However, writing a new ROM to the device - or re-flashing the original ROM - will erase the tracking software.Īndroid Lost allows you to start tracking a device remotely, even if you never set up tracking software ahead of time. For example, Avast!’s Anti-Theft app can be installed onto the system partition if you have root access, so it will survive a factory reset. It discards any location data when you sign out.Īndroid also allows for third-party tracking solutions, some of which are more powerful. Android Device Manager also won’t monitor a complete history of a lost device’s movements - it only fetches the location of the device when you sign in. Unlike Apple’s solution, Android Device Manager will be wiped after a factory reset - a thief can reset your device and you won’t be able to track it down. You’ll see the location of the device on a map.
You must enable this feature on each Android device you own by launching the Google Settings app, tapping Android Device Manager, and activating it.Īfter it’s enabled, you can visit the Google Play website, click the gear icon, and select Android Device Manager.
RELATED: How to Find Your Lost or Stolen Android PhoneĪndroid’s built-in Android Device Manager allows you to track, lock, and wipe lost Android phones and tablets. You can also remotely wipe any iOS device or Mac if you have especially sensitive data stored on them. They won’t be able to boot any operating system without the password you set remotely. You can also remotely lock a Mac - the Mac will immediately shut down and the thief will have to enter a firmware password to boot it. Apple won’t activate iPhones and iPads if they’re marked as lost. This also survives a factory reset, so you can track and remotely manage an iPhone or iPad even if the thief resets it. When you put an iPhone or iPad into “lost mode,” iCloud will start tracking its movements over time so you can see a complete history. Whatever you think of Apple, their solution is the best.