Find your lost or stolen Android device and delete your personal data remotely with Google's Find My Device app.

Find your lost or stolen Android device and delete your personal data remotely with Google's Find My Device app.

Google's Find My Device tool, formerly known as Android Device Manager, helps you find a lost or stolen phone or tablet.

This tool works similarly to other location services like Lookout and Find My Mobile, from Samsung , but here you get an application specifically for Android devices. Here's how to start looking for Find My Device.

Enable settings

For most devices to work with Find My Device, you'll need to be signed in to your Google account online and have the Location feature turned on. Some phones have security features that may prevent the application's erase function from working. Just to be sure, if you have a newer Android device, go to Settings> Google> Security . Under the Android Device Manager sectionthe localization function should be enabled by default. To enable remote data erasure, touch the slider next to "Allow remote erase and erase."

On older devices you can go to theGoogle Settings app , and then tapAndroid Device Manager . To enable remote data erasure, tap the box next to "Allow remote factory reset", and touch Activate .

The 'Find My Device' board.

Google

To use Find My Device, go to the Play Store and install the Find My Device app on another device, either cell phone or tablet. There are several apps with a similar name, so be sure to download the one that says "Google Inc." As the developer.

Then sign in with your Google account.You may be asked to allow Find My Device to use your location data. Click OK and continue. Once you are logged in, a panel will appear that will show you where your phone is and various options:

• Location : The location of your Android device will automatically appear on the map, along with the battery level, information on whether your phone is connected and when it was last found.You can zoom in and out to see the location.
• Play a sound : Location data is an approximation and may not help you find out if it is hidden somewhere in your home. Instead of someone calling your phone to help you find it, you can choose to call your device from the application by pressing the Play sound option. This will cause your device to ring for 5 minutes at the highest volume, even if it is silent or in vibrate mode. To stop the ringer, touch the power button on your phone.
• Lock : The lock option can be useful if you want to lock your Android device so nobody can access your data while you try to recover your lost device. To lock your device, click Block. Enter your new password twice, add a contact number to anyone who finds your phone and tap the lock button. Once the command is sent to your device, it will be immediately blocked, even if it is being used.
• Delete device : If you think you have lost your device forever and want to force a factory reset to protect your personal data, choose Delete. This will erase all your applications, photos, music and settings from your device. If your device is disconnected when you send the delete command, it will perform the reset the next time it is online. Once your device has been deleted, you will no longer be able to access it from the application. Also note that a remote factory reset can not erase external SD memory cards.

Remember, if your device has been stolen, get in touch with the police and let them do their work. With Find My Device, your data is safe, so make sure you are safe too. Do not attempt to recover the device by yourself.