Phone feature I always use that helps avoid 'worst travel nightmare'
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Having your phone stolen or lost, especially while on holiday, is a nightmare. It's something I used to stress about a fair bit.
Not only do you lose the way you do everything - like sending messages, finding out where you are, looking up things to do, even checking your bank balance or accessing your cash.
But the idea of someone taking my phone, working out how to unlock it, and thus wreaking havoc with my personal data, was a little terrifying.
Having your phone stolen while travelling can be a nightmare. Getty Images/iStockphoto
My worry was not unwarranted either. According to recent research by Finder, one in four Australians – equivalent to 4.9 million people – have run into trouble while travelling.
One of the most common issues is misplacing items, or having things stolen (pickpocketed).
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"No one goes on holiday expecting to be met by misfortune," Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, said of the results.
"Being injured or robbed is a nightmare that can derail the best-laid holiday plans."
Another study by NordVPN also confirmed phone theft, particularly in Europe, was surging with 29 per cent of Brits experiencing smartphone theft in 2024, compared to 17 per cent in 2023.
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Not only do you lose your ability to do things but someone else can access your personal info. Getty
Again, all a little unnerving. Until I recently started using a new phone, and it took all the worry away thanks to one simple inbuilt feature.
The Google Pixel 9a (a smaller, slightly more compact version of Google's latest Pixel 9 phone) has something called "Identity Check". In fact, all of Google's newer Pixel devices can now access this feature.
It is designed to prevent someone who has access to your passcode, for instance, from taking over your phone, changing your biometric data and then ransacking your digital life.
"When you're in a new location, Identity Check will require your face or fingerprint authentication before any changes to sensitive settings can be made on your phone," Google explains.
If someone steals your phone they could access your bank accounts. Getty
In other words, the Pixel is on its guard when you're in a place that's different from your conventional locations.
This gives you extra protection against anyone who might try to take your phone and access a range of sensitive information. It will kick in if certain things are attempted, such as:
- Access saved passwords and passkeys with Google Password Manager
- Autofill passwords in apps from Google Password Manager, except in Chrome
- Change screen lock, like PIN, pattern, and password
- Change biometrics, like Fingerprint or Face Unlock
- Run a factory reset
- Add or remove a Google Account
How to set up 'Identity Check' on your phone
Getting it all set up is incredibly simple, as most of the steps are done when you initially set up your phone.
- Go to Settings
- Tap Google All services Theft protection
- Tap Identity Check
In your settings you'll find Identify Check under Theft Protection. Nine / Supplied
Then, to activate it:
- Sign in to a Google Account
- Add a screen lock if you haven't
- Add biometrics, like fingerprint or face unlock
- Add your trusted places, like home or work --- this is the crucial part that works a treat when you are travelling
- Optional: verify your phone number
It is important to note that only devices that support "class 3 biometrics" have Identity Check. If the Theft Protection settings page doesn't list "Identity Check", your device doesn't support it.
The setting is very similar to a feature on Apple iPhones that was introduced earlier this year.
So make sure to check it out if you are an Apple user as well. And turn it on.
Adding your trusted places is the important step for when you're planning to travel. Nine / Supplied
Expert advice in case of phone theft
Should your phone end up in the wrong hands, experts have shared some advice on what to do immediately.
"Banking credentials, irreplaceable photos, sensitive work communications. Suddenly, all is in unknown hands," NordVPN cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven said, stressing that the first 48 hours after a phone theft "are critical".
"Most thieves immediately put stolen phones into airplane mode to prevent tracking, but they eventually take them online to try to access valuable data or reset the device," he said. "That brief window when they reconnect is your opportunity to lock or wipe your device remotely."
Follow these steps:
- Use another device to lock your phone remotely. Using a friend's device or computer, access your account (Google for Android or iCloud for iPhone) and enable Lost Mode or Lock Mode.
- Remote wipe as a last resort. If you're sure the phone won't be recovered, initiate a remote wipe through your device's Find My Phone service.
- Change critical passwords immediately. Start with your email, as it's often the gateway to password resets for other services.
- Contact your carrier. Report the theft and suspend service to prevent unauthorised calls and data usage.
- File a police report. While recovery is unlikely, a police report is often required for insurance claims.
Use someone else's phone to lock your device remotely if you can. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett
While a highlight for sure, this was not the only reason I loved using this phone while travelling. For reference, I've been a dedicated Samsung user for many years.
For travel specifically, the Pixel 9a has plenty of handy features baked into its operating system. Like Gemini Live, which you can use to find recommendations for activities, tourist attractions, or restaurants.
Live Translate is another tool that is pre-installed on the Pixel. It allows you to translate between languages in several ways.
Oh, and capturing a group photo on holiday is now made so easy with Best Take. Pose for a few photos, and everyone can pick their favourite shot of themselves, which are merged into a single final image.
Drop us an email with all your wisdom to travel@nine.com.au, and your tip could be featured in an upcoming story on 9Travel.
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