Set up Android Remote Lock while the phone is still in your hand

Remote Lock lets you request a screen lock using a verified phone number through android.com/lock when a supported Android phone is missing. This is useful if you cannot immediately sign in to Find Hub. It has prerequisites: a screen lock, active SIM, verified number, Find Hub enabled and internet connectivity for delivery. A phone that is offline locks when it reconnects. Set up and document the route before a theft, not while searching for an old number.

Before you start​

Check that the phone number on the device is the one you control and that its SIM is active. Use a strong screen lock and confirm Find Hub is enabled. Remote Lock is limited to supported phones, not every tablet or wearable. Keep a separate recovery device for your Google Account.

Do it step by step​

1. On the phone, open Settings, Google, All services, Theft protection and Remote Lock. Turn Remote Lock on. Follow the prompt to verify the phone number if it has not been confirmed.
2. Consider the optional security question. Choose an answer a thief would not infer from your public profile, and store it securely away from the phone. Google may need a few minutes before a new answer works on the remote site.
3. Record the official address android.com/lock in a safe place you can reach without the missing phone. Do not use a link from a stranger claiming they found your device.
4. Review the prerequisites once more: active SIM, number, Find Hub and internet. A request made while the phone is offline will take effect only after it connects again.
5. In an actual loss, open the official site on another device, enter your number, complete the challenge and security question if configured, and request the lock. Google limits remote locks to twice in 24 hours.
6. After locking, sign in to Find Hub for more actions, including locating or erasing when appropriate. Contact the carrier about the SIM and protect accounts whose sessions were open on the missing phone.

Check the result​

Remote Lock is enabled with the correct verified number, and you know how to reach its official page without the phone. A separate account-recovery method exists for full Find Hub access.

If something goes wrong​

If the lock request fails, check support and prerequisites from another trusted device. A number change, inactive SIM or lack of connectivity can defeat delivery. Use Find Hub, carrier assistance and account-security steps rather than repeatedly submitting an unverifiable request.

Know the limit​

Remote Lock only locks the screen; it does not erase data or prove the device was retrieved. A phone with an already exposed session or known PIN needs broader response. An offline device cannot receive the request until it comes online. Google Remote Lock requirements Find Hub response