Last time we talked about how important it is to secure your Google account and then we took action and implemented the 5 most effective steps to secure your account. But what happens if your android device is stolen?
In this posts I”ll show you exactly how to use the Android device manager dashboard to locate, ring, lock or even erase all content from your stolen android device.
How to use Android Device Manger
(For the following tips to work your device must be online, and the device manager location settings must be enabled as described below).
(1) Locate
If you can’t find your phone don’t panic right away, start by trying to locate it. Perhaps you just left it in the car or have it lying down somewhere at home on silent?
So the first thing you should do is try to understand where your device actually is. And this can be easily done by using the Locate Device command in the Android Device Manager website.
Using your mac or PC, head over to the Android device manger dashboard (or download the android device manger app) select one of your devices from the drop down menu and click on the “locate device” icon (top right corner).
This will generate a circle on top of Google Maps showing where your device is located within an approximate 25 meters radius.
(2) Ring
If you recognize that your device is at home or located nearby (based on the map location), you can click on the Ring button in order to activate a 5 minutes ring at full volume (even if your device is set to silent or vibrate).
But, if you’re unfamiliar with the location of your device – think twice before doing this. Because if it has been stolen, and you activate the ring – you might actually be helping the theft by letting him know that you’re onto him.
(3) Lock
If you think your phone has been stolen, locking the device is probably the first thing you should do since this will help prevent your personal data from being compromised.
When you click on the Lock icon in the device manager, you’ll be asked to insert a new password for your device. After after activating the new password your device’s lock screen will be replaced with the new password, and the theft won’t be able to access your personal data.
(4) Erase
If you’re certain that your device cannot be retrieved and you want to delete all the data on your device – click on the Erase icon.
This will perform a factory reset on your device and delete all your apps, photos, music, and settings.
Beware – erasing your data is permanent, and Android device manager will no longer work on that device.
What happens if your device is offline or powered off?
If your device is offline, Android Device Manager won’t be able to ring, lock, or erase the device until there’s a mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. When you select any of the options, the action will be performed as soon as the device reconnects to the internet. Device Manager won’t work for powered off devices.
Here’s what you should do next:
1. Before it’s too late, go ahead and install the Android device manager app.
2. Enable the device location manager on your device – Head over to Google Settings, select Android Device Manager and enable both “Remotely locate this device” & “Allow remote lock and erase”.
3. Make sure you set up your device correctly by navigating to the Android device manager dashboard and verify your device appears in the dropdown menu of the connected devices.
Similar posts you might like:
5 Must Do Steps To Secure Your Google Account.
Takes Only 2 Clicks To Reveal All Your Hidden Passwords.
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