Android users can now lock their lost devices remotely

Worried about data from your lost Android phone or tablet getting into the wrong hands? You can now lock down your device remotely.
Released in August, Google's Android Device Manager is a handy service that allows you to see the location of a lost or stolen Android device. You can also remotely tell the device to ring as well as erase all of its data. Now, you can add one more feature to that list.


The latest update to Android Device Manager enables remote password locking. If you want to prevent others from accessing your missing device, you can send a new password to secure it.

The feature is easy enough to implement. On your Android device, open the Android Device Manager. Check the options to remotely locate your device and to allow remote lock and factory reset if not already checked.
Browse to the Android Device Manager Web site and scan for your device. You should see three options: "Ring," "Lock," and "Erase." To send a new lock code to your device, click on "Lock." Enter and confirm the new password and then click on the "Lock" button. Your device will display an alphanumeric keypad requiring someone to key in the new password to access the device.

I tried the process with my Nexus 7, and it worked like a charm. I highly recommend it for any Android user, but especially for those of you who travel with your device and want to make sure your data is safe from prying eyes.

(Via Android Police)