Android Users Can Now Lock Down, Virtually Wipe Mobile Devices

Android users will finally have their own version of the iPhone’s popular Find My Phone application. Users will be able to download a new app that will work in conjunction with Google Play Services to help virtually lock, ring, erase, or locate an active device.

In August, Google launched the Android Device Manager, which allowed any user with an Android to locate their device with the click of a button. The device GPS coordinates and location would appear on Google Maps. Additionally, the app would allow for a remote wipe of the device if it was lost or stolen.

Although this new manager was a step in the right direction, it didn’t allow for users to simply lock the device or have it make a noise to see if the phone was just misplaced verses stolen.

Now, with a recent update, those two capabilities have been fixed. All you have to do is login to the management interface and you will see your phone and the date it was registered. Underneath the phone name will be the last time you located it using the system, where it was, and the last date it was used.

In addition, there are now three buttons located on the interface: ring, lock, and erase. The ring can allow for you to create a noise on the phone virtually. It’s almost like a “find my phone” alarm in case you just left it under your bed and can’t find it. The lock feature is really nice.

Regardless if your device is locked with a pass code, PIN, or other method, it doesn’t matter. The lock feature will shutdown access to the phone regardless of any security features you already have in place.

By locking down or doing a virtual wipe, you can minimize the risk of having your personal information stolen, misused, or stolen.

This new feature is available today through the Android Device Manager.