Emergency Help
My Laptop or Computer Was Lost or Stolen
A missing device is only as dangerous as the data on it. Here's how to lock it down and limit the fallout.
The worst-case with a stolen computer isn't the hardware — it's the accounts and files on it. Whether your data is exposed comes down to one thing: was the drive encrypted and locked. Answer below and act quickly.
What to do if your laptop or computer is lost or stolen
Lock the device, protect the accounts, and gauge your data exposure.
- Use Find My / Find My Device to mark it lost, lock it, and remotely erase it if you won't recover it.
- Change passwords on accounts that were signed in on the device, starting with email, then banking and your password manager.
- Turn on two-factor authentication so a stolen saved password isn't enough on its own.
- Sign the missing device out of your accounts remotely.
- Report the theft to the police, and to your IT team if it was a work device.
Frequently asked questions
The laptop had a login password — are my files safe?
A login password helps, but on its own it can sometimes be bypassed by removing the drive. What really protects your files is full-disk encryption (FileVault on Mac, BitLocker on Windows). With encryption on and the device locked, a thief essentially can't read your data.
Should I remotely wipe it or try to get it back first?
If there's any sensitive data and little realistic chance of recovery, wiping is the safer choice — you can usually still track a device up until it's wiped. If it was just misplaced somewhere trusted, locking it and watching its location for a short while is reasonable.
Do I really need to change all my passwords?
Change the passwords for accounts that were logged in or had saved credentials on that device, prioritising email and anything financial. If the drive wasn't encrypted, be thorough — saved browser passwords and logged-in sessions are exactly what a thief would go after.
This is general guidance for common situations, not legal or financial advice. When large sums or physical safety are involved, contact your bank and local authorities directly.