Whether you want to locate and remotely control your devices, monitor your online activity, or manage your Google storage, you can do it all in one place: your Google Account.
What is known as Android Device Manager (ADM) has evolved into Find My Device, but you may still find it under this name on some devices.
Find My Device allows you to remotely locate, lock, or erase your Android phone if it’s lost or stolen.
Introduction: The power of your Google Account
Your Google Account is much more than just an email address. It serves as a powerful tool to manage devices, secure your data, and monitor activity.
This centralization means you can quickly check the security status of your phone, review your Google activity, manage connected devices, and even locate a lost device.
Google’s ecosystem covers a wide range of functions:
- Device Management: See which devices are connected to your account, review recent activity, and remotely control your devices.
- Security Settings: Access features like the Google Password Manager and two-factor authentication to protect your Google Account.
- Storage and Activity: Monitor your Google storage usage and review your activity to stay on top of what’s happening with your data.
Manage Android devices using your Google Account
1. Log in to your Google Account:
Visit myaccount.google.com and enter your Google Account credentials.
2. Explore the dashboard:
- Security: Check recent security events and review devices that have accessed your account.
- Data & Personalization: See your Google activity and adjust your data settings.
- People & Sharing: Manage who has access to your content.
- Payments & Subscriptions: Keep track of your purchases and subscriptions.
- Devices: This section is particularly important for Android users.
3. Click on “Security”:
Under the “Your devices” section, you can view a list of all devices currently signed into your Google Account.
Each device entry displays its type (phone, tablet, computer), last activity date, and location (if available). If you see a device you do not recognize, click on it and choose the option to sign out.
You will learn how to enlist a device in the next section.
4. Review general security details:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication so that even if someone obtains your password, they cannot access your account without a second verification step.
- Check for any unfamiliar login attempts.
- Check for any unfamiliar third-party app and service connections.
- Enable Enhanced Safe Browsing for proactive protection against dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions.
- Ensure your recovery phone number and email are current.
How to turn on Find My Device / Android Device Manager on your device
1. Verify that your Google account is connected
Find My Device ( or Android Device Manager) works only if your device is linked to your Google Account.
Go to Settings > Accounts (or Users & accounts) and ensure your Google Account is listed and active.
2. Enable Location Services
Go to Settings > Location (or Location Services) and turn on location services if they are not already enabled. For best results, consider setting your location mode to High accuracy.
3. Activate Find My Device / Android Device Manager
Turn on the feature that lets you remotely track, lock, or erase your device:
-
On most devices:
Go to Settings > Google and enable Find My Device.
-
On some devices:
Go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Security > Android Device Manager, then toggle on the options for Remotely locate this device and Allow remote lock and erase.
How to use Find My Device to locate and secure your devices
Step 1. Access Find My Device
-
Visit the Find My Device website:
Go to google.com/android/find. -
Select your device:
A map will display the location of your registered devices. If your device is lost, this tool will help you locate it.
Step 2. Use the remote functions
Once you’ve selected your device, you’ll see several options:
-
Play Sound:
Use this function to ring your device, even if it’s set to silent. -
Secure Device:
Lock your device remotely to prevent unauthorized access. You can also display a message with contact information. -
Erase Device:
If your device is at risk of being misused, you can remotely erase all data to protect your privacy.
Tips and tricks for effective Android device management
Managing your devices efficiently can greatly enhance your productivity and security. Here are some practical tips and tricks:
Use Google Password Manager
- Rely on the Google Password Manager to generate and store robust passwords.
Use Google Storage and sync across devices
- Regularly back up your photos, documents, and important files to Google Drive.
- Ensure all your devices are connected to your Google Account and sync is enabled for seamless access to data.
Manage Payments & Subscriptions
- Manage your subscriptions and past acquisitions linked to your Google Account.
- See what you have purchased from the Google Play Store and manage your subscriptions accordingly.
Review your Google activity
- Use filters to review different types of activities such as search history, location history, and app usage to track your digital habits and optimize your workflow.
- Delete specific activities or set up auto-deletion preferences to protect your privacy.
Optimize Security Settings
- Enable security alerts to notify you of any suspicious activities.
- Use fingerprint or facial recognition on your phone for added security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I manage an Android device from my Google Account?
Log into myaccount.google.com, navigate to the “Security” tab, and review the “Your devices” section. This allows you to view, manage, and remove connected devices.
What is Find My Device and how do I use it?
Find My Device (formerly known as Android Device Manager) lets you locate, lock, or erase your lost or stolen phone. Access it via google.com/android/find, sign in with your Google Account, and select your device.
Which devices can be connected to my Google Account?
Almost any device that supports Android or Google services can be connected, including smartphones from Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Oppo, Asus, Google Pixel, as well as tablets, smartwatches, and even some laptops.
What are some tips for effective Android device management?
Regularly audit connected devices, enable security alerts, back up your data using Google Storage, and make use of centralized management through your Google Account.
