You can find your phone from any web browser and begin to take action. If the device isn’t on or can't get a signal, Find My Device will report its location when it switches on and connects to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. You’ll also see three options: ring it, lock it or remotely wipe it. If it’s on and can get a signal, you’ll see the location on a map. Once you’ve logged in, Find My Device will attempt to locate your missing device. You can access Find My Device in two ways: via the Find My Device app on another Android device, or via the website here. Oh no! Your phone’s gone! It’s time for action, and by action we mean Find My Device. Most thieves can easily circumvent this loophole by switching the phone off immediately, removing the SIM card, or worse, by performing a hard reset. Note: All the options discussed below not only require you to install apps like Find My Device beforehand but also expects that the thief will keep your smartphone switched on and let it connect to a data network. It’s also a good idea to take a few other precautions too: don’t store anything sensitive on microSD cards (remote wiping can’t erase them), make sure you have a decent lock code or pattern, and consider investing in an app such as AirDroid or Lookout. Both apps offer remote wipe features, but they can also transfer crucial data before pulling the plug. Google's own video explains how to use Find My Device in the event of a lost phone: Double-check that both settings are enabled.įind My Device works for tablets as well, but if you have multiple user accounts, only the person set as the tablet owner can set these features.Enable the second toggle in Device Manager: Remotely Locate This Device.Look for Allow remote lock and erase and make sure it’s switched on.If you have an older device, you might also need to take these steps with the old version of Find My Device (Android Device Manager): You should install Find My Device on your smartphone. Allow your device's location to be accessed by the app.Go to Google Settings > Security > Find My Device.First of all, go to the Google Play Store and download Find My Device.It should be enabled by default, but check to make sure: If you want the ability to remotely wipe your phone, you need to install the Find My Device app and check your settings. How to erase the data on a stolen phone.How to display a message on the lock screen.

The first step - install Find My Device.Here are the steps necessary to protect your data remotely. If you make sure you take all of these steps, you can have peace of mind when your phone goes missing.

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