Everyone stores data on their Android device, including images, videos, bank details, login credentials, etc. If you somehow lose or forget your Android device, your first meltdown concerns the precious data. Anyone can access your info to use against you. Whether you have lost your smartphone or not, knowing how to erase Android phones remotely is crucial, which we have covered in this guide.
What is Remote Erase?
Remote erase is a security option that allows you to delete all your Android data remotely if your phone is lost. No matter where you are, you can reset or erase the Data available on your Android whenever you want.
This is where Google Find My Device comes into the picture. This app can erase, find, and protect your Android phone and accessories and remotely Wear OS watches. If you lose your smartphone or tablet linked with a Wear OS smartwatch, you can locate it using the watch.
How to Locate your Android Device remotely
- Install the Find My Device app from the Google Play Store and open it.
- Log in to your account (if your phone is lost) or sign in as a guest (to find your friend’s lost device).
- On the lineup, tap the device name you want to find.
- If you have Android 9 or later, enter a lock screen PIN to locate the device. For Android 8 or the previous version, you’ll need to enter your Google password.
- A map will show you your device’s exact location. This app uses GPS, Cell Tower, and WiFi networks to estimate the location.
- Further, you can Ring the lost phone to its total capacity, lock it with a password, and erase its data if you don’t find it.
How to Erase Android Phones Remotely
This method will help you locate your Android device remotely. Follow these steps to remove, reset, or erase your lost phone data.
Erase your Android device’s data
Before you erase, you must know that no data will remain on your device except the SD card. After erasing, its location won’t be visible on the Find My Device App.
- Once you open the App and sign in, please tap on the device you want to ease its data.
- Head to Settings and select the Factory Reset option. If the tracker tag is used to reset or remove an accessory, select Remove Device.
Alternative Methods for Remote Erasure
Samsung’s Find My Mobile
Like Google Find My Device, Samsung has a tool called SmartThings Find, also called Find My Mobile.
This feature can find lost Galaxy phones, watches, earbuds, tablets, and Samsung phones and erase data remotely. You can spot your device even if it’s offline, share its location with your friends, and do tasks that the Find My Device App has.
Here is the process to set up and use it:
- Log in to your Samsung account, turn on location, and open the Settings on your phone.
- Go to Biometrics & security > Find My Device and enable it. Also, enable Offline Finding to locate the device offline.
- Head to smartthingsfind.samsung.com on your browser and log in with your Samsung account on your phone.
- Select the device you want to erase from the left sidebar. You can also track its location, ring, lock, and reset your lost Samsung phone.
Third-party apps for Remote Erase(if installed)
Here are some popular Alternatives for Remote Erase that come with many features:
1] AirDroid Business
PC, and even the browser to wipe Data when needed. It also lets you analyze and handle your device remotely.
Pros:
- Categorize devices in a group to better management
- Screen sharing option
Cons:
- Complicated Setup
Check out Here
2] Google Workspace
Do you want to erase a segment of data, not the whole? Google Workspace is the best choice for this case. It’s compatible with Android and Apple devices as well as Windows PCs. It has three plans and offers a free trial to test its services.
Pros:
- Requires password and screen locks to use
- A free trial is available
Cons:
- Inexpensive to get higher plans
Check out Here
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Find My Device cannot work correctly if the device you want to erase isn’t online and the SIM card is removed. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:
- Take your friend’s or other mobile device and log in to the Find My Device app.
- Tap on the device you want to find.
- Select Mark as lost; this option will let you secure or erase the device if it gets online.
- If these steps don’t help, contact your phone manufacturer and deactivate your phone if possible.
