Greetings to all readers website. Another work week has come to an end, and the long-awaited weekend has arrived. By the way, this is the last summer weekend, which means it’s time for a new issue « Big review» .
This time I want to talk about applications that will help you find your lost or stolen Android smartphone . IN Google Play there are many various programs anti-theft, but in this review I will talk about just a few of them.
So, in this issue of the Big Review you will find: Prey Anti-Theft, avast!Mobile Security, Cerberus, WatchDroid, LMaxi Anti Theft.
is an anti-theft that will help you find not only an Android smartphone or tablet, it can also be installed on Mac, Windows, Linux and iOS devices.
To get started you will need to install mobile device special client and register on preyproject.com. And then just set up the security measures: set the text SMS messages to turn on and off the “lost” mode, write a warning message like “phone is lost, please contact the number...”, etc. All this can be done either from the application or by going to the official website.
When the “lost” mode is active, you can find out where in the this moment the device is located, turn on the siren and forcefully lock the phone. True, the last function worked with some glitches for me and did not always block the device.
IN free version With this anti-theft tool, you can connect up to 3 mobile devices to one account and save up to 10 reports, which include data on the device’s current position. In the free version, reports will be generated with some delay - about 2 minutes.
If you decide to pay for a subscription, which costs from $5 to $400 depending on the number of connected devices, you will be able to receive all the necessary information much faster.
The developers tried to fit in almost all possible functions. There is an antivirus, a call and SMS filter, a traffic counter, a firewall, and an anti-theft.
For all these modules to work, you will first need to download the required package (in our case, anti-theft) and select one of the two installation types. In the first, basic case, you will be asked to choose a password and also set a pair of contact numbers from which you can send an SMS message to the lost device.
In advanced settings, you can specify a set of actions that the application will perform when receiving a message from a trusted number. For example, it will block the phone, or turn on sound signal, or activates GPS. You can also optionally block access to the Settings and Application Manager, and users of rooted devices will be able to set up protection against hard resets.
Unlike other participants in this review, anti-theft has 2 applications at once that can be installed on mobile devices. The first is the main one and must be installed on the protected device, and the second can be downloaded to a friend’s smartphone and used to send special SMS commands.
As with other security applications, to get started, users will need to go through simple registration. By the way, immediately after registration you can purchase a lifetime license for $3.5, which will allow you to connect up to 5 mobile devices to one account.
Just like avast! Mobile Security in this application, the developers offer users to set up to 3 trusted numbers to which an SMS message will be sent if the SIM card is replaced. And thanks to the SIM-Checker function, you can find out a new phone number.
Also, with the help of this anti-theft, you can find your phone on the map, block it with a secret code, get a log of the last calls made and received, delete all data and turn on the siren.
is a small application that helps users find their mobile device. In terms of functionality, this anti-theft is not very different from its counterparts in the genre. can delete files from the device’s memory, send a message with the phone’s location on a map, enable airplane mode, or lock the smartphone.
In the settings, users will be able to set the accuracy when determining GPS coordinates, enable a function that, in the event of a low battery, will save the device’s last position on the map, etc.
But main feature is very low power consumption, as the developers say, this anti-theft practically does not use system resources devices.
In my opinion, is one of the most difficult anti-thefts for Android. And all because the main means of controlling these applications are hidden SMS messages.
The developers used a slightly unusual application installation system. First, users need to tell a special installer from Google Play, and only then use it to install it on their mobile device.
With help, users can not only lock the phone or find out its location, but also prohibit the launch of certain applications. Also, using a special command, users will be able to get to a previously specified email address VCF file that contains all the contacts from the address book.
But that's not all. Developers different ways tried to prevent attackers from deleting it from the phone’s memory. If root access rights are active on the device, this anti-theft will be installed on the system partition.
The full version of the application with all active functions costs $6. You can purchase LMaxi Anti Theft directly from the application or on the official website lmaxi.com
Before starting work, the developers strongly recommend reading the “help” section!
Update date:
Latest version:
Compatibility:
from android 4.3.x - to android 4.4.x
Supported screen DPI:
160, 240, 240, 320, 480
Application rights:
- Allows reading information about device settings and components.
- Allows reading of device startup progress, may slow down the system.
- The application determines the approximate location (city) of the device using network coordinates and Wi-Fi points.
- Application defines exact location devices by network coordinates and Wi-Fi points.
- Access to network information.
- Allows an application to make phone calls, bypassing the standard dialer.
- Permission to read information about all running applications.
- Allows an application to receive phone number from an outgoing call, with all forwardings.
- Allows reading user data from the contact book.
- Allows reading of SMS messages.
- Allows reading and processing of SMS messages.
- Allows the application to send SMS messages.
- Allows the application to write/send SMS messages
- Allows only writing to the contact book.
- Allows system windows and application notifications to be displayed on top of all applications.
- Allows an application to change the IP address and port number for connecting to the Internet.
- Allows an application to change APN point access.
- Allows only recording events in the calendar.
- Allows only recording of browser history and bookmarks.
- Allows access to the device's vibrator.
- Allows an application to change system settings.
- Allows transfer file system to removable media.
- Allows you to format the file system
- Allows you to change system security settings.
- Allows reading low-level system log files (This application can access your personal data).
- Receives notifications, uses the Internet.
- Allows the application to run even after the screen is turned off.
- Allows the device to reboot.
- Camera access.
- Access information about the Wi-Fi network.
- Changing wi-fi operating modes.
- Allows the application to control device components: turn on/off the device and components, manage notifications (used only in official applications of device manufacturers).
- Control permission global settings sound.
- Changing network operating modes.
- Allows the application to record audio from the microphone.
- Allows recording to the memory card (used in applications with a cache).
- Access to the list of accounts in Accounts Services.
- Permission to replace the standard lock screen (lockscreen).
- Allows reading of the call log.
- Allows an application to read from external memory.
- Allows only recording in call history.
- In-app purchases.
- Allows authorization token request.
- Allows reading of Google Services configuration.
Unfortunately, none of us are protected from such a nuisance as losing a smartphone or tablet. We are accustomed to the fact that technology accompanies us everywhere, so forgetting your phone in a taxi, in a park on a bench, or visiting friends is a situation that anyone can face. How can you protect your smartphone from theft in this case?
Even if your device is not the most expensive, it is very sad to discover that it is missing. And the feeling of regret that not a single application was installed that allows you to find your lost device will haunt you right up to the purchase of a new gadget. There are many programs that block the device from a distance, determine its location, erase confidential information from the SD card, and detect a replacement SIM card. Most effective free applications from the Anti-Theft series, Avast Anti-Theft, Prey Anti Theft, Mobile Security & Antivirus are considered.
Avast Anti-Theft
We'll take a look at Avast Anti-Theft. The program searches and detects devices on the map using the web tracking function, and also allows you to remotely control a stolen smartphone or tablet via the web interface or SMS. In addition, you can set up the creation of pictures of people who are trying to unlock the device and intercept the sound. At the same time, the invisible mode will hide the application from offenders, and they will not be able to find out that they are being monitored. To protect your device from theft, take a few simple steps.
- Install Avast Anti-Theft application from Google Play Market.
- Click the Open button.
- Enter the name of the device owner. Enter real data, since in the future it will be very difficult to prove that the device belongs to Konfetke or Zero87. Here and on the following screens, click Continue.
- Set a PIN to access Avast Anti-Theft tools.
- Before enabling protection, activate account Avast Anti-Theft on another phone number or register for an Avast account. To register, enter your address Email and password, then click Register.
- Enter the number to which notifications about SIM card changes will be sent.
- Set the SMS sending mode for Avast Anti-Theft.
- Activate administrator mode to open up additional features for the application.
- In the application that opens, go to the Advanced settings tab in Protective actions.
- Scroll down the list and select the Lock phone checkbox.
- Select the Alarm checkbox.
- Select the No access to program manager checkbox. In this case, access to the program removal screen will be blocked even if you tamper with the operating system.
- Select the No access to phone settings checkbox.
- Exit the Security Actions tab and open Custom Lock Text. Here you can create a message addressed to a possible thief of your device. Indicate your contact information and the amount of reward for returning the device.
- Select the Automatically activate GPS checkbox. Once a tracking signal is received, GPS location is activated automatically.
» we have already told you how to organize surveillance of a phone, more precisely a smartphone, or a tablet based on operating system Android. But in today's article I would like to talk about another elegant way to track a phone and, most importantly, do it hidden.
How to track a phone?
- Preface
- Avast Anti-Theft features
- Download Avast Anti-Theft
- Setting up Avast Anti-Theft
- Using Avast Anti-Theft
Today we will talk about the Avast Anti-Theft application, which, in addition to its main Anti-Theft function, can be used as an application for tracking a phone.
At the beginning I called this method“Elegant”, this is not because I am a big fan of the Avast antivirus, but because by installing the Avast antivirus together with the Avast Anti-Theft program, with which we will monitor the phone, you can perfectly disguise and hide the fact of surveillance.
Avast Anti-Theft is designed to search lost smartphone and a tablet. Can also be used by parents to monitor and control children. By using the Avast Anti-Theft application for surveillance, covert surveillance, and secret wiretapping of strangers, you are violating the laws of your country!
Why Avast Anti-Theft?
By installing any phone tracking application on your phone, you give this application a bunch of rights and permissions. Therefore, it is very important that the program, or rather the developer, has a good reputation. And Avast, as you know, is not Turker Bayram with its malicious applications, which I talked about in the article “”. Avast is reliable! I'm not talking in terms of antivirus, that's a separate issue. What I'm saying is that he doesn't need your phone's secrets. Of course there are no 100% guarantees, but it is unlikely.
Key features of Avast Anti-Theft
Let's look at what a well-known antivirus company offers the user. Let's start with the fact that the application has two versions: free and paid.
In the free version:
- Location tracking.
- Complete and final destruction of data.
- Emergency phone blocking.
- Turn on the siren.
- Hidden forwarding of all calls and SMS messages.
- Sending messages to your phone.
- Phone call.
- Partial masking of the application on the phone.
- List of trusted SIM cards.
- Save battery power.
- Low battery notification.
- Remotely changing Avast Anti-Theft settings
In the premium version:
- Remotely listening and recording sound.
- Photo from cameras (front and rear).
- Retrieving data stored on the phone.
As you can see, even in the free version of the Avast Anti-Theft application there are quite a lot of possibilities. Now let's figure out how to install it, configure it and work with it correctly.
Download Avast Anti-Theft
You need to install the application on the device you want to track. It will not be possible to install remotely. You must have physical access to a smartphone or other mobile device.
First, let's go to the download page. You can download the Avast Anti-Theft application using this direct link from Google Play. Let's go to official page applications and click “Install”.
Avast Anti-Theft has recently become part of the application Avast Antivirus. It cannot be installed separately.
As I already said, every time you download applications from the market, you need to look at what rights the program asks for. IN in this case The list of permissions is quite large, and this is not good. But there’s nothing you can do about it, since the program really needs access to these parameters to work correctly.
After installation, click “Open” or close Google Play and launch the application using the icon on the desktop.
Setting up Avast Anti-Theft
After launch, you will be prompted to enter the name of the device owner. Enter and click “Continue”.
Now you need to set a PIN code.
Enter twice secret code and click “Confirm”.
We link the created account with the Avast web panel.
To do this, you need to register your account on the Avast website. Enter your work email address and password twice. I really don’t recommend registering or logging in using social networks.
If you did everything correctly, the main program window will appear.
To activate the device and enable protection, you must move the slider to the active position. The program will not allow you to turn on the tracking mode until all the required fields are filled in!
After switching on hidden mode The program shortcut will be removed on the desktop and in the application menu. To call the application, you need to send a special command from the control panel on the Avast website. After this, the application will launch and you can change the settings. In addition, you can change application settings directly from the control panel, remotely, without having to launch the application on the device itself.
In principle, there is nothing to tell here, everything is extremely simple. You will figure it out yourself. Much of this depends on your personal preferences. The developer did his best and provided each setting item with detailed tips.
We seem to have figured out everything regarding the phone. Now let's move on to the Avast web interface, with the help of which we will monitor and control the smartphone / tablet via the Internet.
As you can see, tracking a phone is not so difficult. I tried to explain it as clearly as possible, so that even a novice in computer matters could understand it. If you have any questions, write in the comments. I would also like to know your opinion about the program; it may not coincide with mine, but it can be very useful for visitors to our site. As always, all comments except swearing and politics will be approved. Well, don’t forget to follow us on social networks. Good luck friends!
Avast Anti-Theft App Rating
Our assessment
Avast Anti-Theft - good app to track your phone. The program allows you to track your lost or stolen device.
User Rating: 3.98 (63 votes)
Stealing a smartphone is a piece of cake. A skilled thief will pull out a smartphone in a place where hundreds of people are walking and you won’t even notice it. If a stolen smartphone contains confidential information, then blocking access to it remotely without special software is problematic. For these purposes, Avast offers free program Anti-Theft for Android.
Having installed graphic password on the phone - a person limits himself to this, thinking that this is a reliable method of protecting information. In case of theft, a specialist can easily bypass the graphic password and gain access. Using Anti-Theft solves the problem of password bypass.
Anti-theft is installed on a smartphone. The owner, in the event of theft, will receive the necessary information about his phone: where the device is located, who communicates on it and how often. With the program you will gain full control over the device remotely: block it, delete personal data, enable discreet listening. When surveillance is detected, the criminal must enter a secret password to access the anti-theft program settings. But if you came up with complex password, then it is impossible to hack it.
GPS tracking
Avast Anti-Theft programs take control of communications, including GPS. If the smartphone is stolen, its location will be displayed on the map. If the GPS connection does not provide an accurate location, the program connects cellular communication and available points Wi-Fi access to be sure.
Changing the SIM card will not help
The mobile operator is able to track the location of the phone using the SIM card and if it is changed, the tracking stops. Anti-theft from Avast will solve this problem. If a thief changes the SIM card, the program will quietly send an SMS from the new number to the owner of the phone. To do this, you need to specify the number in advance in the program settings. Set the number of the person who is always nearby.
Listen and view the criminal
Using the program allows you to discreetly call the new “owner”. During the call, the phone will be locked and the criminal will not know about the call, and you will hear everything that is happening around. Anti-thief can transfer images or videos from smartphone cameras and show them on another device.
Remote copy
The application will remotely copy information from the phone that is marked as “important” by the user. After transferring the information, its original will be deleted from the phone. Deletion algorithms work in such a way that erased data cannot be restored. All contacts and SMS messages of the owner will also be destroyed.
Installation
The program is available for download on PlayMarket for free, and the requirements for the current one are also indicated there. Android versions and device hardware. During installation, the user will read the terms of the license agreement.