Know Your Mobile India shows you top 10 ways in which you can track your stolen or lost mobile through apps and IMEI number
UPDATE
Google has recently introduced a app to locate and manage lost Android devices. The app named Android Device Manager will be rolled out by the end of August. However some of the users worldwide have spotted the app. You can check the availability of the app on your device by:
1.Going to Settings
2. Selecting Security section and then Device Administrators
3. If the service is available for your device, there will be a check box labeled Android Device Manager
4. If you can see the box, check the box and click the activate button
5. Once installed, the Android Device Manager function will show up as an option in the Settings menu under Security and Device Administrators
Make sure to install this app on your devices. If you don't see the app yet, don't worry that roll-out will be happening in phased manner and should reach you soon.
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The mobile theft in India has been on a rise and given the fact that more and more swanky phones are arriving in the market, these numbers are only bound to increase. Over the past few days we have had several of our readers ask us about ways in which they can track their stolen or lost phones.
First of the bat always remember to write your IMEI number ( more details below) and download apps that help you track your phone via either sending you pictures of the pick-pocketer or tracking your phone's GPS. It is also important to have a remote wiping facility so that your personal details don't fall into the wrong hands.
Know Your Mobile India bring you the best apps that increase your chances at finding your lost or stolen phone or tablet.
1. IMEI
Every smartphone has a unique IMEI number assigned to it and you can access it by dialing *#06#. Once your phone's 15-digit IMEI number is displayed, write it down and keep it safe for future reference. You can also retrieve the IMEI number by removing the battery. It is usually listed on a white sticker along with the phone's serial number.
When you lose your handset, you will need to launch a FIR with the police, attaching a copy of the IMEI number with it. Then give a copy of this to your service provider who can track the phone based on its unique ID number and meanwhile block the handset so that it cannot be used by anyone else. IMEI number helps to tracks the handset, even when the SIM is changed or the SIM card is not activated. Once the phone is traced, the police should be able to retrieve it.
2. Avast! mobile security
This free invisible security app brings twin security measures for your handset by providing - a mobile antivirus and mobile tracking/controls solution. What is great about the app is that its anti-theft component is invisible to thieves, and provides remote options (via web portal or SMS commands) for locating and recovering your phone. Time to say goodbye to 'lost' phones.
Download Avast! Free Mobile Security
3. Mobile chase-location tracker
This is another handy app to track your stolen or lost phone. This app checks when the pick-pocketer changes the SIM card and sends a a SMS in 5 minutes from the new SIM number to your number, which has been stored in the application. The SIM contains GPS location data or current location code to aid in trace.
Download Mobile Chase-Location Tracker
4. Thief tracker
This one is our favorite. With Thief tracker app, you get to catch the 'thief' red handed. Any unsuccessful attempt to unlock your mobile will trigger this app to snap a picture from front camera and send you an email without the user even knowing it. However the app has some limitations - like it does not wipe data and an unsuccessful attempt is considered only when 4 dots in the pattern are selected.
Download Thief Tracker
5. Smart look
This software also clicks the pictures of the 'thief' - in fact three of them and, immediately e-mails it to you. It also comes equipped with a GPS continuous tracking system which is linked to the google map and also assists in tracing your lost or stolen phone.
6. Anti- theft alaram
You will love this app. Simply activate the alarm and leave your phone on the table or wherever and if someone moves your phone an alarm will sound. The alarm will only stop after entering a PIN. Those with sticky fingers, beware!
Download Anti-theft Alarm
7. Kaspersky mobile security
Another popular app that provides anti-theft defense, allowing you to block, wipe or find your missing phone. You can also easily filter unwanted SMS texts and calls. Plus, Anti-Virus Lite with cloud-based security scanner alerts you to potentially malicious apps before they can harm your phone.
Download Kaspersky mobile security
8. Lookout security and antivirus
This free app houses a slew of features to protect and trace your phone. After downloading the app, you will be able to find your phone on a Google Map instantly from Lookout.com, sound a loud alarm or make your phone SCREAM to find it even if it’s on silent and automatically see your phone's last known location. That's not all, in addition this app provides remotely lock and date wipe out facility. It also offers a lookout premium coverage for a small monthly fee for more stringent security.
Download Lookout security and antivirus
9. Trend Micro mobile security & antivirus
Ranked as one of the top selling security app, Trend Micro mobile provides free antivirus with a premium version which includes privacy scanning, web and contact filtering, parental controls and anti-theft features. You can avail a 30 day free trial to test various features like:
--Privacy scanner warns you of apps that potentially steal your information
--Surf, Call, Text Security keeps you and your kids safe by avoiding unwanted contact and content
--Lost Device Protection includes anti-theft features that let you find, lock and wipe a missing device.
Download Trend Micro mobile security & antivirus
10. Plan B, Lookout mobile security
Well if plan A doesn't work, you don't need to fear, there is always Plan B. This 'find my phone' app is the only app that you can download even after you have lost your phone. Using 'Plan B' requires access to the Android Market website and your Google account. After you install it, Plan B will start locating your phone using cell towers and GPS. On some phones, Plan B can switch GPS on automatically. Your location will keep updating for 10 minutes, and you will get an email each time it is located, whether the phone is moving or standing still. Information is also sent via SMS.
Download Plan B, Lookout mobile security
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