Find and reset lost Android smartphone

You can locate and reset not only an iPhone, but also a lost Android smartphone. We'll show you how it works.

Activate the location function under Android

The search for a lost or misplaced device, which has been possible for a long time with the iPhone, is now also fundamentally activated for androids. Since you can use it to locate and delete your smartphone remotely, you must first activate the function manually:

1. Open the "Settings" of your Android smartphone and tap on the "Security" category.
2. In the "Device management" area you will now find the "Device administrators" item.
3. In the following dialog, activate the option for the "Android device manager".
4. The next dialog explains which functions are possible with it. Confirm this with "Activate". Your smartphone is now ready.

Find and delete lost Android smartphone

1. Open the Android Device Manager website and log in to your account.
2. Here you can now locate your smartphone, play a sound, lock it with a code or have all data completely deleted.
3. Note that the functions are only available if the device is switched on and a SIM card is inserted.
4. Tip: Alternatively, you can locate and reset your smartphone using another Android device. Use the free app "Android Device Manager".

Alternatives: locate Android smartphone

• The Cerberus Android app offers additional features. In addition to the usual functions, you can even start a recording with the microphone from a distance to identify the thief.
• In addition to the Android function shown above, many manufacturers also provide their own anti-theft devices. Samsung (Find my Mobile), Motorola (Motorola Device Manager) and Sony (myXperia) have their own apps preinstalled.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to restore deleted files on Android.