How To Use Android Device Manager: Google’s Answer To “Find my iPhone”


How To Use Android Device Manager: Google's Answer To "Find my iPhone"Pin

How To Use Android Device Manager – The Basics & Getting It Set Up For The First Time

how-to-use-android-device-managerPin

Head To Android Device Manager

Take to your favourite internet browsing software and head to www.google.com/android/devicemanager. It’ll ask you to sign in properly and then you’ll need to accept location data as well. You’ll need to do this to use the app so we don’t recommend proceeding if you’re not happy about this.

Download Android Device Manager

Head over to the Google Play Store and download the app itself. For each device you put the app on it’ll ask for your location data permission, it’ll also want your password as well.

Track It Down

Once you’ve accepted that it’ll allow you to see all your devices which have location data turned on. It’ll give you the name of the device, the time it was located and the location with the best possible accuracy. Switch between devices to find the right one.

Ring, Lock or Erase

Now you’ve found your device you then get three options. You can ring the device, lock it or erase all the data onboard. The three options are at the bottom of the screen but be sure you’ve chosen the right one.

You don’t want to clear the data off the wrong device or let a robber know you’re tracking them. Selecting Ring will make it go off for five minutes at maximum volume,  it’ll even work if it’s set to vibrate – but this is more for finding your phone if you’ve left it in your coat and forgot about it, or whatever.

Now You’re Safe

Whether your device falls down the back of the sofa or you’re pickpocketed on a night out, you’ll be able to find where your device has got to.

What is Android Device Manager? It’s Basically “Find My iPhone” For Android…

how-to-use-android-device-managerPin

There was a time not very long ago where if you lost your phone, that was it, game over. You needed to start again with a whole new handset and there was no hope of getting your old device back, or making sure whoever got hold of it couldn’t mess around with it.

With smartphones that has now changed, and largely because Apple came up with some clever little features inside iOS that have now, quite justifiably, been imitated on other platforms too. This all started with “Find My iPhone”, which allows users who’ve mislaid their phones or had them stolen to remotely track, lock, and wipe  their handset.

Never one to miss a trick, Google has adapted the idea to Android with “Android Device Manager”.

If you somehow lose your Android phone, or it’s stolen, you can now track the device down as long as the software is set up properly. It can help you find it if you’ve left it round a mate’s house or it can really help out the police when you report a theft.

Android Device Manager uses your GPS technology to locate the device and also offers the ability to change your passwords or even wipe the entire phone. None of these features are enabled unless you set it up properly so follow these simple steps above to be sure you’re protected.

Google recently pushed out an update to the service which adds in a very nifty new feature, as 9to5Google notes: “With Android Device Manager’s most recent update, you’ll now see a new text filed at the bottom of the remote locking screen. You’ve always been able to create a new lock screen password and add a message, but now you can add a phone number at which you can be reached. So if someone finds your misplaced phone, they’ll be able to easily contact you and return it. When they power the device up, they’ll see a screen displaying the message you added and an option to call the owner.”

Also, be sure to check out how to turn off Find My iPhone.

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • Mint Mobile 15GB Plan

    If you don't use a lot of data, this plan is a great option. You'll get 15GB of data per month and 5GB hotspot data allowance. It's not a lot but for light users, it is likely more than you'll ever need

    +

    Data: 15GB

  • Visible+ Pro Plan

    Visible+ Pro is built for heavy users who want it all: 4K streaming, ultra-fast hotspot speeds, and premium 5G access on Verizon’s best network. No throttling. No compromises. Just pure, high-performance mobile.

    +

    Data: Unlimited

  • Visible+ Plan

    If you’re tired of overpaying for unlimited data, Visible is one of the best alternatives out there—especially right now. For a limited time, you can get Visible’s unlimited plan for just $20/month, and that price is locked in for an entire year when you use code SAVE5 at checkout.

    +

    Data: Unlimited