The one thing most users dread is the day they will lose the Android smartphones either by misplacing it or through theft. For such situations, a number third party apps for Android devices have been developed to track or locate stolen or lost devices. One of the best apps for Android users is the Android Device Manager. The app comes pre-installed for newer Android devices but generally works for Android 2.3 and above. Here are the functions of the Android Device Manager every Android user should know:
ADM set up
After the installation and opening of the Android Device Manager app, go to your device's Google Settings. Select Security then in the Services option, find Android Device Manager. If the you can't the app, then it wasn't installed on your device.Set it up properly, then begin exploring all the features and functions ADM has to offer. Once it is set up, it automatically enables Remotely locate this device and disables Allow remote lock screen.
1. How to Remotely locate a Lost Device
On a computer, visit the ADM website, then log in your Google account, this should be the same Google account you used to sign in to your lost/ stolen Android device. The location of your device can even be shown if, your Location option is ON. The location can be as far as 25 meters of the specific area.
Access through a Mobile Browser
If you do not have access to a PC or laptop computer, the alternative is to use another Android phone. Rather than using the handset browser, simply download the Android Device Manager, then through the app's Guest Mode, sign in your Google Account details to easily track your lost device's location.The present location can be displayed without a page refresh or signing in again. Tap the location icon to check the location of your device.
2. How to Bypass the Lock Screen
In case of loss of an Android phone, a lock screen is not set up, there is still hope. ADM does not only allow you to bypass a locked screen and lock it with a different password, but also adds to the lock screen a custom message or a substitute mobile number.For bypassing a lock screen, on the ADM menu, tap the Set up Lock & Erase button. For some devices, these option may come as two separate an Erase and Lock option.Select Lock then enter a different password, then re-enter the password to confirm. This reduces the chances of someone interfering with the important information on your lost device such as messages, media gallery, emails and contacts.You also have the option to send a recovery message which will appear on the lock screen of your lost/ stolen device.Alternatively, you can provide an alternative number, which will appear on the lock screen alongside a button. If someone taps on the button, then by default your device will call you.
3. How to Remotely Ring the Lost Android Device
This option works better after, you have set up a lock on your device screen, a recovery message and an alternative number is set to appear on your lost device's lock screen. As long as the Location was enabled, and the lost device is active or online, you can simply tap Ring and your device will automatically start ringing. The ringing will continue for as long as 5 minutes, so it can alert you if its nearby.
4. How to Remotely Wipe Data
If you had saved and backed up confidential information on your device and you don't want it to fall in the wrong hands, ADM allows you to remotely erase all the data on your lost device.Near the Lock option, find the Erase button and tap it to begin erasing all your phone's data and settings. In case the device is offline, the process will start as soon as its online.It is important to know that once all the data on your device is successfully erased, then ADM will stop being available on your device.Have you ever tried tracking a lost Android device? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments.
