• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

If phone is missing

If I were to say lose my phone and pay for a new one with my warrenty what happens with the other one? I heard they lock the MEID or something like that, if that is the case is there any way to unlock it?
 
If I were to say lose my phone and pay for a new one with my warrenty what happens with the other one? I heard they lock the MEID or something like that, if that is the case is there any way to unlock it?

Sure, it can be re-activated and all data harvested by another person who knows how to do that. Thus the proliferation lately of security software.

I lost my Droid 3 a while back and immediately called the carrier so it could at least be deactivated. So far no signs of identity theft, but I do worry, as I had no security apps installed.
 
Sure, it can be re-activated and all data harvested by another person who knows how to do that. Thus the proliferation lately of security software.

I lost my Droid 3 a while back and immediately called the carrier so it could at least be deactivated. So far no signs of identity theft, but I do worry, as I had no security apps installed.

Yeah now that I REALLY think about it most of my logins are saved and what not.

Hmmmm might need to invest in something. :confused:
 
Answer to OP: Yes the MEID is locked once the phone is reported stolen or lost. A quick look on eBay returns a few phones with locked MEIDs for sale so yes it happens. Some free insurance against information theft is to put a pattern lock on your phone. Although not 100% foolproof, after x amount of incorrect logins the phone completely locks down until you sign in w/ your Google Account. There's also security apps that will wipe your data after too many failures. Also be sure to wipe your screen free of smudges often.

Edit: found this interesting article. If the FBI can't guess your pattern then it's a good chance no one else can either.

Android Pattern Lock Stumps FBI | PCWorld
 
Back
Top Bottom