Finance expert warns all iPhone and Android owners should type this code into their device now
Published on Jan 26, 2026 at 8:25 AM (UTC-5)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jan 26, 2026 at 8:25 AM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A beloved finance expert has warned all iPhone and Android owners that they should type this code into their devices immediately.
He says the code could make your phone far less valuable to potential thieves.
Money-saving expert, Martin Lewis, is urging people to grab a key code from their mobile handset and keep it somewhere safe.
He says it’s a simple move that could help protect your data, your accounts, and even your wallet if the worst happens.
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Finance expert gives iPhone and Android owners some advice
The theft of gadgets is not just an inconvenience anymore, especially with banking apps, payment wallets, and two-factor logins living on our phones; a snatched device can quickly turn into a real financial disaster.
That is why British money-saving expert Martin Lewis says face unlock and fingerprints alone are not enough on both iPhones and Android phones.
His advice is to lock down anything sensitive twice: once to open the phone, and again to open secure apps like banking and notes apps with passwords on.
It is a small tweak, but it adds another barrier if someone gets hold of your device.
The money-saving expert shared the tip while answering a viewer’s question about stopping access to bank apps if a phone is stolen.
His message was blunt: biometrics are necessary for your phone and for any secure app that matters.
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Type *#06# into your device right now
Here is the part he wants every iPhone and Android owner to do today: open your phone dialler, type *#06#, and your unique IMEI number will appear on screen.
The IMEI is basically your handset’s identity, and if your phone is stolen, you can give that number to the police and your network.
The SIM can be blocked quickly, but the IMEI can help block the handset itself from connecting to other networks, making it much harder to use and much less attractive to thieves.
Lewis’ key instruction is to screenshot the IMEI or write it down and store it somewhere safe that is not your phone, because if you only keep it on the device that gets stolen, it is useless when you need it most.
You can check out more of Martin Lewis’ phone safety tips in the video at the top of the page.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
