Life is unpredictable, and no matter how very careful you are, losing track of your Android device is a fair possibility. Though thanks to many-many advancements, you can not just track your device but can remotely lock it or erase it for safekeeping. While you can track an iPhone using Find My, can we track and locate lost Android devices from iPhone?
Well!! Of course, you can. The App Store is brimming with tracking apps, including some great parental control apps for iPhone that can track connected Android phone. However, almost all come with a massive restriction, that the app should be pre-installed in that device and should have location access.
Though how many of us have a pre-installed tracking app? So how can be track Android phone in this scenario? Well, Google has a straightforward and yet trustworthy answer.
How to Track and Locate lost Android Phone from iPhone
Quite similar to iPhone’s Find My app, Google has a Find My Device app for Android devices. Though unlike other apps, this one does not necessitate having the app on the lost (to be tracked) device. The service uses the Google ID registered with the Android phone and tracks its whereabouts accordingly.
Apart from tracking and locating the phone, Find My Device carries several essential features. First and foremost, it gives information such as the device name, its battery, and the network name (cellular or wi-fi). Additionally, the device’s IMEI number, last active status, and other such information are also available.
As part of security features, you can send a ring on the device, remotely lock the phone and erase all the data. Though to enable these features, an Android device must have an active Google account and Find My Device enabled. The feature is auto-enabled in most android devices, to check the status go to Setting → Security → Find My Device.
Quick Access:
- Track Android Phone from iPhone Using Find My Device
- How to Remotely Check IMEI Number of Android iPhone
- How to Remotely Ring Android Phone Using iPhone
- How to Remotely Secure Android Device from iPhone
- How to Remotely Erase Data from Android Device Using iPhone
Track Android Phone from iPhone Using Find My Device
Find My Device is an Android app, and thus you cannot install on your iOS devices. However, you can operate the service via its website, quite similar to when you are tracking your iPhone form an android phone; here’s how:
Step #1. Open Safari or any other browser on your iPhone.
Step #2. In the address bar enter google.com/android/find.
Step #3. Enter the Google ID active on your device and tap on Next.
Step #4. Now enter your Password and tap on Next again.
Step #5. You will see the main device page that has a map, device information, and other options.
Step #6. Tap on Location tag on Map. In a new window or Maps app will be open up, with the coordinate information of the Android device.
Step #7. Tap on Directions, if you want the route to the device location.
While tracking a stolen device, it is advisable to involve local authorities before you venture out to catch the thief. After all, you did your part in monitoring the phone, let them do there’s by getting it back.
Limitation:
- No GPS: If the GPS of the android device is off, then you won’t be able to trace the phone
- If 2-Step Verification is enabled: when you activate this feature, Google sends a verification code on your registered device, whenever you log-in from a different device. Since the device itself is missing, the user is terribly stuck. However, if the user has Google backup codes or a trusted device, they can surpass the issue and track their device
How to Remotely Check IMEI Number of Android iPhone
The International Mobile Equipment Identity(IMEI) encrypts a lot of information about your device, from its warranty to hardware/software specifications. In case of a theft, the IMEI could be used to track and block your device by the legal authorities. But what if you don’t remember such information about your device, here’s how to retrieve IMEI number via Find My Device:
Step #1. Once you have logged in to google.com/android/find, tap on ‘i‘ button next to your device’s name on the primary device page.
Step #2. A popup will show your Android device’s – IMEI, First registered, and Last seen.
This section also avails information about when was the device last online, allowing you to check the status of your stolen or lost device.
How to Remotely Ring Android Phone Using iPhone
A convenient feature, especially when you are in the habit of forgetting your device anywhere and everywhere. Find My Device enables you to remotely call an android device.
Step #1. Once you have logged in to google.com/android/find, tap on Play Sound on the main device page.
Step #2. The screen will slide into calling mode and ring your Android device.
Limitations:
- No Sim: This feature is rendered useless when the sim is taken out, replaced, or has no network connection. So, this is an excellent option if you have lost your phone, but not so much if it’s stolen
How to Remotely Secure Android Device from iPhone
This feature allows you to remotely lock the android device so that no one can use it. Once activated, the device will be closed, and the lock screen will show a recovery message(if provided) and a call owner sign. The device remains locked until the call is made, even if it is restarted several times.
Step #1. Tap on Secure Device on the main device page.
Step #2. Enter a Recovery message, a Phone number where you can be reached and tap on Secure Device.
Step #3. Your android device will be locked, showing the following screen.
Additionally, all app notifications are hidden during this time. So, no one can access any message, email, or notification received during this time. Notably, the screen cannot be locked if the device is offline. However, as soon as the device comes online via cellular or Wi-Fi network, the screen will be locked. It will be locked until the call is made.
How to Remotely Erase Data from Android Device Using iPhone
While losing a phone is painful and upsetting, the repercussions of a data breach can be quite disastrous. This is why Find My Device has smartly incorporated this feature. This will completely wipe off any trace of your personal data or information and factory reset.
Step #1. Tap on Erase Device on the main device page.
Step #2. Confirm the action by clicking on Erase Device and follow the onscreen instructions.
Similar to the Secure device, this feature will not work if the device is offline. However, as soon as the device comes online via cellular or Wi-Fi network, the screen will be locked. It will be locked until the call is made.
That all for now!!
Undoubtedly, the service has its own set of restrictions, but almost all other apps carry a similar set of limitations. Additionally, who would want a random app eating memory in preparation of an unfortunate event. And while it is good to be prepared these tracking apps do have an added risk of privacy and data breach. How well can you trust a third-party app that remains dormant on your device always? This is why I advice Find My Device to keep your phone and data safe.
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Have you tried these any device tracking yet? Do share your experience with us on the matter in the comments section below.
Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.