Remote lock and remote erase solve different problems. Learn when to secure a missing phone, when erasure may be appropriate and what evidence to save first.
Remote lock
Locks the device and may display a contact message.
Remote erase
Deletes data according to the platform’s capabilities and conditions.
Preserve evidence first
Save useful location and device-status information.
Protect accounts
Change exposed credentials regardless of the physical-device action.
Consider recovery likelihood
A misplaced phone in a known location is different from confirmed theft.
Use official tools
Avoid third-party services promising unsupported capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Should I lock a missing phone first?
In many cases, securing it promptly is appropriate.
Does erase always stop tracking?
Capabilities vary by platform and device state.
Should I save location screenshots first?
Yes, when safely available.
When is erase useful?
When sensitive data exposure outweighs recovery considerations.
Should I follow official platform guidance?
Yes.