Privacy guidehigh risk

Prepare your phone for protests

Prepare an existing phone for a planned event and a possible loss of access.

1–2 hoursUse your existing setup

Do this first

Back up essential data and make sure you can access emergency contacts without this phone.

Best fit

Use your existing setup

Start with the device and account controls in this checklist. Installing another app is not a prerequisite.

Step by step

1
Back up essential data and make sure you can access emergency contacts without this phone.
Step 1 · Not started
- Verify step 1: Emergency contacts and recovery information are available without the phone.
2
Update the OS, use a strong passcode and hide sensitive lock-screen notifications. On iOS review Face ID & Passcode; on Android review Security and Lock screen settings.
Step 2 · Not started
- Verify step 2: Updates, passcode and lock-screen previews were checked.
3
Learn and rehearse your device’s temporary biometric-disable or lockdown function. Review location sharing and remove data you do not need to carry.
Step 3 · Not started
- Verify step 3: You can activate the device’s biometric-disable function.
4
Agree on a check-in and recovery plan with a trusted contact; test it before leaving.
Step 4 · Not started
- Verify step 4: A trusted contact has confirmed the check-in plan.

A phone can reveal location through the mobile network even with app location permissions disabled.
Do not attempt a new operating-system installation immediately before an event.
Country indexes cannot predict your individual exposure; seek local context.

Selected reading & media

Reviewed 2026-09-05 · Content revision 2

Steps were revised. Previously saved plans remain on this device; check the current instructions before marking a new step complete.