Enabling remote phone tracking can have many benefits for both us and our device. If you accidentally lose your cell phone or it is stolen, remote tracking can help you locate and recover it. Another common reason for enabling this feature is our safety and that of our loved ones. In emergency situations, such as accidents or disappearances, a shared location can prove invaluable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate this feature.
For Android phones (example for Google – Find My Device)
- Make sure you’re connected to the internet and sign in to your Google account.
- Open your phone’s settings and go to the Google tab.
- Select “Find My Device”.
- Click the switch if it is not already enabled.
After completing these steps, you can check the location of your device using the application “Find My Device“, which is available in the Play Store, on this or any other Android device, or by visiting Find My Device and logging in to your Google account.
For iOS phones (Find My option)
- Make sure you’re connected to the internet and signed in to your Apple account on your phone.
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Select your name at the top of the screen to go to your Apple ID settings.
- Select “Find” or “Find My”.
- Make sure “Find My iPhone” is turned on.
After completing these steps, you can check the location of your device using the “Find” app on this or any other Apple device, or by visiting iCloud.com and selecting the “Find My iPhone” option.
- Lock the device “Lock iPhone” (“Activation Lock”). The option works regardless of the SIM card because the protection is built into the device and is linked to your Apple ID account. With this feature, even if the SIM card is removed or destroyed, the person who has your phone cannot activate it without entering your Apple ID and password.
- Display a message on your phone with information on how to return it (Lost Mode).
- Completely erase its contents (Erase iPhone).
- Play sound.
If your device is turned off, these commands will be executed as soon as your phone reconnects to the Internet.
Potential threats
Although locating your phone remotely has its benefits, there are a few aspects that are worth paying attention to.
Security
In the event of unauthorized access to your Google or Apple account, the intruder can track your location.
Security awareness tip:
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication mechanisms (MFA, 2FA).
Privacy
Enabling your location may pose a risk to your privacy if the applications that access this data are not reputable or have been infected or hacked. Data about your location may be used for marketing or other, not always ethical purposes.
Battery usage
Active use of the location function can significantly reduce battery life.
Out of date application
Remotely locating your phone is a technology that is also developing. Software manufacturers introduce updates that may improve the accuracy of the location function, the convenience of use and its security.
Security awareness tip:
Keep your software updated. You can be sure that you are using the most effective and safe options for locating your device.
No matter what device you use, remote locating is a feature that can increase the chance of finding your phone. It is worth considering its activation, even temporarily, and knowing its limitations.
