Cell phone at Carnival: tips to enjoy the revelry safely

With Carnival approaching, joy and revelry take over the streets, and being prepared to enjoy this time safely is essential, especially when it comes to your cell phone. This guide provides valuable tips for taking care of your cell phone during Carnival and enjoying it with peace of mind, from preventive measures to actions to be taken in case of emergency. After all, fun is even better when we are carefree!

Precautions BEFORE going out to parties:

Before you head out to party and make the most of it, it’s essential to take some precautions in advance to ensure a safe and fun night. Planning ahead can help you avoid uncomfortable or risky situations, allowing you to enjoy every moment with peace of mind. Here are some essential precautions to take before you head out to party.

Write down your smartphone's IMEI

O IMEI it is the unique identification of your telephone which, in case of theft or loss, allows the blocking of calls to be carried out. Of course, we don't expect your cell phone to be stolen, but if it is, it's important to act so that thieves can't resell it or even use it as a personal phone.

Android

To write down the IMEI, just type * # # 06 in the same app that makes calls and write down your unique ID in a safe place, like a notebook at home or a note in the cloud, in apps like Google Keep, Notion e Evernote. Another way to find out the IMEI is through the purchase invoice for the device, as the sales document has this identification. If it is stolen, just contact your operator through the following phones requesting the IMEI block:

• Claro: 1052 (for calls from any telephone);
• Nextel: 1050 (for calls from any telephone);
• Oi: 1057 (for calls from any telephone);
• TIM: *144 (only for TIM cell phone calls) or 1056 (from any phone);
• Vivo: *8486 (only for calls made from a Vivo cell phone) or 1058 (from any phone).

iPhone

Furthermore, whoever uses iPhone You can also find your cell phone's IMEI through the website icloud.com/find. Just log in with your Apple ID, then go to the Devices and find the ID code.

People who have a 6s iPhone Plus or later models, you can also find the IMEI number on the SIM tray. Already the owners of iPhone 6, 6 iPhone Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s you can find the number to block the device on the back of the smartphone.

In situations where the stolen or stolen cell phone is recovered, it is possible to ask the operator to reverse the process. It is important to file a police report (online in the case of theft and in person in the case of theft). It is worth noting that blocking the IMEI does not prevent full use of the device, but prevents it from connecting to the cellular network and making calls to other phones. It will still be possible to access the internet via Wi-Fi and other features.

Make (and test) a backup of your phone:

Having a lost cell phone is quite a problem to be solved, but losing all the information is even worse, right? So, to avoid this if you run into this problem, make a backup of everything involving your personal information:

• Messaging apps;
• Photos saved to internal storage;
• Internal settings;
• Home screen data;
• Contacts (connecting everything with your Gmail or Apple account);
• Any other information that you consider relevant to keep in your possession.

As soon as you separate what should be copied so that you don't have problems when changing cell phones, then just use native tools of the operating system and the applications you use on a daily basis. See these special articles that we have already developed and show you the step by step:

• How to Backup on Android;
• How to Backup iOS;
• How to backup WhatsApp.

Remember that it is not necessary to back up online apps such as Instagram, Facebook and Telegram. In fact, the entire message history of WhatsApp's competitor is saved on the servers, so nothing will be lost if your phone is stolen during the Carnival festivities.

Test WhatsApp security:

Testing and strengthening your app’s security can prevent unwanted access and keep your conversations safe. See:

Enable WhatsApp 2-step verification (PIN)

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to WhatsApp by requiring a code every time you set up your account on a new device. This prevents attackers from accessing your account even if they manage to receive the verification SMS. The activation process is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Access your account settings

Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Settings (Android) or click Settings in the bottom right corner of the screen (iPhone). Then, scroll to Account Log In.

Step 2: Enable two-step verification

inside the menu Account Log In, touch Two-step confirmation and then in activate. You will need to create a six-digit PIN code and confirm it by entering it again. Avoid obvious combinations, such as 123456 or your date of birth.

Step 3: Add a recovery email

Once you’ve set your PIN, WhatsApp will ask you to register a recovery email address. Make sure to enter a valid and accessible email address, as this will be essential in case you forget your code.

That's it! Two-step verification is now enabled, ensuring greater security for your account. If you need to change your PIN or recovery email in the future, simply access the same menu at Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification. If you wish, you can also disable this functionality at any time.

Activate WhatsApp Access Key

To register an access code on WhatsApp, the process is simple. Make sure that the application is up to date, as is the operating system on your device. It is worth remembering that the biometric option will only be available on devices that are compatible with this technology.

Step 1: Access your account settings

Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the screen. Then select Settings and depois Account Log In.

Step 2: Configure the access key

inside the menu Account Log In, touch Access keys. In the new screen that opens, select Create access key to start the registration process.

Step 3: Register your biometrics

Your device's authentication system will ask you to confirm your identity using biometrics. The method varies depending on the device manufacturer:

• Samsung: Samsung Pass
• Motorola: Smart Lock
• Xiaomi: Xiaomi Account
• iphone: iCloud

When tapping on the biometrics option, place your finger on the device's sensor and wait for registration confirmation.

Done! Your biometrics are now linked to WhatsApp. If you want to remove or replace the access code, simply go to the settings and select Delete, deactivating the credential instantly.

Activate theft protection

Check out how to configure your device so that you can locate it on a map, emit sound alerts and even erase sensitive data to protect your privacy. Adopting these technologies can provide greater peace of mind and security during the parties.

Theft Protection (Android)

To access the features on your Android device, follow the steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings and search for Theft Protection

Step 2: On the Theft Protection screen, enable the Theft Protection options. Theft detection lock e Offline Device Lock.

Step 3: You will need to confirm this using the button activate, but soon after that you are ready to be safer at carnival.

Stolen Device Protection (iPhone)

You can enable Stolen Device Protection through Settings:

Step 1: Go to Settings and tap (or search for) “Face ID & Passcode.”

Step 2: Enter your password.

Step 3: Touch Stolen Device Protection and then activate.

Test if your phone is traceable:

There are several apps and services available that allow you to locate, lock, and even erase your phone's data remotely.

Find My Device (Android)

O Find My Device uses the geolocation of the Google to track the location of your smartphone. For it to work, the device needs to be turned on, connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and have the location function activated. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Access the tool through a web browser on another device (computer, tablet or other smartphone) by android.com/find or, look for the option Find My Device in the settings of another Android smartphone.

Step 2: Log in when using the same account Google registered on the lost or stolen device by entering your email and password after clicking Login.

Step 3: If you have more than one Android device linked to your account, select the one you want to locate.

Step 4: Select one of the available actions

• To locate: View the approximate location of your device on a map.
• Play sound: Make the device play a loud sound even if it is in silent mode.
• Protect device: locks the screen so that nothing else can be accessed.

You can also request a factory reset to be performed on the device so that no sensitive data is accessed by strangers, by clicking on Perform a factory reset. For this to be completed, it will be necessary to confirm the password for the Google account registered on the device and the process begins as soon as the smartphone connects to the internet.

See the notification displayed on the device located by the Google service:

“Find My Device” has some limitations:

Find My Device Network: In order for the device to be located even when offline, the “Find My Device” network must be activated on the lost device, and there must be other Android devices, with the same network activated, close to the lost device.

Device turned off or without internet: If the device is turned off or not connected to the internet, location will not be possible.

Location disabled: If the location function is disabled on the device, tracking will not work.

Samsung Find (Samsung)

O SmartThingsFind is a service of Samsung that allows you to locate, lock and erase data from lost or stolen Galaxy devices. The tool uses the SmartThings Find network, which tracks the location of devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB), in addition to GPS. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Access the service

Through the site SmartThingsFind or via the SmartThings app on another Samsung device.

Step 2: Log in Use the same Samsung account registered on the lost or stolen device.

Step 3: Choose the device you want to locate.

Step 4: View the last location sent by the device on the map.

Find My (iPhone)

O Find My (Search) is the service of Apple that allows you to locate, block and erase data from iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches e AirPods lost or stolen. The tool uses a network of Apple devices to track the location of devices, even if they are offline. Here's how to find your device:

Step 1: Access the service

through the app Search on another device Apple or through the website icloud.com/find.

Step 2: Log in

Use the same Apple ID registered on the lost or stolen device.

Step 3: Select the device

Choose the device you want to locate.

Step 4: Locate the device

View the device's location on a map.

Test your recovery phones and emails

If your cell phone is stolen during Carnival, having updated recovery phone numbers and emails is essential to regain access to your accounts. That's why it's important that, before enjoying the carnival, you check that this information is correct and working, running tests to ensure that you'll be able to reactivate your accounts quickly if necessary. This practice helps minimize inconvenience and speeds up the recovery process in emergency situations.

Enable two-factor authentication for all apps

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your apps is a crucial security measure during Carnival, when the risk of losing or stealing your phone is higher. 2FA requires a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone in addition to your password, which makes it harder for unauthorized access to your accounts. With this extra layer of protection, you can keep your personal and financial information safe, even in the midst of the festivities.

At Showmetech, we have an article about the best two-factor authentication apps for iPhone and Android.

Register your phone with GOV.br's Secure Cell Phone

Launched by the Federal Government, the application Safe cell phone is available for both iOS (iPhone) how much for Android. The app has the ability to inform different agencies when a cell phone is stolen, such as a bank. In addition, the software blocks your smartphone through the platform's website, which can be done from any computer.

To use the Safe cell phone, just download it from App Store ou na Google Play, log in using your gov.br account, accept the privacy terms, complete all registration and register trusted people, so that you can use an account and phone to access the application and be able to lock your device.

O showmetech made a tutorial to use Celular Seguro, where you can answer all your questions about how the app works and how you can have extra security this carnival.

Activate Galaxy Lock (Samsung)

If you are a user of a Samsung, it is possible to have a service similar to Safe cell phone, but officially made by the Korean company. Launched in July 2023, the galaxy padlock It is offered for models from the S and Z lines free of charge and is a paid service for owners of devices from other lines. Users who use this service can request the complete blocking of their smartphone in less than 1 minute via contact 0800-555-000.

To use the Cadeado Galaxy service, you must have a smartphone running Android 10 or higher, and the device must have been manufactured in Brazil. It is also required that the cell phone does not have a domain reservation or is for business management. O Showmetech wrote a text explaining in detail how the galaxy padlock for Samsung users to have an extra layer of security this holiday.

Put contact details on Lock Screen:

In case of loss, useful information on the lock screen can help to recover the device, should someone find it. Both Samsung smartphones and the iPhone offer options to customize the lock screen with important data. Check out the step-by-step guide:

Android

Step 1: In the settings, access the option Lock Screen and AOD. So click on Edit Lock Screen.

On the next screen, click Contact information, with the “+” symbol. Here:

Step 3: Enter useful information such as your name, alternate contact phone number, or email address.

Step 5: when you finish typing what you want, click Completed.

The information will be displayed on the lock screen, see this example below:

iPhone

On the iPhone, it is not possible to add data to the lock screen natively, but you can make emergency contacts available through the Medical Record. Check it out.

Step 1: open the app Health on your iPhone and tap your photo in the top right and tap Medical record.

Step 2: activate the “Show When Blocked” option and add emergency contacts. It is also possible to identify the degree of kinship with the indicated contacts.

Important: To view the Medical record with the screen locked, you need to swipe up on the screen or press the Home button (depending on the iPhone model), click on Emergency (in the lower left corner) and, again in the lower left corner, on the dialing screen, tap on Medical Record.

Set up digital wallets/cards and contactless payments

Using digital wallets is also a way to concentrate your payment methods on your cell phone, preventing you from having to physically carry cash or cards and reducing the chances of theft or cloning. Through digital wallets and digital cards, you can make payments in physical establishments simply by bringing your cell phone close to the machine. Here's how to set it up:

Android

Step 1: look for your device's payment app, such as Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet (on Samsung devices). The apps come pre-installed on newer devices, but if you can't find them, download and install them from Play Store.

Step 2: open the app and follow the instructions to add a credit or debit card.

You can scan the card with your phone's camera or enter the data manually.

Step 3: now, tap on save and continue. In some cases, it is necessary to perform a verification to confirm the registration of the card in the digital wallet. The application itself will indicate how to confirm with the bank.

Step 4: set the Google Pay or the SamsungWallet as the default payment app in your phone's settings. Check out this explanatory video from Google:

iPhone

Step 1: access the Settings and click on the section Wallet and Apple Pay.

Step 2: click in Add card.

Step 3: select option Continue.

Step 4: Now, we have two options: you can touch the card chip near the iPhone or enter the data manually.

Step 6: In some cases, it is necessary to perform a verification to confirm the registration of the card in the digital wallet. The application itself will indicate how to confirm with the bank. You can also do this directly through the Apple Wallet application, if you prefer.

Lock or hide apps:

Android

Samsung

Users Samsung have access to an interesting feature: the Safe paste (Samsung app name) allows photos, videos and applications to be stored in a secure partition of the internal storage, and when necessary to access what is stored, unlocking by code, PIN or biometrics will be required.

O showmetech already made one full story about Samsung functionality, but companies like Realme, Xiaomi, Motorola already provide a resource similar to this for their users.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi offers two options to protect your data: hiding apps and creating a “Second Space”. Here’s how to use it:

hide apps

Step 1: access the application Safety.

Step 2: Touch Hide apps.

Step 3: Choose the apps you want to hide from your home screen.

Step 4: On the Home screen, pinch with two fingers to reveal hidden apps.

Second Space:

In Second Space, you can install apps and store data separately from your main profile.

Step 1: Open the Settings from your phone.

Step 2: Scroll down and find the option Special Features.

Step 3: Touch Second Dining Room and follow the instructions to create a second profile on your phone.

Motorola

Motorola offers the Safe paste, an encrypted space for storing sensitive applications and files. See:

Step 1: Secure Folder can be accessed through the app MotoSecure or in the security settings.

Step 2: Open the app Settings from your phone.

Step 3: Scroll down and find the option Safety and Privacy.

Step 4: Touch Secure Folder and follow the instructions to create one.

Step 5: Add applications and files inside the Safe paste created, you can add applications and files that you want to protect.

iPhone

iPhone owners can do this process even more simply. Follow the tutorial:

Step 1: click and hold the app you want to hide from the home screen and select the option Require Face ID.

Step 2: Please click Hide and Require Face ID in the pop-up menu.

Step 3: Your hidden apps will be added to the folder hidden, the App Library (which appears when you swipe right to the last screen). When you click on it to display the apps, the device will ask for the Face ID.

Swap your GSM chip for an eSIM

The physical chip might be easier to use, but in a few steps, it can be easily removed. We also remind you that if it is removed, it will be impossible to track the stolen device. Another point to note is that if your physical chip is placed in another smartphone, it can still receive authentication codes to access social networks and even connect your WhatsApp account on the thief's cell phone.

Use one eSIM is the resolution of these problems, since after installation, it cannot be deactivated (or removed, as it is electronic). It's worth contacting your operator to request an eSIM and that way, getting rid of a big problem if your cell phone is stolen. Check out our article on how to activate eSIM on your cell phone.

Operators such as Claro, Vivo and Tim already offer the service and you just need to contact the central office to receive a QR Code to activate the eSIM. In some cases, you may need to go to a physical store, so do this as soon as possible to avoid any problems. Important: Check if your device is compatible with eSIM before requesting the exchange. 

Have a password manager app

Using a password manager app is an efficient and secure way to store all your passwords in one place. These apps generate strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts, reducing the chance of you falling victim to cyberattacks. They also make the login process easier, allowing you to quickly and securely access your online services. With a password manager, you don’t have to worry about remembering multiple complex passwords, keeping your personal information protected in a convenient and accessible way.

No showmetech, we have a special article selecting the best password manager apps for you.

Get cell phone insurance

Make a cell phone insurance It is a preventive measure that can bring you peace of mind in the event of theft, robbery or accidental damage to your device. The insurance covers various types of incidents and can include device replacement, repair of physical damage and even protection against data loss. When you take out insurance for your cell phone, you invest in the security of your most used asset, avoiding financial worries and guaranteeing assistance in unforeseen situations.

More radical methods:

In addition to common preventive measures, some more radical methods can be adopted to increase the security of your belongings during Carnival. See:

Have a backup cell phone at home

Keeping a backup phone at home can be an effective preventative measure to ensure that you are not completely cut off from communication if your primary device is lost or stolen. This backup phone can be an older or less sophisticated device that allows you to access your primary communication networks and essential applications until you can get a new primary device. This practice ensures that you remain connected and have access to important information while your stolen device is being recovered.

Have a “thief’s cell phone”

A more radical strategy adopted by some people is to have a “burglar’s ​​phone.” This is an old or cheap device that you carry with you, especially in places where there is a high risk of robbery, while leaving your main phone at home or in a safe place.

If approached by criminals, you hand over the “thief’s cell phone”, avoiding the loss of your main device and minimizing damage.

Assign a cell phone very old for this task, however, it can be risky – the use of a “thief’s cell phone” has become popular in recent years and criminals may become suspicious when the device is clearly very old and unusable.

Uninstall banking apps (but not the digital wallet)

To increase the security of your financial data, another radical approach is uninstall banking apps from your cell phone, keeping only the digital wallet. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your bank accounts if your device is stolen.

The digital wallet, in turn, can be configured with additional authentication methods, such as facial or fingerprint recognition, offering an extra layer of protection. This way, you maintain the convenience of making quick payments, without compromising the security of your banking information.

Care THROUGHOUT the parties (and most common scams during Carnival):

During Carnival, it is important to take some measures to protect your personal belongings and avoid losses. Here are some important tips to protect your belongings during the celebration.

Use a money belt or fanny pack

To store valuables, items such as money belts and fanny packs are highly recommended, as they are safer than pockets, which are usually easy to access. However, you also need to be careful with these accessories, as thieves can also easily unzip these items. A possible solution in this case is to use the fanny pack with the zipper facing your body or to wear a money belt inside your shorts or t-shirt. Or better yet, see the following tip.

Use backpacks and bags with zipper locks

During Carnival, using backpacks and bags with zipper locks can be an excellent strategy to increase the security of your personal belongings. These accessories provide an additional layer of protection against theft, making it difficult to access valuable items, such as your cell phone, wallet and documents. By choosing backpacks and bags with locks, you reduce the risk of having your belongings stolen in the crowd and can enjoy the party with more peace of mind. In addition, it is recommended to always keep the most important objects in front of you and close to your body, ensuring greater control and security during the festivities.

Fake Pix

During Carnival, it is common to find street vendors selling drinks and various products. An increasingly common scam is the Fake Pix, where scammers pretend to be vendors and ask you to make a payment via Pix to a provided account.

After the transfer, the “seller” disappears, leaving you without the product and with financial loss. To avoid this scam, always verify the authenticity of the seller, ask for proof of payment and, if possible, prefer to make purchases in known establishments or with street vendors you are already familiar with.

Tampered card machine

Another common scam during Carnival is the use of tampered card machines. In this case, scammers replace legitimate machines with modified versions that capture the customer's card data. When a purchase is made, the data is cloned, allowing criminals to make fraudulent transactions later.

To avoid this scam, be aware of card machines that look suspicious or out of the ordinary, prefer to make payments in cash or via secure payment apps, and always check the name of the establishment on the machine screen before entering your password.

fake street vendor

The fake street vendor scam involves people posing as legitimate street vendors, offering products at attractive prices to attract partygoers. However, after purchase, the products are often found to be of poor quality, spoiled or even non-existent.

To avoid falling for this scam, try to only buy from street vendors who have identification or a license to sell, be wary of very low prices and always examine the products before finalizing the purchase.

Wrong change scam

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Carnival, it's easy to get distracted and end up receiving the wrong change when making a purchase. Scammers take advantage of revelers' distraction to give less change than they should, or even use counterfeit bills.

To protect yourself from this scam, always check the change immediately After receiving the money, count the bills and make sure there are no counterfeits. If possible, prefer to pay with the exact amount (or as close to it as possible) to avoid having to give change.

Fake taxi driver/app driver

During Carnival, it is common to need to use transportation services, and scammers take advantage of this demand to pose as taxi drivers or app drivers. They deceive partygoers, charging exorbitant fares or taking them to unsafe places.

Always check the driver's identification and license plate before getting in. Only use reliable and well-known transportation services and avoid accepting rides offered directly on the street.

Fake QR Code Scam

The fake QR Code scam occurs when scammers place stickers with fraudulent QR Codes in public places or on promotional materials, directing partygoers to malicious websites. By scanning these codes, victims can have their personal and financial data stolen.

Be wary of QR Codes in unofficial places and, whenever possible, prefer to access websites and make payments directly through official applications.

Sale of counterfeit abadás

Abadás are essential clothing for participating in many carnival blocks, and scammers take advantage of this to sell counterfeit abadás at attractive prices. These products do not guarantee access to the events and can cause losses to partygoers. To avoid this scam, buy abadás only at authorized points of sale and check the authenticity of the product before making the purchase.

Fake security team or staff

During parties, scammers may pose as security personnel or event staff, wearing fake uniforms and badges. They approach partygoers to steal their belongings or extort money. To protect yourself, always be suspicious of unexpected approaches and check the official identification of security personnel. If in doubt, seek out an official event information point.

Collective theft (raid)

Group robberies, known as arrastões, are carried out by groups of criminals who act quickly in crowds, stealing belongings from partygoers. These attacks are coordinated and can result in significant losses. To avoid falling victim to this scam, keep your belongings close to your body, avoid displaying valuables and be aware of your surroundings. If you notice suspicious movement, move away from the area and seek help from the appropriate authorities.

Care AFTER of parties (in case of robbery or theft)

After the holidays are over, it is important to know what to do in the event of a robbery or theft to minimize the damage and try to recover your belongings. Below, we will present some essential actions that you should take if you find yourself in this situation, aiming to increase your chances of resolving the problem effectively.

My cell phone was stolen, what now?

Before opening a BO, try to track the device so you don't know if it wasn't left somewhere you passed (remember that this will only be possible if the GPS is activated). If the location attempts do not work, then it's time to call your operator and block the IMEI, through the phones that we reported at the beginning of this post. And be sure to file a police report online. See the links according to the state where you are:

• Electronic Police Station - SP;
• Ro-Online – R.J.;
• Virtual Police Station – BH;
• Digital Police Station - Savior;
• Virtual Police Station – Florianopolis;
• Police over the Internet – Recife and Olinda;
• Electronic Police Station – Brasilia.

Situations in which your cell phone with bank applications was taken also require you to contact the service channels so that the account is disconnected remotely. Check the telephone numbers of the main banks in Brazil:

• Bank of Brazil: 4004-0001;
• Caixa: 0800-726-0101
• Santander: 4004-3535;
• Itaú: 4004-4828;
• Bradesco: 0800-704-8383;
• Nubank: 0800-608-6236;
• C6 Bank: 3003-6116;
• Inter: 3003-4070;
• Next: 0800-275-6398.

The same goes for your social networks: go to the devices section of Facebook, Instagram and other channels and disconnect the cell phone you were using at the time of the theft. You can do this by connecting to a device that has saved accounts or even a computer that you previously accessed.

Recover WhatsApp account

About WhatsApp: the account will be automatically disconnected from the stolen cell phone when you register the same number on another device. But you can send an email requesting account suspension when sending an email to ppgad@pucrs.br with the subject “Lost / Stolen: Please disable my account” and the number in international format (example: +55 11 91234-5678) in the message body.

Last but not least, report your cell phone insurance that you were robbed in order to collect your premium. It may be necessary to send some information, but since you have everything to prove the event, you will have the money to buy a new smartphone soon.

Use Secure Cell Phone (Issue Theft Alert)

To issue a theft alert in the app Safe cell phone, the first step is to ensure that the application is installed and configured correctly. After downloading and accessing the app, the user must log in using their account gov.br, agree to the Terms of Use and register at least one phone in your name. In addition, you can add trusted people who can issue an alert on your behalf if your device is lost, stolen or misplaced. This feature allows for a quick response, even if the user does not have immediate access to the app.

When you need to issue an alert, simply access the app or the official website and select the corresponding device in the tab “My phones” ou “Trusted Phones”. Then you need to click on the option "Alert", confirming the occurrence. As soon as the alert is registered, a protocol number will be generated. This number should be kept carefully, as it may be requested by partner institutions in future consultations or services related to the case.

Block and/or erase cell phone data:

There are several applications and software that can help you find, block and even erase the data on your cell phone if it is lost or stolen. Tools such as Find My (Search) from Apple and the Find My Device Google's Find My Device offers these features, allowing you to locate your device on a map, remotely lock it to prevent unauthorized access, and erase all data to protect your personal information. Check it out:

Find My Device (Android)

O website Find My Device It just requires you to log in with your Google account and, in about five minutes, you can find out where your cell phone is (if GPS is activated), request restoration and even lock the device.

The good news is that it is not necessary to make any payment to be able to block it and it happens as soon as the cell phone or tablet connects to the internet (either via Wi-Fi or mobile networks). You can also ask the website to emit a beep so you can find the device nearby.

We have already explained how to use the website in a special article, be sure to check it out.

Remote Lock (Android)

You can also remotely lock your Android device by phone number by visiting the website Find my device.

However, for the method to work correctly, you need to have activated the remote lock in the device settings (read the section Activate theft protection in this same text) and the device needs to be connected to the internet.

Samsung Find (Samsung)

After locating your device through the website SmartThingsFind, you can choose from options to locate, protect, or erase data on your device.

Selecting the Lost mode, you display emergency contact information or a message on your Lock screen, prevent others from turning off your phone, and block autofill of passwords and other information.

You can also extend battery life to prevent the smartphone from turning off during the search process, in addition to erase data of your cell phone so that, in case of theft, no one has access to your files, messages and others.

É important that you have activated the features of loss protection for the options to work correctly.

Find My (iPhone)

Apple also has a feature that allows an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch to be locked if it is lost or stolen. This is done after you connect your Apple account via iCloud and all connected devices, shown on the site map.

It is important that you have activated the application Search on the device you want to block and we've already talked about how to do this in our article on 8 iPhone tips against theft. Then, when you locate the cell phone or iPad you want to lock, simply click on it and then select Lost Mode. As soon as you connect to the internet, the request will be validated.

The most interesting thing about this is that smartphones with iOS 15 or later versions installed can use the functionality even if the cell phone is turned off (but it is also necessary to have an iPhone 11 or newer). You also don't need to pay anything to activate Apple's Lost Mode and, if you recover your Apple device, you can unlock it through the same website.

I recovered my device, how do I unlock it?

If you have recovered your device and need to unlock WhatsApp, please note that the process may vary depending on the operating system and device model.

On Android, recovery may involve reactivating the number via SMS verification or using methods such as Google Smart Lock, depending on the device's security settings. On iPhone, validation can be done via iCloud and two-factor authentication, ensuring that only the legitimate owner has access to the account.

To facilitate this process, o showmetech prepared a complete guide explaining the step by step process to unlock WhatsApp on different devices. In this article, you will find detailed instructions on how to recover access safely and quickly, regardless of the system you are using.

Okay, if you've made it this far, consider yourself ready to enjoy the Carnival! Now, the showmetech, you want to know: where are you going to enjoy this party?

See also:

Carnival 2026: Check out the schedule of street parties, parades, and electric trios across Brazil.

How to use Secure Cell Phone to protect your cell phone (and block it in case of theft)

Sources: SP Agency, City Hall of Juiz de Fora e gov.