Develop Bugs

[Q] Best app to track lost phone?

Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.

Just me but I use the one that comes with 'Kaprasky Security', it is very accurate in my country of Canada so just try that or wait for other responses
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

Cerberus is by far the best.

This is what I use and is the best and has lots features highly recommend.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.myboyfriendisageek.gotya
Sent from my GNex {GSM} T-Mobile

RogerPodacter said:
Cerberus is by far the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this. No monthly or annual fees. Just pay $4 one time and it covers up to 5 devices.
Here's some of the features:
It has three ways to protect your device:
- Remote control through the website www.cerberusapp.com
- Remote control via text messages
- SIM Checker (for devices that have a SIM card): you will automatically receive alerts if someone uses your phone with an unauthorized SIM card
Remote control allows you to perform many operations on your device, like:
- Locate and track it
- Start a loud alarm, even if the device is set to silent mode
- Wipe the internal memory and the SD card
- Hide Cerberus from the app drawer
- Lock the device with a code
- Record audio from the microphone
- Get a list of last calls sent and received
- Get information about network and operator the device is connected to
- And much more!
Cerberus automatically enables GPS if it is off when you try to localize your device (only on Android < 2.3.3) and you can protect it from unauthorized uninstalling - more info in the app configuration.
The app works even if the device does not have an internet connection thanks to remote control by sms messages. Also, the SIM Checker feature allows you to know the new number to send texts to, if the SIM card is changed. Texts received and sent for Cerberus remote control will not start any notification and will not appear in the Messages application.
Cerberus does not drain the battery because there is no background service running: it will activate only if there is a remote control request and will stop afterwards.
More features for rooted devices: complete uninstall protection (a thief will be able to delete Cerberus only by flashing another ROM), GPS auto-enabling even on Android > 2.3.3. More info on the website in the Help section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check it out.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5sc2Ryb2lkLmNlcmJlcnVzIl0.

ddpacino said:
Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Lost can do everything you want and more. Best of all, no fees!

GreatBigDog said:
Android Lost can do everything you want and more. Best of all, no fees!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that to find my wife's phone. Did a remote install too as I didn't have it on the device. .. Amazing.
I've heard a lot about Cerberus, but it needs to always be running on your device from what I can see. Can you remote install and configure it only when you need it? If not, that's a pretty dangerous app to allow basically all functions of your phone to be accessed online...

I use avast! Mobile Security. You can install the application and then enable Anti-Theft. Once it's set-up and installed, you can uninstall avast! Mobile Security. (I'm unable to provide links, but they have a webpage that describes the necessary steps better.)
You can then use a bunch of different commands via text message to locate/lock/unlock/etc. your phone. You can specify two phone numbers to be the only phones that can communicate with your device, or you can leave it open. (Commands sent to your device must contain your pin code and then the command.)
The FAQ for the app says it does not run in the background and is only activated when a text command is sent to the phone. (I think this program only works if you're able to receive text messages to your actual number. Not via Google Voice.)

avast mobile security is awesome!

I use cerberus...they have features such a remote recording of video and audio which I don't think is available on SeekDroid which I was on before
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I've tried Lookout mobile security, but like Prey a bit better

Another vote for androidlost here!

Phonelocator pro hands down beats them all - check it out
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rvo.plpro
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

ddpacino said:
Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a ball of yarn at the hardware store for a few cents. Tie one end to the phone, one end to your wrist.
Never lose the phone.

Avast can get location even if GPS, wifi, mobile data and location service are turned off, if you are rooted. Cerberus can't.

B1ny said:
Avast can get location even if GPS, wifi, mobile data and location service are turned off, if you are rooted. Cerberus can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure if you allow Cerberus administrator privileges, it can turn on GPS/Wifi/Data on by command...

Pretty sure it can't.
anton2009 said:
Pretty sure if you allow Cerberus administrator privileges, it can turn on GPS/Wifi/Data on by command...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

B1ny said:
Pretty sure it can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... I just tested it now with Cerberus dashboard (online website where you can send commands from) with my phone unlocked right in front of me. Sent command "start tracking" and saw with my own eyes the WIFI and GPS toggles go from OFF to ON. Wifi and GPS still on... Sent command "stop tracking" and WIFI and GPS toggles went from ON to OFF.
---Edit---
Sorry, I was wrong about the administrator privileges, by enabling that, it will allow you to erase your data/sd card remotely. To get WIFI and GPS to turn on when you send the tracking command, you have to push Cerberus to /system/app

I see a flaw in all of this:
Factory reset = GG

convolution said:
I see a flaw in all of this:
Factory reset = GG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cerberus help page, and I quote:
"I have a rooted device. Can I get additional features?
Yes! If you have rooted your device you can integrate Cerberus into your ROM and get two additional features: complete uninstall protection (Cerberus will even survive a wipe/factory reset) and GPS auto-enabling even on Android 2.3.3 and later. To have these features uninstall Cerberus, then download cerberus.zip, put it on the sd card and install it from recovery. Cerberus is also available on ROM Manager."
Taken from avast! Mobile Security app page, and I quote:
"Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port."

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

[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

[Q] Locating stolen phone, guidance please

My phone was stolen. Since it was stolen, based on the data usage, the device seems to have only been turned on 3 times, with very minimal data usage. I've been trying to locate the phone via Device Manager, but it has not given me any information. I hoped that the lock code feature would be activated once the phone was turned back on, but I tested it with my replacement phone, and it doesn't appear to be the case. I asked Sprint if the phone could've been activated with another carrier and was told that since it was attached to my phone number it couldn't be (I hadn't reported the phone as stolen with them, because I wanted service to the phone, to utilize the device manager). My question is, is that correct, and if the person changed the gmail account on the phone, wouldn't I then lose the ability to track it, because it would no longer be associated with my email account, as opposed to my esn.
I saw the info about Lookout and Plan B, but it's showing that Plan B isn't compatible with my phone.

Your phone is lost for good. Yes if they change the google account then you cant track. Also if the person who found/stole/has the device knows enough they change the esn and use it. Also if the gsm modification is done then they can also put it on another network and use it. I suggest making a lost/stolen claim and move on.
Sorry for the bad news I had to give you.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jlmancuso said:
Your phone is lost for good. Yes if they change the google account then you cant track. Also if the person who found/stole/has the device knows enough they change the esn and use it. Also if the gsm modification is done then they can also put it on another network and use it. I suggest making a lost/stolen claim and move on.
Sorry for the bad news I had to give you.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JLMan, for your reply. I knew it was dismal.

queenlmt said:
My phone was stolen. Since it was stolen, based on the data usage, the device seems to have only been turned on 3 times, with very minimal data usage. I've been trying to locate the phone via Device Manager, but it has not given me any information. I hoped that the lock code feature would be activated once the phone was turned back on, but I tested it with my replacement phone, and it doesn't appear to be the case. I asked Sprint if the phone could've been activated with another carrier and was told that since it was attached to my phone number it couldn't be (I hadn't reported the phone as stolen with them, because I wanted service to the phone, to utilize the device manager). My question is, is that correct, and if the person changed the gmail account on the phone, wouldn't I then lose the ability to track it, because it would no longer be associated with my email account, as opposed to my esn.
I saw the info about Lookout and Plan B, but it's showing that Plan B isn't compatible with my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well it also depends when u go to device manager do you use the lock feature do you try ringing it and was ur phone already locked when u lost it

[SIM unlocked] LG D693n Stylus turned "partially" SIM unlocked after Super-Sume

[SIM unlocked] LG D693n Stylus turned "partially" SIM unlocked after Super-Sume
I think this is weird enough for a new thread: I recently got this G3 Stylus and, as usual, I proceeded on rooting. This time using KingRoot. Done easily, I must admit. Now, since KingRoot installed some unwanted and "unreadable" stuff, I've turned my sight over Super-Sume (you know what it does)... Super-Sume performed it's job as expected, replacing everything it has to with Supersu. Following the process and right after reboot, something weird happend: my installed SIM card appeared as an "invalid SIM card". Rebooted again and still the same message. Turned off the phone, took the SIM card out, reinstalled, turned on again... same message. Device had lost network connection, but it was able to send and receive data!!!... started research about the particular issue, but found nothing similar anywhere. Then I've tried three SIM cards from different carriers and they worked flawlessly. Installed the "invalid SIM card" again (which is from the phone's original carrier, BTW) and the issue was still there. Then, about 12 hours later, data was lost as well and SIM became useless in this phone. Tested another card from the very same carrier and it was useless to; however, this two cards worked perfectly on three different phones, so not a card issue. Contacted Super-Sume developer and he told me there's NO relation between his app and such kind of issue. OK. Contacted carrier and they know nothing. OK. Next, I resolved to look for some hint at "Replace Kinguser with SuperSu" XDA thread, where fellow member "CVangelo" suggested to check if phone asks for unlock code. Well, it does. So the phone is SIM locked after all, but JUST FOR ONE CARRIER!!! which happens to be the phone's original carrier. Not to blame Super-Sume for the mess. Perhaps is a "gift" left from KingRoot due to getting rid of it. Or perhaps is just coincidental. Point is, this is clearly a weird issue as most of you can see; at least until somebody rises her/his hand with an explanation. Who's first?

CNK80Q3MX said:
Point is, this is clearly a weird issue as most of you can see; at least until somebody rises her/his hand with an explanation. Who's first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only thing I would say is that it is network locked but in the exact reverse of what you would expect. Never heard of such a thing or knew it was even possible. Is there anyone with experience in network locks who can explain exactly what kind of network lock this? It may help explain what might have happened and how.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

CVAngelo said:
Only thing I would say is that it is network locked but in the exact reverse of what you would expect. Never heard of such a thing or knew it was even possible. Is there anyone with experience in network locks who can explain exactly what kind of network lock this? It may help explain what might have happened and how.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey... no one seems interested. I'm assuming no one will until someone else have the same issue. Though, I've been making some questions to some other "lock acquainted" people and most say it is kinda "blacklisted" lock "for sure". In such cases, the original carrier locks first; if you try another network carrier SIM, it will work for typically 3 to 5 more days and up to 8 (no more than that) then, that carrier will lock as well, and so on. Thing is, this phone IS NOT "blacklisted" (I've already made an inquiry for that in the global page) and there's about 17 days since original carrier network became locked. So... weirdness remains. On the other hand: How is that you're using "XDA free app"? I'm forced to use "Premium" because "Free" simply didn't work anymore on my devices. I like free version because it has more options and you can sign and stuff...

CNK80Q3MX said:
Hey... How is that you're using "XDA free app"? I'm forced to use "Premium" because "Free" simply didn't work anymore on my devices. I like free version because it has more options and you can sign and stuff...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I didn't even know there was Premium version. What's even the point of that? Lol. Whaddaya mean, the Free version didn't work anymore? Mine just keeps on ticking...but I only started using it after I had been signed up on the website and participating on XDA via the desktop browser for ages. Had you signed up on the website, or only on the app?
BW, do you have the apk of the free app? I can send it to you if you don't.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

CVAngelo said:
Really? I didn't even know there was Premium version. What's even the point of that? Lol. Whaddaya mean, the Free version didn't work anymore? Mine just keeps on ticking...but I only started using it after I had been signed up on the website and participating on XDA via the desktop browser for ages. Had you signed up on the website, or only on the app?
BW, do you have the apk of the free app? I can send it to you if you don't.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, signed both... "Premium" was once the paid app, as far as I know. I wasn't using "Free" app for a month or so; then when I required it again, it just didn't open. So I checked the store and they've turned "Free" into an earlier android versions app, thus it won't work for me anymore. Had to download "Premium" (now "Free") to keep going. If you can send the "Free" apk, I'll give it a try... Thanks!