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Lost something? What to do now

Losing your wallet, phone or keys is stressful, but most lost items turn up again: usually at the place where they were left. Go through these steps, starting with the most likely ones.

  1. 1. Retrace your steps

    Think back to the last time you definitely had it. Where did you sit, pay or take off your jacket? Check your bag, coat pockets and car first; a lot of "lost" things are simply in the wrong pocket.

  2. 2. Ask the place where you were

    Cafés, bars, restaurants, hotels, gyms and pools collect what guests leave behind. Ask as soon as possible and describe the item precisely: colour, brand, anything special about it. If the place uses Reunitems, you can report it online in a minute and get an email when it turns up.

    Find the place on Reunitems

  3. 3. Check the lost property office

    Items found in public spaces are often handed in to the city's lost property office (in Germany: the Fundbüro of the town or city). Buses, trains and airports usually have their own. Many offer an online search or a phone line; it can take a few days before an item is registered.

  4. 4. Phone lost? Locate or lock it

    Use Apple's Find My or Google's Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) from another device to see where it is, play a sound, or lock it and show a contact number on the screen. If it's gone for good, you can erase it remotely.

  5. 5. Block bank cards right away

    If your wallet is missing, block your bank and credit cards immediately, even if you hope to find it. In Germany you can block most cards through the emergency number 116 116, or through your bank app.

  6. 6. ID card, passport or driving licence

    Report a lost ID card or passport to your local citizens' office (in Germany: the Bürgeramt) or the police. This protects you if someone misuses it. Ask there how to get a replacement.

  7. 7. Keys

    Think about who needs to know: your landlord or building management, your employer for work keys, your car dealer for car keys. If the keys could be linked to your address, consider changing the lock.

  8. 8. Stolen rather than lost?

    If you think your item was stolen, report it to the police. Your insurance will usually ask for the police report number.

Make your things easier to return

  • Put a name or a contact email on keys, bags and chargers (no home address).
  • Keep a photo of valuable items and note serial numbers, so you can describe them precisely.
  • When you report something, mention what makes it unique: a sticker, a scratch, what was inside. It helps staff recognise it and shows it is really yours.

Found something?

Hand it to the staff of the place, or look the place up on Reunitems and choose "I found something". You'll get a thank-you when it's back with its owner.

Find the place

General information, not legal advice. Phone numbers and procedures can differ by country and city.