Has your mobile device gone missing and you forgot to install security software to track it?
Don’t worry, there are solutions to recover it, be it a tablet or a cell phone, that we’ll show you how to locate a phone in this post. Although we truly hope next time you don’t forget to install a security software app.
How Can I Find My Lost Android Phone With Find My Device?
Thanks to the GPS functionalities integrated on mobiles they are constantly delivering information about location and situation, but without an app to read it, it won’t be possible to get a registry of this data. But we live in the 21st century, where remote apps are rampant and mass links are everywhere, which is why, even if you can’t get the whole package, it is possible to at least learn where the device is.
Google is a smart company. There’s a reason why they’re one of the most valuable companies listed. Therefore, they thought ahead of time and developed the Android Device Manager, now known as Find My Device, a function that comes by default in all Android devices and where being online is all it takes to get location information.
How to Use Android Device Manager
To use Android Device Manager (ADM), all it takes is a computer to log into the Google account also linked to the cell phone or tablet and every 10 minutes you’ll receive a report with the location of your device. This feature is always on by default and all it takes it for the device to be on and connected to the Internet.
Having a computer isn’t mandatory, since you can just download the app on another Android phone and track the location by logging into your account.
But tracking the gps location isn’t everything the Android Device Manager can do. When you’ve already lost hope on recovering your device it’s possible to order a mass wipe of all information to protect the user’s privacy. While this feature must be turned on beforehand, it will save you more than one headache.
Although in the past there were more options that involved installing Apps via remote connection, Google changed this feature because of safety reasons, which is why installing Apps via remote connection isn’t possible, but users have found new ways.
How to Track Your Android Phone Using Google Timeline
Trendblog.net came up with new alternatives by thinking outside the box on how to track the location of your devices, which, while unorthodox, works as a last resource.
One of them is to use Google’s Timeline function, which is generally used to keep track of places visited in a timeline by checking the location with Google's account. But unlike ADM, Timeline doesn’t use GPS. Instead, it connects to 2G, phone antennas, and Wi-Fi networks to pinpoint a location, so it can work even if it is off.
Because of this format, it isn’t possible to obtain real-time reports, but you will be able to know the road your device is following and maybe even recognize a pattern and think of ways to find your lost device.
Brand-made tracking systems
Some mobile manufacturers have developed their own tracking software to track the location of their phones. Such as Samsung, who can track the device no matter the device, and even if it needs the Internet to work, they will usually deliver more precise information and will be a surefire alternative, since it comes with the device with no installation needed.
How to Find my Phone with IMEI/MEID Number
Don’t fall victim to the several scam apps and websites that claim they can track a phone with the IMEI number only. However, it can help you at least keep your phone data safe, but there is a process:
- Get hold of your IMEI/MEID number, if you can.
- Take it to the police and see if they can use it to help block the device.
- Contact your cell phone provider, who could also be able to work with that data and possibly block the device.
How to Find my Android IMEI/MEID Number Without Your Phone
- If you have your phone case, you can see it on the back of the packaging
- If you don’t have your case, you can call your provider and see if they can get it for you
The IMEI or MEID, together with the serial number, won’t help directly track the device. The same thing goes for apps that claim they can get a phone location by number only. Without direct access or connection to the cell phone at hand, the phone number won’t be useful at all.
Track Your Mobile Devices with Prey
These solutions are a start, but it’s better to have all your phones and laptops under a single app with GPS location tracking and WiFI triangulation you can access and use anywhere.
Get a Prey account, it can help you track, detect odd movements, see past locations, secure, lock, and protect your data. It’s more than the regular ‘Find my’ app, it’s anti-theft and online control panel for all your phones, laptops and tablets.
Get Your Device Back!
We truly hope you find your lost device, and we hope next time you’re facing this issue you’re ready with a security software that lets you watch real-time information, create reports for the police and even create Control Zones with instant alarms. Remember, better be ready with an advanced ‘find my device’ app and gps location tracking, than only with the IMEI number, or the phone’s number.
Nicolas Poggi is the head of mobile research at Prey, Inc., provider of the open source Prey Anti-Theft software protecting eight million mobile devices. Nic’s work explores technology innovations within the mobile marketplace, and their impact upon security. Nic also serves as Prey’s communications manager, overseeing the company’s brand and content creation. Nic is a technology and contemporary culture journalist and author, and before joining Prey held positions as head of indie coverage at TheGameFanatics, and as FM radio host and interviewer at IndieAir.