or another cognizable offence has occurred. If the phone is simply lost or misplaced and there is no evidence of theft, the police may record a lost-property complaint or similar report instead of an FIR.
Is an FIR Required for a Lost Mobile Phone?
No, an FIR is not automatically required merely because a mobile phone has been lost.
There is an important difference between a phone that has been accidentally misplaced and a phone that has been taken by another person.
If the phone is accidentally lost
For example, you may have:
- dropped the phone while travelling;
- left it in a taxi or cab;
- forgotten it at a market;
- lost it on public transport; or
- simply be unable to remember where you kept it.
If there is no information suggesting that somebody dishonestly took the phone, the police may record the matter as a lost-property complaint or another appropriate report under the procedure followed by the concerned police department.
If the phone has been stolen
If you know or reasonably believe that another person took the phone without your consent, explain the circumstances clearly to the police.
The police will determine the appropriate offence and procedure based on the facts.
Under Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), theft involves dishonestly taking movable property out of another person’s possession without that person’s consent.
Therefore, if your mobile phone was stolen, do not describe the incident as merely “lost” if you have information suggesting theft.
How to Lodge an FIR for a Stolen Mobile Phone
If you believe your phone has been stolen, follow these steps.
Step 1: Go to the Police Station
Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
Explain:
- when you last had the phone;
- where you were;
- when you noticed it was missing;
- how you believe it was taken;
- whether you saw the suspected person;
- whether the phone was taken from your hand, pocket, bag or vehicle; and
- any other relevant circumstances.
Give factual information rather than guessing or accusing a particular person without evidence.
Step 2: Provide Your Mobile Phone Details
Give the police as much information about the device as possible.
Useful details include:
- mobile phone brand;
- model;
- colour;
- IMEI number;
- mobile number;
- SIM operator;
- purchase invoice, if available;
- approximate purchase date;
- location where the incident occurred;
- date and approximate time of loss or theft; and
- any identifying marks or accessories.
Step 3: Explain Whether It Was Lost or Stolen
This is important.
If you accidentally misplaced the phone, tell the police that it was lost.
If someone took it without your consent, explain why you believe it was stolen.
The police can then determine whether the facts disclose a cognizable offence and what type of report or case should be registered.
Step 4: Ask for the Complaint or FIR Number
After reporting the incident, keep the complaint acknowledgment, diary entry number, or FIR number provided by the police.
You may need it for:
- CEIR blocking;
- insurance;
- SIM replacement;
- follow-up with police;
- financial-security issues; or
- future reference.
Can You Report a Stolen Mobile Phone Online?
In many parts of India, police departments provide online services for reporting certain lost or stolen property. The exact facility and procedure can differ between States and Union Territories.
For a cognizable offence, Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) provides for information to be given orally or by electronic communication to the officer in charge of a police station, subject to the statutory requirements. The Ministry of Home Affairs also confirmed in August 2026 that BNSS Section 173 permits information relating to a cognizable offence to be given electronically.
Therefore, check the official police portal of your State or Union Territory if you want to report the incident online.
If an online facility is not available or does not cover your situation, visit a police station.
Can You File a Zero FIR for a Stolen Mobile Phone?
If the facts disclose a cognizable offence, the location of the offence does not by itself prevent information from being given to a police station.
Section 173(1) BNSS states that information relating to a cognizable offence may be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed.
This is particularly useful when a person is travelling and discovers that a mobile phone has been stolen in a different area.
The police procedure applicable to the particular case should be followed.
What Documents Are Needed to Report a Lost or Stolen Phone?
There is no single nationwide list of documents that every police station will require for every lost-phone report.
However, it is useful to carry or provide:
| Information or Document | Why It May Be Useful |
|---|---|
| Identity proof | Helps establish the complainant’s identity |
| Mobile number | Identifies the lost SIM/mobile connection |
| IMEI number | Identifies the handset |
| Purchase invoice | Helps establish ownership and device details |
| Mobile phone box | May contain the IMEI number |
| Approximate location of loss | Helps police understand the incident |
| Date and time of loss | Helps establish the timeline |
| Police complaint/FIR details | Useful for CEIR, insurance and follow-up |
Do not delay reporting simply because you do not have the original purchase invoice. Tell the police what information you have and provide additional documents if requested.
How to Find the IMEI Number of a Lost Phone
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier associated with a mobile device.
If you have a dual-SIM phone, it may have more than one IMEI number.
You may find the IMEI on:
- the original phone box;
- the purchase invoice;
- your mobile account or device records;
- previous service documents; or
- another record where you saved the device information.
If the phone is still in your possession, dialling *#06# can display its IMEI number.
It is a good idea to save the IMEI number somewhere safe before your phone is lost.
How to Block a Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone in India
After reporting the loss or theft, you should use the Government’s CEIR service to request blocking of the device.
CEIR is the Central Equipment Identity Register operated under the Department of Telecommunications.
According to the official CEIR information, the normal process involves:
- Reporting the lost or stolen phone to the police.
- Getting a duplicate SIM for the lost mobile number.
- Preparing the police report and identity documents.
- Providing the phone’s IMEI and other required device information.
- Submitting the CEIR blocking request.
- Saving the Request ID for future status checks or unblocking.
The current CEIR blocking form asks for information such as the mobile number, IMEI, device brand, model, lost location, date of loss, State/UT, district, police station and police complaint number.
What Happens After You Block the IMEI?
The official CEIR website states that after a successful blocking request, the device is blocked within 24 hours and cannot be used on mobile networks across India.
Importantly, CEIR also states that blocking the device does not prevent police from tracking the lost or stolen phone.
If the phone is later recovered, the IMEI can be unblocked through the prescribed CEIR procedure after reporting the recovery to the police.
What Should You Do About Your SIM Card?
Contact your telecom operator immediately and request that the lost SIM be blocked.
After obtaining a replacement SIM for the same mobile number, you can regain access to services that use your number for OTP verification.
This is especially important because your mobile number may be connected to:
- banking;
- UPI;
- email;
- social media;
- shopping accounts;
- government services;
- WhatsApp and other messaging services.
What If Banking or UPI Apps Were on the Lost Phone?
Do not wait for the phone to be recovered.
Contact your bank if you believe your banking information or payment applications may be at risk.
You should also:
- change important passwords;
- log out of accounts from other devices where possible;
- secure your Google or Apple account;
- disable payment services where necessary;
- check recent bank transactions;
- check UPI activity; and
- immediately report any unauthorized transaction to the relevant bank or financial institution.
If you notice an unauthorized financial transaction, report it immediately rather than waiting for the police investigation to finish.
What If Someone Uses My Lost Phone for a Crime?
If your phone is subsequently used by another person for unlawful activity, having promptly reported the loss or theft can help establish when the device went missing and when you notified the authorities.
Keep copies of:
- your police complaint or FIR;
- CEIR Request ID;
- SIM-blocking records;
- purchase invoice; and
- other relevant communications.
These records may be useful if questions later arise about your possession or use of the device.
What If the Police Do Not Register an FIR?
First, make sure the circumstances you reported actually disclose a cognizable offence.
If you reported a stolen phone and believe the information discloses a cognizable offence, ask the police for the appropriate complaint/FIR details and keep a written record of your report.
Section 173 BNSS deals with information relating to cognizable offences. The Supreme Court has also reaffirmed the principle from Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh that registration of an FIR is obligatory where the information discloses a cognizable offence, subject to the law and the circumstances of the case.
If there is a dispute about registration, you may consider approaching the appropriate senior police authority or obtaining legal advice about the available remedy.
Lost Phone vs Stolen Phone: What Is the Difference?
| Lost Mobile Phone | Stolen Mobile Phone |
|---|---|
| Phone is accidentally misplaced | Phone is taken by another person |
| There may be no evidence of a crime | Circumstances indicate dishonest taking |
| Police may record a lost-property report | Police may register an FIR for the cognizable offence |
| IMEI blocking through CEIR is still useful | IMEI blocking through CEIR is strongly recommended |
| Recovery may depend on finding or tracing the device | Police may investigate the theft |
The most important point is simple: do not call a phone “lost” if you know it was stolen. Describe the facts honestly and let the police determine the appropriate legal classification.
Legal Provisions for a Stolen Mobile Phone
Section 173, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 173 BNSS deals with information relating to cognizable cases.
It provides, among other things, that information relating to a cognizable offence may be given orally or electronically to the officer in charge of a police station, irrespective of the area where the offence was committed, subject to the statutory requirements.
Section 303, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 303 BNS deals with theft.
It defines theft in terms of dishonestly moving movable property out of another person’s possession without consent. Section 303 also provides the punishment for theft, including imprisonment, fine, or both, subject to the specific provisions of the section.
If a mobile phone has been stolen, the exact offence and applicable provisions depend on the circumstances of the incident.
Supreme Court Decision: Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh
The Supreme Court’s decision in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh is an important authority concerning registration of FIRs where information discloses a cognizable offence.
The principle is relevant when considering whether information provided to the police requires registration of an FIR.
However, a person whose phone has merely been misplaced should not assume that every lost-property complaint automatically becomes an FIR. The nature of the incident matters.
What Should You Do Immediately After Losing Your Phone?
If you have just lost your phone, follow this checklist:
First 30 minutes
- Try calling the phone.
- Use the phone’s built-in location service if available.
- Do not put yourself in danger trying to recover it.
- Contact your telecom operator if necessary.
- Secure important accounts.
As soon as possible
- Report the loss or theft to the police.
- Obtain the complaint/FIR acknowledgment.
- Get a replacement SIM.
- Collect the IMEI number.
- Submit the CEIR blocking request.
- Contact your bank if necessary.
After reporting
- Keep your complaint/FIR number safe.
- Save the CEIR Request ID.
- Monitor bank and UPI transactions.
- Watch for suspicious account activity.
- Follow up with the police if you receive information about the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an FIR for a lost mobile phone?
You can report a lost mobile phone to the police, but an FIR is not automatically required for every lost phone. If the facts indicate theft or another cognizable offence, the police may register an FIR. If the phone was simply misplaced, the police may record a lost-property report or another appropriate entry.
Is an FIR compulsory for a stolen mobile phone?
If the information provided to the police discloses a cognizable offence, the BNSS provides for registration of information relating to that offence. The exact offence and procedure depend on the facts of the case.
Which section applies to mobile phone theft in India?
Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with theft. The previous IPC provisions concerning theft were replaced by the BNS after the new criminal laws came into force.
Can I report a stolen phone online?
Yes, online reporting may be available through the police portal of your State or Union Territory. The availability and procedure vary by jurisdiction. For cognizable offences, BNSS Section 173 also recognizes information given by electronic communication subject to the statutory requirements.
How can I block my lost phone’s IMEI?
Use the Government’s CEIR service to request blocking of the lost or stolen handset. You generally need information such as the IMEI, mobile number and police complaint details. CEIR currently provides a nationwide service for Indian subscribers.
Can CEIR track my stolen phone?
CEIR can help law-enforcement agencies identify and trace lost or stolen devices through the IMEI system. Blocking the IMEI prevents the handset from being used on mobile networks, but CEIR itself does not guarantee recovery of the phone.
How long does CEIR take to block a lost phone?
The official CEIR website states that after a successful submission, the phone is blocked within 24 hours.
Can I unblock my phone if I find it?
Yes. If your phone is recovered, you can request unblocking through the CEIR process after following the required police procedure.
What if I don’t know my phone’s IMEI number?
Check the original phone box, purchase invoice, device records or other documents where the IMEI may have been recorded. If you had saved the device information in your Google or Apple account, check there as well.
Can I get a duplicate SIM after losing my phone?
Yes. Contact your telecom operator and request a replacement SIM for the same mobile number. This is also useful when completing the CEIR blocking process because the reissued number may be needed for OTP verification.
Do I need the phone invoice to file a police complaint?
Not necessarily in every case. The exact documents required can vary. However, the invoice can be useful for establishing ownership and confirming the phone’s model and IMEI.
Can police recover a lost mobile phone?
The police may be able to trace or recover a lost or stolen phone, but recovery is not guaranteed. It depends on the circumstances, available evidence, IMEI information, investigation and whether the device can be traced.
Should I change my passwords after losing my phone?
Yes. Change passwords for important accounts and secure your Google or Apple account. You should pay particular attention to email, banking, UPI, social media and other accounts containing sensitive information.
Final Takeaway
If your mobile phone is lost, report it to the police as soon as possible and obtain a complaint acknowledgment or other report.
If you believe the phone was stolen, clearly explain the circumstances because theft is dealt with under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and may require registration of an FIR when the facts disclose a cognizable offence.
Do not stop after making the police report. Block your SIM, secure your accounts, obtain a replacement SIM, and use the Government’s CEIR service to block the phone’s IMEI.
The most important steps are:
Report → Get complaint/FIR details → Block SIM → Secure accounts → Block IMEI through CEIR → Keep all records.
This quick action can reduce the risk of misuse and may assist authorities in tracing the device.
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Founder & Publisher, Law Act
Prabh Kalsi is the founder and publisher of Law Act. He manages the website’s content research, organization, editing, and publishing. Law Act’s legal content is developed using publicly available legislation, government resources, official publications, and other authoritative sources. The website provides general legal information for educational and informational purposes and does not provide personalized legal advice.