Losing a smartphone is stressful, but the biggest concern isn't always the device itself. If someone steals your phone, they may try to disconnect it from the internet, enable Airplane Mode, or change other settings to make tracking more difficult.

Fortunately, both Android and iPhone offer security features that can make this harder. You can restrict access to important controls from the lock screen and enable built-in tracking features before anything goes wrong.

Why Should You Block Lock-Screen Controls?

When Control Center or Quick Settings are accessible while the phone is locked, someone holding the device may be able to change certain connectivity settings without unlocking it.

Depending on the phone, this can include Wi-Fi, mobile data, Bluetooth, or Airplane Mode.

Restricting these controls doesn't make the phone impossible to switch off, but it can make it more difficult for a thief to quickly disconnect it from networks.

Android: Restrict Quick Settings on the Lock Screen

Android settings vary between manufacturers, so the exact menu may be different on Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo, Realme and other phones.

Look through your phone's lock-screen or security settings for an option related to:

• Quick Settings on the lock screen
• Notification panel
• Swipe down on lock screen
• Lock network and security

If your phone provides such an option, disable access to important network controls while the device is locked.

A General Way to Find the Setting

Try:

Settings → Lock Screen / Security → Secure Lock Settings

or search for "lock screen", "Quick Settings", or "lock network" in the Settings search bar.

Because Android interfaces differ between brands and software versions, don't worry if your menu doesn't use exactly the same name.

Can You Prevent Someone From Switching Off an Android Phone?

Some manufacturers provide additional security options that restrict certain actions while the phone is locked.

If your device offers a setting requiring authentication for sensitive actions, enable it.

However, not every Android phone allows you to completely prevent a powered-off device from being switched off. Don't assume that a particular option exists simply because another brand offers it.

iPhone: Disable Control Center on the Lock Screen

iPhone users can restrict Control Center access when the device is locked.

Go to:

Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Allow Access When Locked

Enter your passcode and turn off Control Center.

You can also review USB Accessories in the same section and disable it if you want additional protection against accessories being connected while the iPhone is locked.

This prevents someone from simply swiping down on the lock screen to access Control Center.

Turn On Stolen Device Protection

This is one of the most useful iPhone security features to enable before your phone is lost or stolen.

Go to:

Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Stolen Device Protection

Then turn it on.

Stolen Device Protection adds additional security requirements for certain sensitive actions. In particular, it can require Face ID or Touch ID and introduce a security delay for some changes when the iPhone is away from familiar locations.

This can be especially useful if someone manages to discover your passcode.

Don't Forget Find My

Restricting lock-screen controls is only one part of phone security.

On Android

Make sure Google's Find My Device feature is enabled. It can help you locate, secure, or erase a compatible lost Android device.

On iPhone

Go to:

Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone

Make sure Find My iPhone and Find My network are enabled.

On supported iPhones, Find My network can help locate the device even when it is offline, including certain situations after the device has been powered off.

Set a Strong Screen Lock

Don't rely on a simple four-digit PIN if you can use a longer passcode.

A strong passcode makes it substantially harder for someone to access the phone if they physically obtain it.

Biometric authentication such as Face ID or fingerprint unlocking can also make everyday use convenient without sacrificing security.

One More Important Setting: Automatic Updates

Keep your phone's operating system updated.

Security updates can fix vulnerabilities that attackers might otherwise exploit. Turn on automatic updates where available and install security patches promptly.

What Should You Do Immediately If Your Phone Is Stolen?

Don't wait before taking action.

Use Find My Device or Find My to locate the phone if possible. If you cannot recover it safely, use the available options to lock or erase the device.

Contact your mobile operator to block the SIM and report the theft to the appropriate authorities. If banking or payment apps were installed on the phone, contact your bank or payment provider if you suspect your accounts may be at risk.

Never attempt to physically confront someone based solely on a location shown on a tracking service.

The Bottom Line

No setting can guarantee that a stolen phone cannot be switched off. However, restricting lock-screen access to Control Center or Quick Settings, enabling Stolen Device Protection on iPhone, and turning on Find My or Find My Device can significantly improve your chances of protecting and recovering a lost phone.