We continue to analyze how we can improve to maximise security and your enjoyment. of our Android device through the applications available for our smartphones and tablets. If we have previously talked about AntivirusNow we focus on those apps that allow us to find and recover our device when it has been stolen or lost.
Find My iPhone is an app that was added to iOS devices and was a really interesting new feature. On Android, we don't have anything official from Google. Sony does have an app for Xperia that's similar to this one. However, we do have apps with very similar characteristics.
Anti-theft protection built into Android
Android incorporates a collection of functions that help protect your device y your data If it's taken out of your hands, it gets lost or goes offline. These features are in Settings > Google > All the services > Anti-theft protection (the route may vary depending on the manufacturer).
Anti-theft lock (theft detection)
Uses AI and sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) to detect sudden movements associated with a robbery and automatically lock the screen if the phone was unlocked. To reduce false alarms, it may not activate if there is a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection or if the device has been locked several times in a short period of time.
- When the screen is already locked, Anti-theft lock does not act.
- If it is blocked by normal use, only unlock it and keeps using the phone.
Remote locking and offline locking
remote lock allows you to quickly lock your screen from android.com/lock with a verified number. Requirements: screen lock method, active SIM, verified number, active Location Tracker, and internet connection. If there's no internet connection at the time of blocking, it will be applied as soon as you return.
- The screen may be locked twice remotely within a 24-hour period.
- Locking the offline device automatically locks the terminal after being without Internet for a short period.
Identity verification and account protections
La Identity checks requires high-quality biometric data (depending on compatibility) to perform sensitive actions or account changes outside of trusted sites. Actions that may require biometrics include accessing the Google Password Manager, changing the unlock method, modifying biometrics, resetting to factory settings, disabling Locator or Anti-Theft Protection, viewing trusted sites, adding or removing accounts, and accessing developer options. Additionally, to protect your Google account, biometrics may be required when changing password or recovery methods.
Other useful built-in protections
Android adds additional layers of security To protect your data if someone tries to manipulate the system:
- Blocked due to failed authentication: After several failed attempts, the screen freezes.
- Protecting sensitive settings: Requires PIN/password or biometrics to change critical options (e.g., turn off Locator).
- Private space: Hide and organize apps in a separate area.
- SIM PIN: Prevents the use of your number on another phone; it is requested every time the SIM is turned on or moved.
- Notifications on the lock screen: Hide sensitive content so no one can read private information.
Use Locator (Find My Device)
If your device is stolen or lost and you have a Google account added, Locator is activated by default. From the web or app you can see location, block it, log out and, as a last resort, delete the data. Check that the location adjustment and Locator are enabled in advance.
Good practices that make a difference
- Use a strong PIN/password (6+ digits or a unique password). Even if you have biometrics, keep it secure.
- Configure biometrics (fingerprint/facial) for convenience and security.
- Fixed screens When lending your phone: Limit usage to a single app until you enter your PIN.
- Check security settings In sensitive apps (banking, payments, social media): add your own PIN, biometrics, and 2FA; consider access keys when your service offers it.
- Create regular backups and know your IMEI (Settings > About phone) in case your carrier or the police request it.
Advanced Protection (enhanced mode)
When activating Advanced Protection In Settings (device and account security), Android enables additional defenses: Play Protect Cannot be disabled, app installation is blocked of unknown origins, is activated MTE In compatible apps, the Anti-theft lock and the offline lock, protections are enabled against spam and unsafe links in Messages and Secure browsing on Android/Chrome, plus network improvements (such as avoiding networks 2G on supported devices) and call controls (call identification and screening). A device restart may be required to activate or deactivate this mode.
Anti-theft apps: our classic and alternative options
Prey
Prey is a well-known Anti-Theft application. Once installed, we have to create a new account to later control the device from a computer. One of the most useful features is to be able to activate the alarm through an SMS, as well as deactivate it. This can be extremely interesting when our mobile has been stolen a moment ago or has just disappeared. In addition, we can locate where it is and even block it. Prey is a free application and is available at Google Play. And the best thing is that we can activate a camouflage mode, so that the person who stole it from us doesn't know that we have an application that can even locate them.
Locate my Droid
This app is extremely simple. Just install it on your Android device, launch it once, and it will automatically start storing your data. our position Send them. But don't worry, because the goal is to be able to locate the device after it's lost. No further steps are required. You do, however, need to have a Google account, something you almost certainly have, since it's the one you'll need to use to access the program from a computer and locate your smartphone or tablet. It's free and available on Google Play.
Plan B
This app is only compatible with devices with an operating system prior to Ice Cream Sandwich. However, it has a feature that makes the app unique, and that is precisely what gives it its name. All of the apps we'll find must be installed first. However, this one doesn't need to be installed, as it will allow us to locate our smartphone even if we lose it before installing it. We only have to follow a few steps. First, we install the Plan B app from the website, which requires having a Google account enabled. Afterwards, Plan B will automatically launch on the smartphone and send the phone's location to the Gmail accountTo find the phone's location again after that, we'll have to send an SMS to the phone with the word "locate," which will prompt it to send the email with the location again. It's available for free on Google Play.
Other alternatives to consider
- Google Locator (formerly Device Manager): Locate, ring, lock, and erase; integrated with your account.
- Bitdefender Anti-Theft: SIM change alerts and SMS controls (part of your mobile security suite).
- Cerberus: Advanced features such as hide icon, intruder photos, and extended remote control.
- Lookout: Mobile security with suspicious event alerts and backup.
With native Android protection enabled, a strong locking method, and reliable anti-theft apps, you raise the bar probability of recovery and, above all, you minimize the exposure of your dataSetting up these layers takes just a few minutes and can make all the difference when every second counts.
