![]() If you’re worried enough to take this option, you should also go into your Google Account and revoke access for your missing phone. As with locking, if the missing phone is off then selecting this option will remotely wipe it once it comes back online. ![]() That’s the same as performing a full factory reset, so it’ll delete all of your settings, your music, your photos, and your apps (but of course, not the SD card). You also won't be able to use the Find My Device app after this process.Ĭhoosing the erase option will remotely wipe your phone or tablet on some devices. You will have the option to erase your data, but keep in mind that data on SD cards may not be deleted, and if it turns out it wasn't stolen or permanently lost after all, then you will likely need your Google password to use it again after erasing. You could try displaying a custom message on the lock screen. “GIVE ME MY PHONE BACK” is likely to be counter-productive, but a “Please call me” message, possibly backed with a modest reward, might just work. There’s a second non-nuclear option available to you: changing the lock screen so that when the phone is next switched on, your message is displayed. Try this before you go nuclear: lost phones are often just misplaced. This enables you to find your phone if it’s fallen onto the floor of your car or, been hidden in a slipper by one of your children - these things happen! Lost phones are often mislaid rather than permanently missing or stolen. You can use the Find My Device to make the phone ring loudly for a full five minutes. Try them in this order: Before you do anything, make sure it isn't just lost © NextPitĪt that point, you can erase all the data from your phone, but we’d strongly recommend trying the less-serious options before you go nuclear and delete everything. 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:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |