Every Android owner needs to learn the “FMD trick” – it could save you a lot of money

IF you have an expensive Android phone, losing it is a nightmare.

Luckily, there’s a handy trick that can help you in a pickle.

1

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

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

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

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

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

• Switched on
• Signed in to a Google account
• Connected to mobile data or WiFi
• Visible on Google Play
• location enabled
• Find My Device enabled

To enable Find My Device, go into your Settings app.

Then tap Security > Find my device or Security & location or Google > Security.

Now switch “Find my device” to the “On” position.

If you’re using your lost phone for 2-Step Verification, you’ll also need a backup phone or code.

If you don’t meet these requirements, Find My Device will not 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 are not already signed in.

If you have multiple phones, click the lost one at the top of the screen.

The lost phone will receive a notification.

And on the map you can see where the phone is located.

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

And if the phone can’t be found, you’ll see the last known location – if one’s available.

At this stage you have a few options.

You may first want to select Enable locking and wiping.

Alternatively, you can press Play Sound to have your phone ring at full volume for five minutes.

This works even if your Android phone is vibrating or on silent.

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

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

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

The nuclear option is to press erase device.

This will permanently erase all data on your phone (although your SD card may be missing).

Note that after erasing your phone, Find My Device will no longer work.

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

The best tips and hacks for phones and gadgets

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find these secret features in social media apps? We’ve got you covered…

Get the latest news about WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadgets here.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science Team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk