In today's world, we use mobile devices 24/7, even while on the go, driving, or taking the bus. Consequently, the risk of theft is prevalent. Having your phone stolen can be a crisis for anyone, as users often store a significant amount of personal data such as passwords, credit card information, photos, videos, and more.
Aside from being cautious, there's not much you can do to prevent your phone from being stolen or lost. However, anti-theft apps for phones have been developed to help you protect your data more effectively and even assist in finding your phone if it strays too far from you. An effective anti-theft app allows you to remotely lock your smartphone or even erase personal data, as well as track the current location of the phone. Here are the top anti-theft apps for Android that you can refer to and install right away.
Top-rated anti-theft apps for phones
Prey is a comprehensive app that not only allows you to track your phone but also tablets, laptops, and any electronic devices you own. Enter device information in the app, and if, unfortunately, the device is stolen, access the Prey website and mark it as lost. Then, you'll be able to track and lock your device remotely. But you can also send a message that will display on the phone's lock screen, such as 'Give back my phone - return the phone to me,' make the phone emit a loud alarm sound, or even take a photo with the stolen phone, and the photos will be sent to your PC, providing you with images of the criminal or any leads.
You can also set up a Control Zone in Prey (ideally around your home or workplace), and you'll receive a notification if the device is outside that area. Prey is a free anti-theft app, but premium options allow you to add multiple control zones and more devices.
Latest Prey download link:
2. Lookout
Lookout is an excellent tool, though it doesn't claim the top spot in the list of top anti-theft apps, settling for second place because its free version is quite limited. Lookout's free version allows you to track the device and scan downloaded apps to see if they're safe or not, a feature that's not particularly impressive.
However, if you're willing to invest in the premium version, you'll get some fantastic features. Premium Lookout allows you to restrict app permissions and control websites to ensure they don't steal any information from you. You can also remotely lock and erase all data on the device. Additionally, there's the ability to back up call logs and photos simultaneously. Finally, you'll receive theft alerts if anything unusual happens on the device and get violation reports if any services you use are compromised.
Lookout download link here:
3. Cerberus
Cerberus offers users numerous features. This anti-theft app not only allows you to lock or erase data on your phone, make the phone ring with an alarm, but also enables you to do similar actions via SMS (which is great because your stolen phone might not have an internet connection). Users are alerted if the SIM card is changed. You can also remotely take photos or record videos. But the coolest feature is called AutoTask, allowing you to set up situations like 'if X, then Y.' Specifically, you can set a task like 'if the wrong password is entered, sound the alarm,' for instance.
Cerberus is free for one week, after which you need to purchase an annual subscription (cheaper than most other apps). However, the downside of Cerberus is its somewhat complex and non-intuitive usage. If you're tech-savvy, Cerberus is an excellent anti-theft choice, but those less familiar with the field may prefer the last option in this top anti-theft apps list.
Cerberus download link here:
4. Where's My Droid
Where's My Droid is a simple yet feature-rich anti-theft app, offering similar functionalities to Cerberus with a more user-friendly interface. The free version allows you to set a password for the phone remotely, locate the phone, make the phone ring with an alarm, or send an alert if the SIM card is changed (essential as it lets you know your phone number is no longer active). While these features are good, they aren't everything.
Upgrade to the premium version - Premium, and you won't be bothered by ads. Gain the ability to lock the device, erase data, and even capture remote photos. You can also hide the Where's My Droid app icon to remain discreet, and uninstall it without detection. Further upgrade to the Elite version (annual subscription package), and you can view location history, device status, and set control zones like Prey.
Where's My Droid download link here:
Securing your phone is undoubtedly crucial, and here is the list of the top anti-theft apps for you to choose from. Download now because you never know someone's intentions with your phone, and you might accidentally lose it at any time. Additionally, it's advisable to install a Phone Locator App for an added layer of security in case of unexpected phone loss.