Android Device Manager, the tool that lets users track their lost Android devices on a map, ring them and remotely erase all the data on the device, now offers the ability to remotely lock the device via its Web interface.
The newly added functionality allows users to lock a stolen or lost device by setting a new password. This works even if the device has been locked with another PIN, pattern or some other method. The new password that the user sets while locking the phone through the Android Device Manager's web interface will be needed to unlock the phone. If the device is in Airplane mode, it will get locked as soon as it gets connected to the Internet, as noted by
Android Police.
To activate the Lock option on some devices, users will need to go to the Google Settings app, tap on Android Device Manager and select Allow Remote Factory Reset.
Google had
launched the Android Device Manager in August. After enabling the feature through the device's Settings menu, users can see their device on a map through the service's web interface. Users can track the location of their device on Google maps, ring the device at full volume for five minutes and even erase all the data. The Web interface allows tracking of multiple Android devices through a drop-down menu and users can also rename their Android devices through it.
It's worth noting that location tracking might not work if Google location settings have not been enabled. You can enable these settings through the 'Location' menu from the Google Settings app to allow Google services to track your location.
The service is available for all Android 2.2 and above devices so it will benefit a large number of users. However, the phone must be connected to the Internet to benefit from it.