Develop Bugs

Track lost phone with GPS?

I know that Android based phones have applications where you can track your phone through GPS software should it ever get lost. Is there such an application for our phones? I'd hate to lose my phone that has GPS capability and not be able to find it. And the thought of losing it and someone else finding it, hack it, and use it for their own personal use would be very more irritating.
And I know that the Motorola CLIQ even has the capability to erase all your stored information on the phone should you lose it to prevent someone from hacking into the phone and retrieving your sensitive information. Again, is there any software for our phones also?

Im Packing said:
I know that Android based phones have applications where you can track your phone through GPS software should it ever get lost. Is there such an application for our phones? I'd hate to lose my phone that has GPS capability and not be able to find it. And the thought of losing it and someone else finding it, hack it, and use it for their own personal use would be very more irritating.
And I know that the Motorola CLIQ even has the capability to erase all your stored information on the phone should you lose it to prevent someone from hacking into the phone and retrieving your sensitive information. Again, is there any software for our phones also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprite Terminator:
http://store.spritesoftware.com/?page_id=280

Search the forum, there are already two threads on this subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=479257
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=469415&highlight=anti+theft

i personally prefer remotetracker.
i lost my phone b4. n it works fine. i able to track bak my phone.

[email protected] said:
Search the forum, there are already two threads on this subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=479257
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=469415&highlight=anti+theft
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always do use the "Search" function, but even with sifting through posts I didn't come across the two you listed. Thank you. Maybe I'm trying to be too technical with my searches...

Free web services (and Beta), with "Find" and "Erase" functions, among others:
www.flexilis.com
www.mobiwee.com

I just tried the Maspware GuardsMobile and ended up locking my phone up. It recommended disabling balloon pop-ups and a soft-restart. I allowed that then it gave me errors loading some related tracking.exe file. I tried to enter the default pin and it didn't work. Gave me 3 attempts. After the 3rd attempt the phone was locked! Searched around and came up with nothing. There's not even a guide explaining what happens.
So now I'm forced to reflash the phone and restore my PIM. I do not recommend this program for anyone with cooked ROMs.
I'm going to now play with Ultimate Theft Alert.

Can't find any command lines for Ultimate Theft Alert V35. I don't think I really like it a whole lot as some of the others...think I'll try my luck at Maspware GuardMobile again.

Ok, reinstalled GuardMobile. Activated it (fingers crossed). It recommended disabling the SMS bubbles again and a soft-reset. I let it and amazingly my phone didnt lock up this time when entering the demo password "1234".
I feel much more comfortable trialing this program than Ultimate Theft Alert as they list the commands on their website, and you don't get ANY commands list until you've purchased UTA. So without having any commands to trial the program I will not be purchasing UTA.
Time to play around with MaspWare GuardMobile now...

Ok, just tried to exit GuardMobile and I got the freaking error again!
"An unexpected error has occurred in GuardMobile_TS.exe.
Select Quit and them restart this program, or select Details for more information.
Luckily this time I didn't leave it active while testing. Reset phone and it works. But everytime I try and test the locate or monitor it fails to send SMS. Then I exit the program and it crashes. I'm going to uninstall and forget this program...AGAIN!

Sprite Terminator seems to work so far. Only exception is that I can't use the "Alternate GPS" It doesn't give me a lock on my position and comes up with all ZEROS. Going to keep playing with this.

Had you tried any of the web services I've posted?
They both work fine for me. And they are both free (at least, for now, at Beta stage...).

there's a program called WIMP, i havent tried it yet though

Sprite Terminator works, BUT when it intercepts the SMS code it doesn't text back.
vmiguel said:
Had you tried any of the web services I've posted?
They both work fine for me. And they are both free (at least, for now, at Beta stage...).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't tried them...yet, but I've already downloaded the programs and thank you for the suggestions.
moukun said:
there's a program called WIMP, i havent tried it yet though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wimp didn't work receiving SMS codes.

Do any of these programs have a "explode and burn the face off the thief who stole my phone" option?

illmurs said:
Do any of these programs have a "explode and burn the face off the thief who stole my phone" option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only in the professional edition.

illmurs said:
Do any of these programs have a "explode and burn the face off the thief who stole my phone" option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Flexilis have a "Scream" command, that will make the phone starts playing a rather anoying horn sound, for 30 seconds.
Handy to find a lost device, at least. And to get some atention on a stolen one, but the thief can just turn it off...

Kaspersky Mobile Security 8
Looks like no one has mentioned or tried this software yet.
I've already tried the 1 month trial version and then purchased a 1 year plan which I believe is worth every penny.
It's an anti virus, anti spam, sms and phone blocker and phone locater.
link:
http://www.kaspersky.com/kaspersky_mobile_security?thru=reseller=kmssidebanner3
Features:
Block access to contacts, photos or files on your phone if it is lost or stolen
Get the GPS location of a lost or stolen phone
Encrypt sensitive personal and business data
Remotely wipe your smartphone if necessary
Block unwanted calls and SMSs
Cybercrime and your smartphone
Stop cybercriminals hijacking your smartphone to make money
Block the sending of data to third parties
Prevent corruption of personal data
Hope this helps!

jpijper said:
Only in the professional edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vmiguel said:
Well, Flexilis have a "Scream" command, that will make the phone starts playing a rather anoying horn sound, for 30 seconds.
Handy to find a lost device, at least. And to get some atention on a stolen one, but the thief can just turn it off...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm might be at least a bit useful like you say - maybe a password to turn off sound will be better?

Well, they are in Beta, so accepting ideas and feature requests... why don't you send them an e-mail?
I'm going to give kaspersky a run, it sounds good.

Good Free Anti-Theft Apps?

Was using a freeware done by one of the guys here on WM Phones and a great piece of work.
Currently using the free version of F-Secure, have not really read the user manual, so not sure how it really works. I try to change SIM Card, the Apps only feedback the SIM is change and no SMS send to the Number I have pre-define. Is this because I did not turn on the GPS as required in order for the phone to send GPS coordinates via SMS? GPS location is only a plus, just send an empty SMS will be good enough if GPS is not on, because the SMS itself already let you know the thief's phone number.
Anyone uses F-Secure, am I missing something in my usage?
Anyone has other free Anti-Theft Apps that works on i9000?

i use wheres my droid good app. but doesnt get around the issue of if the gps is off it dosnt tell you locations.

Ok, thanks, will check it out.

The Galaxy S has a built in one
Settings -> Location and Security -> Mobile tracker
Arnon

yes but i cannot find any instructions on how to use the built in one and i dont believe it has gps tracking.. in addition the app i recommended has a fuction to ring loud when called from a certain number so you can find phone if you drop it somewhere.. (even if on silent) and also gps tracking if you leave gps on.

lgkahn said:
yes but i cannot find any instructions on how to use the built in one and i dont believe it has gps tracking.. in addition the app i recommended has a fuction to ring loud when called from a certain number so you can find phone if you drop it somewhere.. (even if on silent) and also gps tracking if you leave gps on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think mobile tracker on our phone has to do with Samsung Dive but I am not sure as I don't think it's fully implemented yet:
http://www.samsungdive.com/index.do
Click on: About.

lgkahn said:
yes but i cannot find any instructions on how to use the built in one and i dont believe it has gps tracking.. in addition the app i recommended has a fuction to ring loud when called from a certain number so you can find phone if you drop it somewhere.. (even if on silent) and also gps tracking if you leave gps on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the mobile tracker, you can also register an online account with Samsung, which allows you to remotely track the phone, wipe the contents etc. But yes, I agree that there's not much info available.

yes i tried to use the built in one .. .said i needed country code for number so
i put 1-areacode-number (i am in the u.s.) and still got the same error.

Try Prey. I also use it on my computers.
http://preyproject.com/
http://www.cyrket.com/p/android/com.prey/

The custom ROM comes loaded with Wavesecure which looks like the creme della creme of this kind of software but after I registered it told me it was just a trial

lgkahn said:
yes i tried to use the built in one .. .said i needed country code for number so
i put 1-areacode-number (i am in the u.s.) and still got the same error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you put +1 or just 1. I'm from Australia and just wrote +61[Phone number] with no hyphens, +61 being the country code for Australia. I'm fairly certain the leading plus is a requirement.

Lookout Mobile is good.
https://www.mylookout.com/
-bZj

down8 said:
Lookout Mobile is good.
https://www.mylookout.com/
-bZj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use Lookout Mobile - it also allows you to send a "scream" to your phone, which causes the phone to make a loud siren-like noise for about 2 minutes, which cannot be turned off by the person with the phone (unless they take the battery out, of course). I also use Anti Theft Droid...nothing like double the protection.

I use:
https://www.mobiledefense.com/
Free and great.

BAK2u .com?
I've used them when I was still using win 6.5.

you can only use the built in tracker if you're in the UK or Germany.
Anyone from there want to try it out and see how it is?

Best security app ever for the Nexus 7

Sorry for the shameless self promotion. But my Security app Root Defense has been thoroughly tested on the Nexus 7 and unlike any other security app out there, it will allow you to continue to track your phone even if it gets wiped or a hard-reset by a thief.
It's almost impossible to lose your phone and it's completely free.
It requires that your phone be rooted (as most peoples are on XDA)
Please try it out and rate and comment on Google Play if you like it.
The Google Play page can be found here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unfairware.rootdefense&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS51bmZhaXJ3YXJlLnJvb3RkZWZlbnNlIl0.
The XDA homepage can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775488

chetstriker said:
Sorry for the shameless self promotion. But my Security app Root Defense has been thoroughly tested on the Nexus 7 and unlike any other security app out there, it will allow you to continue to track your phone even if it gets wiped or a hard-reset by a thief.
It's almost impossible to lose your phone and it's completely free.
It requires that your phone be rooted (as most peoples are on XDA)
Please try it out and rate and comment on Google Play if you like it.
The Google Play page can be found here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unfairware.rootdefense&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS51bmZhaXJ3YXJlLnJvb3RkZWZlbnNlIl0.
The XDA homepage can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775488
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it try to connect to every available wifi network around it? Like if it's not connected after being stolen and detects a wifi network will it connect to it and send data?

atticusmas said:
Does it try to connect to every available wifi network around it? Like if it's not connected after being stolen and detects a wifi network will it connect to it and send data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but thanks for the suggestion. It currently caches data offline and as soon as a WiFi or cellular connection is made, the application uploads the data.

This is fantastic
Would it be possible to log which apps are used on the device?
I'm currently trialling Airwatch for a project I'm working on for a fleet of phones and tablets. From what I've tested so far, I'd like to recommend a switch to your solution.

Looks pretty cool. I just bought Cerberus, but would give this a go if I hadn't done that.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I'm still a fan of lookout
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

This looks very impressive!

What I want to know is HOW does it work??
Billy
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

looks like a good product. Will give it a try. Contrary to what you have said, other apps CAN survive a system reset or wipe of the phone. you can also embed Cerberus in the rom so that it survives a system reset and you can also hide it and make it look like a system app in the tasks list.
What i like about this product though is how it can track calls, and sms etc. Though this does obviously raise some privacy concerns with all this info being stored on a third party server.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 AM ----------
Jeepfreak, It embeds itself in the system so that it is treated as if it is a program that came with the phone or tablet. In effect, it injects itself into the rom of the phone (hence the need do root to install). this way out will still be they if you reset the phone.it will not survive the rom being replaced though i assume, which is the same limitation on other apps of this type.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Im a fan of lookout, had no problems but my trial is running out and not sure how good the free version is.

uberNoobZA said:
does obviously raise some privacy concerns with all this info being stored on a third party server
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd rather have my device stolen and wiped than trust a third party.
At £200 the N7 is almost disposable.

Looked at the title and thought... Avast... happy with it, and have no plans on losing something this big. I have mine in an auto on/off case. If the secret code isn't entered in 15 seconds, my N7 starts smoking and disintegrates.

New version just released, check our main thread for details.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775488
Version 3.1 released!
Change log includes:
* Fix for calls not being recorded bug
* Fix for auto-update can cause auto-uninstall of itself.
* Fix for phones not attaching after install
To ensure your auto-updater is working probably and you weren't affected by the auto-uninstall of program from update bug, please download the latest version from our first post or directly from the market.

Cerberus does the same and has longer history.....so many features....

maysider said:
Cerberus does the same and has longer history.....so many features....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't, Cerberus tries to save money by not having a database store your information. This is one of the major differences.
What this means to the end user is the following:
If your battery is dead or the phone is off, you cannot see where your phone was a little while ago or see any of your logs. The map will show the location of the last time you manually told it to check and logs will only pull if the device is on.
Root Defense Keeps a copy online and automatically updates background info. This means you'll be able to see where it was right before the battery died or was turned off. Also, all the logs would still be available to look at.
Another major difference is that Cerberus only sends a copy of your SMS or calls logs where Root Defense records them in real time. This is pretty major because if I have Cerberus on my kids phone and they call or text someone they shouldn't, they just have to delete the message of call log and Cerberus would never know. With Root Defense logs can't be wiped.

This is useless, unless your N7 is taken back to a wifi hotspot you have previously allowed it's not going to report back.
Nice idea but only useful for phones
If I stole a N7 the first thing I would do is wipe the rom.
This will only catch a complete idiot and you would be one too for letting your N7 out of your sight.
No security software of this type will be any good unless CWM finally gets password locking.
Shame on the OP for spamming his app when he's already got a dedicated thread for it.

hoosbude said:
This is useless, unless your N7 is taken back to a wifi hotspot you have previously allowed it's not going to report back.
Nice idea but only useful for phones
If I stole a N7 the first thing I would do is wipe the rom.
This will only catch a complete idiot and you would be one too for letting your N7 out of your sight.
No security software of this type will be any good unless CWM finally gets password locking.
Shame on the OP for spamming his app when he's already got a dedicated thread for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is pretty harsh, the OP can post anywhere it is appropriate.. and this is one of those places. Also, you overestimate the intelligence of criminals- half of the people on XDA can't flash a rom, why would a random criminal know how? How to go into settings and perform a full wipe maybe.. but that would leave the software on the device.
Eventually they will connect to internet.

Cerberus and avast (and other apps I am sure) can also survive wipe / hard reset. As long as the rom is not flashed, the app stays installed. Cerberus stores very little data which is why it has a once off cost only.
Different pricing models provide different services. At their core, all of these types of apps do pretty much the same thing, but let's try and stick to the facts when saying which can and which can't do things.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Security Apps

I recently thought I had lost my phone but I had just misplaced it at home. Because I had powered it off I was unable to locate it by making it ring and I thought it had been stolen.
Unfortunately, I hadn't set a lockscreen pin or installed a security app to help locate and control my phone remotely so my phone was totally unprepared for the situation.
I hurridly set about changing sensitive passwords using my laptop then I tried to remotely install a security app called "Android Lost" and when I eventually found my phone the app was automatically installed but did not work because it needs to be run and activated.
So, I have learned my lesson from this experience and I have now set a lockscreen password PIN and installed and registered "Android Lost".
Now if I really lose my phone I am not completely helpless and I will not power it off unless it is on charge.
I hope my experience acts as a warning to others who have not taken phone security precautions.

Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.

I think the app "Plan B" will work in that situation. Never tried before though.
Using "Wheres my droid" myself.

parker09 said:
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your informative reply. I've switched from "Android Lost" to Cerberus which looks better.

Cerebus, Android lost or where's my droid?

I tried Cerberus because of all the positive comments I had seen on xda. I can personally say it is by far the best one out there. I've used seek droid, where's my droid and nearly all of them but Cerberus just seems to do more
Sent from my Nexus 4

ltylty123 said:
I think the app "Plan B" will work in that situation. Never tried before though.
Using "Wheres my droid" myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plan B doesn't work on 4.0+
I use Cerberus.

parker09 said:
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I use Cerberus as well (got it for free quite some time back when the developer was having a "free for life" weekend special). Also, it's worth mentioning that once bought you can use it on up to 5 devices (which is great if you have multiple phones).
In addition to doing what is quoted above it also lets you do all kinds of things in the web interface. From locking the SIM to tracking the phone's location over a given time period to being able to pull up call and text logs. All of that in addition to the usual features of locating your phone (via GPS) and setting off an alarm (that is insanely, and occasionally scary, loud).
I highly recommend it to my friends and family members. Definitely think you should give it a go. If I hadn't gotten it for free I would gladly have paid for it. Never had to use it (beyond showing off its capabilities to people looking for a security app), but it gives me peace of mind knowing it just works (and does so after ROM flashing).
Also, if you have root and enable it as a device administrator it'll do quite a bit more. From locking your phone to remote wipes to uninstallation protection (of course a complete wipe from recovery will beat that, but there's only so much you can do or not do in that case).

I like the way Cerberus can take a picture of someone trying to crack the lock screen pin and email it. I wonder how difficult it is to get past a screen lock pin?

How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?

Lexus fan said:
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost no impact at all

Anyone using avast?

I just got my Nexus 4 and have yet to setup a security app. I used Prey on my last phone and it seemed pretty good. Anyone know how it compares to these other apps?

Lexus fan said:
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No impact at all. Since the app doesn't run until you manually send commands from the web interface. And even then the app doesn't really "run" per se. There's no visibility at all it's even there, minus the icon in the app drawer. (And you can even hide the app and make it so it's only accessible by dialing a certain code from the phone dialer.)

i want to install these 'lost my phone' apps but dont they really drain the battery and you have to turn on gps and location settings on? also if the thief who steals your phone will read up on how to reflash and wipe the phone? it will render these apps useless

I've been using Cerberus for some time now and it's absolutely perfect! Every part of it functions just as it's intended to and the app has practically no impact on battery life. Great stuff!

elbel86 said:
I just got my Nexus 4 and have yet to setup a security app. I used Prey on my last phone and it seemed pretty good. Anyone know how it compares to these other apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using prey, but thanks to this thread I just switched to Cerberus - much better deal, interface, and functionality - plus a couple extra features if rooted. Totally worth the USD4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

[Q] Lost GN3, Got New One. Dont want to Happen Again!

Leaving my GN3 in a cab sucked.
I want to make sure that I take every measure to prevent this from happening again - the best app to track it, scary message engraved on the case - ANYTHING that will help me hold onto this thing for longer this time. I had it for less than 5 months.
I am very open minded.

Remember those chain wallets from the 90s? Should find a case like that.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Karma will give the justice on your lost GN3.

noobtoob said:
Remember those chain wallets from the 90s? Should find a case like that.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. I gotta get one of these.
What is the preferred app for this kind of thing, something paid, or am I good with the Android Device manager?

GOTYA best app
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

GOTYA not bad, costs $3

chuko303 said:
GOTYA best app
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! Thanks I needed that

Avast Anti-Theft / Android Lost / Cerberus / Tencent Security are very good too.
And also there's an app that alerts you if the phone lost connection to a pre-set bluetooth device (for example your headset), unfortunately I don't remember the name.

If you got your phone on Jump it already comes with Lookout advanced for free.

There are a variety of accessories which go in your wallet or on a keychain that connect to the phone via Bluetooth LE. If your phone is separated from the Bluetooth device, then the phone and or the device will sound an alarm. This way you'll realize immediately when you are separated from your phone.
It's a more expensive option, but you can setup the same thing with pretty much any smartwatch.
---------- Post added at 12:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ----------
I'm not sure if it would require root, but I'm sure it would be possible to set it up so that upon losing the Bluetooth LE signal, the phone locks and immediately starts broadcasting it's location to a server. That would maximize your odds if recovery...
I know that lookout will ping the phone's location when it's battery is low. The great thing about Android is that pretty much anything you can think up is possible, so I'd be surprised if someone somewhere hasn't already setup exactly what I mentioned.

I use Lookout. It's found my phone more than once, and has a lot of great features, but you know Google has a phone finder built into Android, so I would use that by default. Just make sure it's enabled under Security, Device administrators, Android Device Manager. You can track/locate it from here: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager

I have avg mobile antivirus it has an anti theft feature that allows you to send yourself a text to lock phone you can log onto a web browser and track phone if someone replaces sim with new one it can be set to lock pjone and request pin to unlock it as well as sending you an email with sim card serial number and I think telephone number etc.. read up on it I installed it to each one of the phine in my home.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

avg security feature looks good

best bet is cerberus and intalled as a system app so if people do reset the phone the app wont get delete