Every Android owner must learn ‘FMD trick’ – it could save you loads of money

IF you’ve got a pricey Android mobile, losing it is a nightmare.

Thankfully there’s a handy trick that can help you out in a pickle.

GoogleUsing Find My Device is a great way to track down a lost Android phone[/caption]

It’s called Find My Device, and it does what it says on the tin.

The concept will be familiar to any Apple fans who have heard of Find My iPhone.

“Lock and locate your lost phone,” Google explained.

“With Find My Device you can locate, ring, lock and erase your Android phone.”

First off, you’ll need your phone to tick all of the following boxes:

Turned onSigned in to a Google AccountConnected to mobile data or WiFiVisible on Google PlayLocation turned onFind My Device turned on

To turn Find My Device on, go into your Settings app.

Then tap Security > Find My Device, or Security and Location, or Google > Security.

Now toggle Find My Device to the “on” position.

Also, if you use your lose phone for two-step verification then you’ll also need to have a backup phone or backup code.

If you don’t meet these requirements then Find My Device won’t work properly.

How to find, lock or erase an Android phone

First, go to this website: android.com/find

Sign in to your Google Account if you’re not already logged in.

If you’ve got multiple phones, click the lost one at the top of the screen.

The lost phone will get a notification.

And on the map you’ll be able to see where the phone is.

The location will be approximate, so it may not be perfectly accurate.

And if the phone can’t be found then you’ll see its last-known location – if one is available.

There are a few options available to you at this stage.

You may want to initially select Enable Lock and Erase.

But you can also hit Play Sound to ring your phone at full volume for five minutes.

This will work even if your Android phone is seton vibrate or silent.

You can choose Secure Device to lock your phone with a PIN, pattern or password.

This works even if you don’t already have a lock.

There’s also the option to add a message or phone number to the lock screen so that someone can return your Android phone to you.

The nuclear option is to press Erase Device.

This will permanently delete all of the data on your phone (although it may miss your SD card).

Once you’ve erased your phone, be aware that Find My Device will no longer work for it.

This is a sensible move if you think there is no chance of recovering your device, and you don’t want to risk your personal information and media being accessed.

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