How to File an FIR or Online Complaint for a Lost or Stolen Phone in India

A police complaint is the document every other step depends on: the IMEI block on Sanchar Saathi needs its number, your bank may ask for it in a fraud dispute, and insurers require it for a claim. Filing it is usually quicker than people expect.

To file a complaint for a lost or stolen phone in India, go to the nearest police station, or use your state police's website or app where it offers online reporting, and give the phone's details, IMEI numbers, where and when it was lost or taken, and your ID. If the phone was snatched or stolen, ask for an FIR for theft rather than a "lost" report. Keep the complaint number and a copy.

Lost report or FIR: which do you need?

• Lost phone (dropped, left behind): a lost-article report is normally enough. Many state police websites and apps let you file this online and download it instantly.
• Stolen or snatched phone: this is a crime, so it should be recorded as an FIR for theft. Describe exactly what happened: snatched from your hand at a signal is theft, not "lost". An FIR matters for bank disputes, insurance and police investigation.

What to keep ready

• Your ID proof and contact details.
• The phone's brand, model, colour and both IMEI numbers (on the box, the invoice, your Google account's device list, or appleid.apple.com).
• The mobile numbers in the phone.
• Date, time and exact place, and what happened (for a snatch: the vehicle, direction, anything you noticed).
• The purchase invoice if you have it.
• Screenshots of the last location from Find Hub or Find My, if available.

Filing online

1. Search for your state police's official website or app and look for "lost article report", "e-FIR" or "citizen services". Use only official government sites.
2. Fill in your details, the phone details and IMEI numbers, and how and where it happened.
3. Submit and download the acknowledgement or report. Save the complaint number.
4. For an e-FIR for theft, you may be asked to visit the station and sign it within a few days; follow the instructions on the acknowledgement.

Filing at a police station

1. Go to the police station with jurisdiction over the place it happened, if you can.
2. Give a written complaint with the details above. Ask for a copy with the complaint or FIR number and station stamp.
3. Zero FIR: if you are at a different police station, you can still ask them to register a Zero FIR; it is transferred to the right station.

After filing

1. Block the IMEI on Sanchar Saathi using the complaint number.
2. Give the complaint number to your bank if there was any fraud, and report fraud to 1930.
3. Keep the copy safe for insurance or if the phone is recovered.

If the police are reluctant

Stay polite and specific. Ask for your complaint to be recorded in writing and for an acknowledgement. If a station refuses to register an FIR for a theft, you can approach a senior police officer of the district with a written complaint.

Frequently asked questions

How do I file a complaint for a lost phone online in India?

Use your state police's official website or app and look for a lost-article report or e-FIR option. Enter the phone details, IMEI and how it was lost, then download the report and save the complaint number.

Do I need an FIR to block a stolen phone?

Sanchar Saathi asks for a police complaint number and a copy of the complaint to block the IMEI.

Should I file a lost report or an FIR if my phone was snatched?

An FIR for theft. A snatched or stolen phone is a crime, not a lost item, and an FIR helps with bank disputes, insurance and investigation.

What is a Zero FIR?

An FIR registered at any police station regardless of where the incident happened. It is then transferred to the station with jurisdiction.

What details do I need to file a phone FIR?

Your ID, the phone's brand, model and IMEI numbers, the mobile numbers, and the date, time, place and description of what happened.

The best complaint is the one you never file. See the PHLOOP wrist tether →

Related reads

• Phone Theft and Snatching in India: The Complete Guide
• How to Block a Stolen Phone with IMEI (CEIR)
• How to Track a Lost or Stolen Phone in India