ATLANTA — If your iPhone or Android is ever lost or stolen, there’s one number you need to know to get it turned off in a hurry.

Channel 2 Consumer Adviser Clark Howard says it’s happened to him and he didn’t have any of the information he needed, so he wants you to protect you from the hassle.

Every phone has something called the IMEI number.

It’s like an electronic serial number that is universal in the industry, and will be asked do you have that number after your phone stolen.

If you want too find it on your phone, it’s really easy. Typically, you can go to “About Phone,” or you can just Google “how to find the IMEI number for your phone,” write it down somewhere, and if your phone ever is stolen, it’s much easier for you to get that phone cut off and protect yourself.

Also, with iPhones, Find my iPhone gives you the ability to wipe your phone clear. For Android, there’s a similar kind of thing as well.

Cox Media Group