Using Android Device Manager

Most people have heard of the "Find My iPhone" function Apple rolled out years ago, but did you know Google provides similar functionality for Android devices?

It's called "Android Device Manager" and if you're not using it with your android devices you should be.

Android Device Manager (ADM) is more than just a safety net for your devices (although it is that too), it can be a handy service to have if you've misplaced your phone while it's on silent, as you can make it ring regardless of the silence setting.

In addition to helping you dig the phone out of the couch, ADM has a few features which make it a must-have for all android devices.

You can remote lock your device and display a message on the home screen. This is handy if you need to secure the phone contents, and want to try and communicate with whoever has found the device.

You can provide a phone number for someone to reach you at if they want to help return the phone. It's rare, but it does happen.

You can remote-wipe the phone. This option removes all personal data and account settings, ensuring no one will be able to digitally snoop on your device.

To check if you have ADM enabled on your device open it's "Settings" app and go to the "Security" tab.

In the Android Device Manager area ensure "Remotely locate this device" and "Allow remote lock and erase" are set to on/allow.

To access ADM from a computer open a browser and go to google.com/android/devicemanager You may need to log in to your Google account to access ADM.

Another way to access the functionality of ADM is to open Chrome and type "Find my phone" in to the search box.

Both methods will provide you the functionality to remotely secure or wipe your device(s).

When you log in to ADM it will locate your device(s) on Google maps, usually within 20m accuracy.

ADM is free, and for the piece of mind it offers there really is no reason not to enable it.

Happy surfing!

The Home Geek