Get support, even when everything else is failing

When your usual number or email isn’t safe, these tools offer alternative ways to call for help, get advice, or reach trusted contacts—without tipping off anyone watching. Includes secure apps, burner numbers, and cautious planning.

How to create a backup communications plan

Choose one or two trusted contacts. Not everyone needs to know your backup plan. One or two trusted people is enough. Ideally, they:

Use secure communication tools
Understand not to overshare
Willn’t panic and announce plans in a family WhatsApp group

Pick a fallback contact method. Options include:

A separate phone number (e.g. second SIM, work phone, basic mobile)
A private email account known only to them
An encrypted chat app (see below) on a clean device

Agree on check-ins or codewords (if needed). You could say:

“I’m okay” means just that.
“Can you send the book?” means you’re not safe. Avoid dramatic signals. Keep it ordinary.

Store their details offline. Write them down somewhere safe. Keep a small emergency contact card in your wallet, or store it in a secure notes app.
Have an alternate access location. If your devices are wiped or gone, how would you log in to anything?

Use a secure password manager (Bitwarden, Proton Pass) with a memorised master password
Keep backup codes printed and hidden, or encrypted in a trusted location

How to set up a secondary device or SIM for emergencies

Sometimes the main phone isn’t safe. A quiet backup can be the difference between isolation and connection.

Choose a simple device. A basic smartphone, or even a classic “dumb” phone, works. Buy it outright—used is fine, so long as you factory reset it yourself.
Register it with new credentials. Use a fresh email account and password. Don’t log into old cloud accounts unless you’re confident they’re clean.
Install only what’s necessary

Signal or Element for messaging
ProtonMail or Tutanota for email
VPN, if possible
Notes app (e.g. Standard Notes or Joplin) Skip social media or cloud syncing entirely.

Get a prepaid SIM (if needed). In some countries, SIMs can be bought without ID. If not, consider using Wi-Fi only and keeping the phone offline unless needed.
Store it securely. Keep it off and hidden. Charge occasionally. Turn it on in safe locations only. This is your silent escape hatch—not a daily driver.