Android Device Manager app launches in Play Store

Google released an Android app for its Android Device Manager service which allows users to locate, ring, lock, and wipe devices remotely. Previously, the service was only available via a web interface.

Android Device Manager first launched in early August, giving users who lost or misplaced their devices the possibility to find them or secure them against prying eyes. The ADM app has exactly the same functionality as the web version, but the interface is faster and far more suitable for a mobile device screen. The web app remains available at https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager.

The Android Device Manager app should especially come in handy to those who own several devices. With it, you can use your tablet or a secondary device to find, ring, lock, or erase content on your missing smartphone with ease. In case you’re wondering what happens if you try to locate the device you’re using the app on, the app helpfully tells you that the device is in your hand. The app works with multiple user accounts.

In order to use ADM, you will have to allow it to act as a device administrator first, from Settings>Security>Device administrators, or by sending a notification to do so, either from the app or from the web interface.

Android Device Manager for Android is available in the Play Store here.