What is device management on Android. How to find a lost or stolen Android phone. How to find a lost phone through a computer

30.03.2016

Android Device Manager(ADM) is an application and service that allows you to remotely control a smartphone on the Android operating system. A.D.M. can also be used to locate a lost mobile device to determine its location.

By launching the utility, the user can find out the exact location on the map where his phone or tablet is located. It is possible to ring the device (the loud ring will last up to 5 minutes), delete all data, and also reset the PIN code set on the lock screen. The latter is not recommended if you lose your Android smartphone.

Android Device Manager available as mobile application in the Play Market, as well as in the form online service from Google. The interface is implemented simply and clearly, so everyone can master it.

If you are already using a remote control and search application on your mobile device, you are probably interested in knowing where downloadAndroid Device Managerto computer.

Full program Android Device Managerfor computer does not exist, and there is hardly any need for it, since PC users can do all the necessary manipulations to search for and remotely control a smartphone or tablet directly through online service , which is absolutely identical to the mobile application.

Installation Android Device Managerto computer via emulator

Another use case Android Device Manager on the computer– this is installing an application in an emulator environment, which you can learn more about from . In this case, you will have the same mobile application, with the same functionality and interface as on a smartphone, only on your computer monitor, and can be controlled with a mouse and keyboard.

If this option suits you, download and install (all information is on ) and configure it.

1. Launch, go to the Android tab and click on the search icon.

1. Enter the name of the application you want to install: Android Device Manager.

1. Click on the application icon.

1. In the window that appears, click " Install", confirm your actions and wait until the application is installed in the emulator environment.

1. Now you can run Android Device Manager. Authorization will be required.

That's all, now you know where downloadAndroid Device Managerto computer and how to install it. Let us remind you that the application interface for searching and remotely controlling an Android device is absolutely identical to that in the mobile application.

Basically, you can't be safe anywhere. The same goes for your phone. It happens that someone stole your phone, and it happens that it was lost or left somewhere by someone, and the person who finds it wants to keep the device. In such a situation, it all depends on your luck, although for many people having a phone is not that important. The main thing for them is that the contents and data from their phones do not fall into the hands of other people.

Google, like Apple, has come up with its own method to keep your phone under control and find out its location if your Android phone is lost. This method is expressed in a service called Android Device Manager. This service must be activated on your account and device in order to use it to find out where your phone is located and to control the information contained in this phone.

What functions does Android Device Manager perform?

1. Remote location tracking.

When an Internet connection via Wi-Fi or data network is active on a device, Android Device Manager will be able to remotely track the location of such a device. Note that the location accuracy in this case is limited (this depends on the network and the quality of the GPS). Android Device Manager is also capable of displaying information about when the device was last online.

2. Activate the device's ringer.

This feature is useful not only for stolen devices, but also for those people who know for sure that their device is in the house, but cannot find it. Using Android Device Manager, a user can call their device and the device will beep for 5 minutes until you find your electronic friend and turn it off.

3. Remote blocking.

In our opinion, remote locking is very convenient when the person who stole or found your device has limited knowledge and is trying to find a way to reset the device or delete your information. With Remote Lock, you get a new lock screen and your current lock screen is replaced with a passcode lock.

You can also install a Recovery message on your phone, and it, being in the hands of the person who took possession of it, will start beeping, so that such person can return the phone to you.

4. Remote data deletion.

This feature on your device can perform a factory reset. All data will be deleted - applications, photos, music and settings. Our advice to you: think carefully before doing this, because if the data is deleted, Android Device Manager will no longer function.

If any information is located not on the phone, but on the SD card, it will be saved, since Device Manager can only delete data from the device’s internal memory.

We remind you: in order for you to be able to do everything mentioned above, your phone must be connected to the Internet and your Google account.

Not long ago, the editor of one of the major technical publications lost her iPhone smartphone, in which the Find My iPhone function works in a similar way. While this woman was trying to find out the location of her phone, she also started calling it to check if anyone had the device nearby. Eventually, she found her device. By the way, Android Device Manager works very similarly.

The only drawback of Android Device Manager is that it does not keep track of the phone's location history - only the last location of the device is displayed. Location data is deleted when you close Android Device Manager.

How to configure Android Device Manager?

Using the Google Account you use on Google Play, sign in to the Device Manager website. Select "Setting up blocking and deleting data." Next, you must select the “Send” option so that the manager sends notifications to smartphones that are associated with your Google account. This account will notify you and ask you to enable Device Manager.

If you have multiple devices, you can name each one by selecting the phone and then clicking the Edit icon.

Can I use Device Manager controls from my Android phone?

Yes, it's possible. There is an app available on the Play Store that you can download to your Android phone to control any of your other devices. The options are almost similar to those that can be found on the Internet.

If you want to take control and know the location of your friend's device, then select the "Guest" option and have your friend log into his Google account - the one he used on his lost phone. The subsequent steps are similar to those described above. We will also add that if you have not logged out of your friend’s account yourself, then this account will automatically close after 5 minutes of inactivity.

My lost Android phone had no internet connection. Can I control him in such a situation?

Unfortunately no. Device Manager only works if the Internet is turned on. If the Internet is turned off, then you will not be able to manage your phone or delete any data on it.

I hid my phone on Google Play. How can I control it?

First, you need to open Settings in Google Play, and then change the visibility of your phone. Select the lost phone and next to its name, check the box “Display in menu” - thanks to this, such a phone will be displayed in the Device Manager sector. If this phone is hidden here, then you will not see it in Device Manager.

Of course, there are other, better applications that require only SMS to be sent for certain control functions, but if the Internet was turned on on your phone before it was lost, then this is more beneficial in relation to some functions, for example, phone dialing - if you are sure that your device is still somewhere near you and you lost it just a few minutes ago.

By the way, Google has this statement: “If you are sure that your device has been stolen, contact law enforcement. Do not attempt to return your device yourself."

The search giant Google is committed to protecting the safety of its customers. Now it has become easier to determine the location of a lost or stolen device using a search engine. This article will focus on the Android Device Manager application from Google.

This is a real godsend for users who often forget where they put their device. The service will also be useful in case of loss or theft, as it helps determine the location of the device.

Application Features:

• Effective search. It is enough to set the ringer on your phone to maximum volume, and finding your lost device will not be difficult. This option will be appreciated by users who put their smartphone on silent mode while working in the office so as not to be distracted by calls from friends.
• Find your smartphone's location on the map. For example, if your phone is stolen or lost, you can quickly delete all data from it so that it does not fall into the hands of third parties. In this case, the device must be associated with a Google account.

How to use the program

To use the Android Device Manager application, you will need a device with the Android operating system installed, a Google+ account and the latest version of the browser. Follow these instructions:

In conclusion

It may not always be possible to return a stolen or lost phone, but with the help of Android Device Manager you will always be able to block the device and delete personal data, which sometimes matters much more than the material value of the gadget.

There is a program on Android that is little known, but extremely useful - Android Device Manager. Few people have heard of it, but users who regularly lose their smartphone will like the program. The application is designed to search for a mobile phone, increase data confidentiality and obtain expanded information about the gadget. The program is an alternative to remote access. The owner can remotely connect to the smartphone to find it, block it, send a message to the finder, or delete confidential data.

Android Device Manager - find phone

Device Manager is a utility for obtaining remote access. To work, two parts of the application are required: one application is on the monitored device, and the second is the control program. You can use the website to monitor the program.

Some manufacturers of Android smartphones install the application along with the operating system. Before installing the program, it is better to check its presence in the gadget. If such a tool is not installed, you can install the program yourself. Even a novice user will find it easy to install and operate the utility.

Setting up Device Manager

Android Device Manager will only be able to find a phone from a computer if the program has been previously installed on the smartphone. With this application, Google has taken care of the security of personal data on your smartphone even in the event of loss or theft. If the program has been installed and there is a password, the user can initiate the launch of the utility and launch the corresponding functions.

To work with the application, follow simple steps to use the site, but initially you should activate remote access:

1. To do this, go to the “Settings” application and in the “Security” category select “Device Administrators”.
2. Activate the "Unknown sources" function.

1. Check the box next to “Remote control”.
2. After familiarizing yourself with the functions of this feature, confirm your desire to enable remote control with the “Activate” button.

1. You can close settings and return to the main menu.

In many modern smartphone models, remote control is already active; manipulation may not be necessary. If, after going to the appropriate section, the user sees that the function is active, he should immediately move on to the next point.

Using Device Manager

A device search will be required in the event of a simple loss of a phone when a person cannot find it at home. If the reason for the search was theft, the developers do not recommend finding the smartphone on your own; the data is transferred to law enforcement agencies.

Important! It is possible to find a phone only if it is online, otherwise the data will be unavailable. Attackers often turn off GPS and the Internet or reset all settings, then it will be impossible to find the phone.

Most thieves are not professionals, and therefore most likely do not know about the presence of the program. It is important to act as quickly as possible before the smartphone is in the hands of criminals and the settings are not deleted. A quick search immediately after discovering a loss is the best way to find a stolen smartphone.

The application is also very useful in everyday life, as it helps to find a gadget. A person will be able to find out the location of the device and locate the device faster.

To search, the user should:

1. Go to page " Android Control" If there are several devices, you should find the appropriate gadget in the drop-down list.

1. Click on the “Define locations” button.
2. After searching, which takes a few seconds, a map will appear with a marker and information about the last place you accessed the network.

Important! The service does not guarantee the accuracy of the information received. To improve the quality of data, it is recommended to install GPS navigation in the gadget. The function will help to relatively accurately identify the location.

There is another convenient function for searching - “Ring”. It should be used if you are sure that the smartphone is nearby and you can hear the call. The phone will start ringing for 5 minutes at maximum volume, enough time to identify the attacker and find the phone.

It is likely that the smartphone was lost and an honest person found it. In such a case, you can use the send message function. A special message will appear on the locked screen, here you can enter your address, phone number or other contact information.

Algorithm of actions:

1. To send a message, use the “Block” button on the same page.

1. In a new window, enter the unlock password, message and phone number.
2. As soon as the smartphone is turned on, the information will be displayed on the screen.

The function will allow you to be found without having to look through your personal records.

If all hopes of finding the smartphone have been lost and you have to say goodbye to the phone, the user has one more trump card - clearing personal data. This will help protect against hacking of personal accounts and their use by criminals. To reset, go to the page " Remote control" and click on the "Clear" button.

Important! Please note that the procedure will not erase the data on the memory card; therefore, it is better not to store important data on it.

Even after losing a smartphone, it is possible to return it using the Device Manager program. Don't waste time and start searching, as time is working against you.

If you still have your smartphone with you, then there are a few things you should do to make your life easier when “time X” comes. Let's consider the necessary actions for owners of Android smartphones and iPhones.

Android smartphone

Many manufacturers of Android smartphones equip them with their own tools for searching and remotely managing devices, but for several years now there has been a proprietary solution from Google - “Find My Device”.

This function is enabled in the system settings, in the “Security” section, where you need to allow remote control.

In addition, enable geodata transfer in the settings. Without it, you won't be able to find your lost device.

Be sure to also enable a PIN or other screen lock to protect your privacy. Otherwise, mail, messages, photos, social networks and a lot of other information that is not intended for prying eyes can be read like an open book.

If a good person finds your smartphone, then, knowing your contacts, he will be able to return it to you. To do this, in the security settings you need to set a message with contact information, which will be displayed on the lock screen in case of loss.

iPhone

The search function for Apple devices appeared much earlier. It's now available on every iPhone and offers greater search and blocking capabilities.

You can go looking for an iPhone armed with the Find iPhone app or the web version of iCloud.

Both services allow you not only to find, but also to remotely block your smartphone or erase all data on it, blocking access to applications, contacts, payment information, and so on. This is the last thread connecting you with your lost gadget.

To begin with, you can try to search for a smartphone by sound signal, using the “Ring” function for an Android device or “Play sound” for an iPhone. But this only makes sense if you know the approximate location of the loss. Otherwise, you will only waste precious battery power.

If the search was unsuccessful or was successful, but not for you, but for someone else, you need to block your Android smartphone or put your iPhone in lost mode. This will allow you to block access to your information and provide your contacts. Perhaps your phone fell into the hands of a person who at that moment is just looking for a way to contact you.

The most extreme measure you can take is to completely clean your smartphone. It’s worth resorting to to protect your data if you still can’t find your smartphone. This can be done remotely, even if the gadget is completely discharged - the changes will take effect the next time you turn it on.

After this, the scenarios for iOS and Android are slightly different. In both cases, you will lose access to remote control of your smartphone, but if after this you can safely use your Android gadget, then no one will be able to turn on your iPhone without the login information for your Apple ID due to iCloud activation blocking.

How to protect your data without access to your smartphone

If you haven’t managed to set up remote control of your smartphone and haven’t protected it with a password or Touch ID, then you need to disable your email, social networks and other accounts as soon as possible.

Facebook, VKontakte, Twitter, Gmail and other services allow you to view active sessions open on your other devices and log them out remotely. For example, in your Google account settings, you can view all the devices you've recently used and delete any of them. The same thing can be done