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If lost phone this number

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droidfan1234

Lurker
I had a windows phone for years. When switching on it displayed a message saying "if lost phone this number xxxxxxxx" and below was the keypad to enter the activation pin number.

This basically locked the phone to anyone but me and if someone found it when it was lost they could phone my home number and tell me they had it. This actually got me my phone (an O2 XDA2) back once after I left it on a train.

I am surprised I have not found a similar thing on the Android front screen.

There are lots of fancy tracking apps around like PREY etc. but I can't understand why the simple "if lost phone this number" message cannot be applied to the front screen .... or can it?

Anyone know? I don't really want to scratch my home number on the back!
 
HTC tried to incorporate a similar thing into their newer handsets via htcsense.com.

It was very temperamental (to say the least), but you were supposed to be able to do a number of things like lock, wipe, ring the phone at full volume and display a similar message to what you're suggesting. Unfortunately, it worked for about 5% of people it was supposed too.

Your best bet is probably an external app, I know one of the anti virus apps offers that function, but I'm sure there are others out there too.

Edit - This app will do it, but only after the phone is securely locked via SMS message.
 
This is so bizarre. Its not like you even need an 'app' for this. just change the front screen to display a custom message (as well as the date).

I am so puzzled by this.
 
If you wanted to use an app for this Executive Assistant has that feature. I guess you could also use a graphics program and create a wallpaper with a phone number on it.
 
Thanks for the app suggestions. As I said before, they are all variations on PREY.

I still don't think I should have to install an app or use a customised wallpaper (clever suggestion though) with my details on to have an "if lost" message on the front screen.

looks like I am back to scratching my name on the case - ... maybe a nice engraving? hmmm
 
droidfan1234 said:
Thanks for the app suggestions. As I said before, they are all variations on PREY.

I still don't think I should have to install an app or use a customised wallpaper (clever suggestion though) with my details on to have an "if lost" message on the front screen.

looks like I am back to scratching my name on the case - ... maybe a nice engraving? hmmm
Click to expand...

Now I'm confused. You'd rather carve up your case than run an app?
 
OF course I don't want to touch the case! Quite right.

Although helpful, there has not been one 'app' suggested so far that can put a message on the front security screen.

I think the executive assistant suggestion had a message that looked like it was on the phone - once unlocked though -.

If someone finds my lost phone I do not want them using it. I want them to see the message and phone me to tell me they found it.

I am already using PREY that does clever tracking and lock out features but that doesn't get you your phone back in the most simple fashion of a "if lost" message.
 
droidfan1234 said:
OF course I don't want to touch the case! Quite right.

Although helpful, there has not been one 'app' suggested so far that can put a message on the front security screen.

I think the executive assistant suggestion had a message that looked like it was on the phone - once unlocked though -.

If someone finds my lost phone I do not want them using it. I want them to see the message and phone me to tell me they found it.

I am already using PREY that does clever tracking and lock out features but that doesn't get you your phone back in the most simple fashion of a "if lost" message.
Click to expand...
Seekdroid (the app I listed) allows you to remotely send an alarm that will display whatever message you want; it will not go away until someone acknowledges that it is there by clicking silence.
 
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