# I lost a device. How do I protect my notes?

From any signed-in device, open Settings > Account > "Registered devices" and remove the lost one. The next time that device comes online it is signed out and its local data is wiped, within about a minute of its next use. It stays listed under "Recently removed" for 72 hours so you can confirm it is gone.

Set the app lock (PIN or biometric) on anything portable, and keep your OS screen lock on. A device wipes when it next reconnects, so those local gates are what stand between a lost phone and your notes until then. The phrase is the real key: anyone holding your 12 words can sign in again, so if you suspect the phrase itself leaked, follow the [phrase leak playbook](https://privacynotes.app/help/phrase-compromised/) instead.

## Read the source

- THREAT_MODEL.md: Devices and fingerprint hashes -> https://privacynotes.app/docs/threat-model.md (source: https://github.com/LifetimeLabsDev/PrivacyNotes.app/blob/main/THREAT_MODEL.md#devices-and-fingerprint-hashes)

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Source: https://privacynotes.app/help/lost-device