What to do if…
you think someone used your unlocked phone to search for or share intimate content while you were asleep

What to do now

1. Create immediate safety and distance.
   If you are with the person you are worried about, move to a room you can lock, go to a neighbour or friend, or leave the home if that is safer. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 999.

2. Write down what you noticed.
   In a notes app, or on paper if that feels safer, write the time you woke up, what seemed off, and what you can remember without forcing details. Include things like open tabs, sent messages, unusual app activity, pain, bleeding, memory gaps, unexpected drowsiness, missing clothing, or moved items.

3. Secure the phone before exploring it.

   • Change the phone passcode to something the other person cannot guess.
   • Remove any fingerprints, face profiles, or trusted devices you do not recognise.
   • Consider temporarily using passcode-only unlock if the person may be nearby or may have physical access to you while you sleep.
   • Keep the phone with you if you can do that safely.

4. Do a light-touch check for obvious signs of use.
   Look only for the clearest signs, without deep investigation:

   • sent items in SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Messenger, email, or other messaging apps;
   • recently opened browser tabs and downloads;
   • recently viewed, edited, hidden, or deleted photos;
   • new apps, new permissions, or new account login alerts.
     If you see something concerning, take screenshots or photograph the screen with another device if you can. Avoid deleting, editing, forwarding, or repeatedly opening items.

5. Stop ongoing access to your accounts.

   • Change passwords for your Apple ID or Google account first, then email, then social media and messaging accounts.
   • Turn on two-factor authentication where you can.
   • Review signed-in devices and sessions, and sign out anything you do not recognise.
   • Check recovery email addresses, phone numbers, and linked accounts for anything unfamiliar.

6. Get specialist support even if you are not sure what happened.

   • If you are aged 16+ in England or Wales, you can contact the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line for confidential support.
   • If you are an adult in the UK and intimate images may have been shared or threatened, you can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline.
   • If you are under 19, you can contact Childline.
   • If you are an adult worried about a child’s safety, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline.

7. Get medical or sexual assault support if there is any physical concern.
   If you have injuries, pain, bleeding, memory gaps, unexpected intoxication or drowsiness, or any reason to think something physical happened while you were asleep, seek urgent medical help. Use 999 for emergencies; use NHS 111 where available, NHS 24 in Scotland, or local urgent care if it is not an emergency. In England, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre can offer medical, practical and emotional support; elsewhere in the UK, ask for the nearest specialist sexual assault service.

8. Consider police contact only if you want to, now or later.
   If it is not an emergency and you want to report or ask about options, you can contact police via 101 or online reporting. You do not have to decide this right now to get support.

9. If you may want to report later, keep your options open.
   If it feels safe and manageable, keep the notes, screenshots, account alerts, and the phone itself. You do not need to prove what happened before asking for help.