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Travel phone security checklist: before you go abroad

Quick answer: Update and back up your phone, turn on a screen lock and device tracking, secure your accounts with two-factor authentication and a password manager, and sort your data plan before you fly.

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Seven steps that matter most

  1. Update your phone and key apps, since updates fix known security flaws.
  2. Back up to the cloud or a computer, so a lost phone is an inconvenience, not a disaster.
  3. Lock it with a strong passcode, and turn on Find My iPhone or Google's Find Hub so you can locate or wipe it.
  4. Turn on two-factor authentication for email, banking and social accounts. Email matters most, because it can reset everything else.
  5. Use a password manager so every account has a different password. See password managers for travel.
  6. Sort your data before you fly. See eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM.
  7. Decide on a VPN and test it. See do you need a VPN abroad.

The full list is in our tick-off checklist tool, which you can print.

Keep a copy off the phone

Write down your phone's IMEI number (dial *#06#) and your key account recovery details, and keep a copy somewhere other than the phone. If the phone is lost you will need them. See what to do if your phone is stolen abroad.

General advice is on the National Cyber Security Centre's site: ncsc.gov.uk.

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Frequently asked questions

How long before travel should I do this?

A week before is comfortable, which leaves time to fix anything that goes wrong, such as a backup or an eSIM install.

Is a VPN part of the checklist?

It is optional. It helps on public Wi-Fi, but updates, backups and two-factor authentication matter more.

What is the single most important step?

Securing your email account with a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication, because it can reset everything else.

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Checked 12 November 2026. Prices, plans, airline and country rules change, so check the official or provider page before you rely on anything here.