Hey, guys.
I'm Sharon Vaknin for CNET with the low down on how to find a lost or stolen Android phone.
First, let's talk about a couple apps that you can install now as a precaution just in case you ever misplaced your phone or it falls on the wrong hands.
Out of minimum download contact owner, this free app allows you to place contact information on the log screen so that if a decent person finds your phone, he'll be able to get a hold of you without unlocking it.
Once it's installed, just choose your contact info from this option here.
Then lock your device and you'll see that your info shows up on the log screen.
That's a good start but what if you loss your phone and no one finds it or if someone steals it and you wanna know where are the (perp?) with your phone is located.
Lots of apps let you locate your phone and do other useful things remotely like send an alarm, a text message and even wipe your device.
After some research and testing, the best deal on such an app is Where's My Droid.
It's free, does almost all this things and is super easy to setup.
Once you have installed the app, you don't have to wait until you've loss your phone to try it out but you will need to borrow someone else's phone to find yours.
First text WMDGPS to your number.
You will receive a series of 4 texts.
The first will tell you to hang on while it finds your phone.
When Where's My Droid locates your device, you'll get text messages with the phone's latitude and longitude, a Google map link and the nearest address to the device.
Now, you can use that info to figure out where you left that darn phone and if you think you're close to your phone but it's on silent, you can make it ring.
Just text WMDRING and your phone will sound.
You can change this commands by adjusting the settings in the app and if you want features like Remote Wipe, you can purchase the pro version for $4 bucks from within the app.
Now, if you're watching this video because you loss your phone before using any of this precautionary measures, there is still hope for you.
Check out Plan B. It's from the makers of the popular Look Out Security app.
Once you've loss your phone, you can remotely install Plan B from the Android Market website and within a few minutes, your phone's location will be sent to the e-mail address associated with your phone.
If you have any questions, shoot me a line on Twitter and subscribe to my Facebook page for more of my tips and tricks.
For CNET.com, I'm Sharon Vaknin.
