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Finding your lost phone back

S

SteadfastLukas

Lurker
Hey every1,

I recently bought a new phone and I don't want to lose it again, just like my last one. So I've downloaded several applications that can track your phone. Some of the features work great, like calling it and letting it flash, but others, the more important ones, don't do their job.

For example if you want to track your phone via GPS or network, it just wont work. The GPS is fine when you're outside, but it wont work when your on the inside.

So here are my questions:

When the phone tries to track you via the network, does this mean that it'll track you via WIFI or your phone network?

I'm currently tracking via Wheres my droid app, but its not doing anything: When I send the message it doesnt even try to connect to gps and the network location always fails, even if im on internet with my phone and the phone network shows 3 bars.
Do any of you guys have recommendations for better apps?

Thanks alot
 
Hi SteadfastLukas, and welcome to AF :)

Give avast a spin (it's free). It will do network-based location if it can't get GPS, and can be controlled by SMS if you've left the data connection off. I've tested it indoors, data off, sent the appropriate text and a few minutes later get one back with the coordinates and a link to a map. Obviously less precise than if you have GPS available, but there's only so much you can do.

If the data connection is on you can also locate from their website.

I've heard people recommend Lookout too, but have never tried it. There are a few app suggestions at the end of this FAQ: http://androidforums.com/faqs/685025-lost-phone-locked-out-faq.html
 
I use Cerberus on my phone and find it has all the features I need (including GPS) and you can manage multiple devices via the web interface, so I am able to use it for both my mobile and tablet.
 
thanks for the help guys, I'm about to explore a few more apps for locating your phone. I tried Avast but I couldn't get it to work properly, it requires you to change every setting on your phone and download some more junk, to then say that it'll only work with mobile data transfer on. It seems like you need to be a genius to get this thing to work.

In fact I just want to know it these apps track your wifi network or your phone network
 
Avast will. The anti-theft module is the extra download, and it can be controlled by sms when your data is off - send the locate command by sms and it will temporarily turn data on if it needs to.

Not tried the others.
 
Someone gets mad every time I say this, but the way I see it, if one can keep track of his or her wallet by keeping it in a pocket or purse, he or she can do the same with a cellphone. Not only that, protection only works if the thief leaves it on.
 
firstly do not have several of these apps on your phone because they will conflict with each other , rendering them useless .

secondly i use a app called "android lost" it has all the advanced features of paid for apps but this one is free at the moment .

it works flawlessly and i imagine the dev will make a paid for version very soon .

dan
 
jefboyardee said:
Someone gets mad every time I say this, but the way I see it, if one can keep track of his or her wallet by keeping it in a pocket or purse, he or she can do the same with a cellphone. Not only that, protection only works if the thief leaves it on.
Click to expand...

It's true, but I guess its only meant to be there to let people feel save
 
I finally found an app that did the job, it can locate my phone via gps so its all good. I'll have a look at the other apps that you guys suggested
 
I want to share another option that works inside, outside and even after the battery has gone dead. Okoban tracker tags let someone who finds your lost stuff contact you directly without exposing private information. I use them on almost everything I take when I travel after losing my passport in Rome one time. You can get them at mystufflostandfound.com
 
Bobhob said:
I want to share another option that works inside, outside and even after the battery has gone dead. Okoban tracker tags let someone who finds your lost stuff contact you directly without exposing private information. ...
Click to expand...

Certainly useful if the finder can communicate in English, Spanish or German, the only languages available on the website for reporting a find.
 
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