Do you have to install the device manager on the phone before it is stolen or lost?

[AC Question]

do you have to install the device manager on the phone before it is stolen or lost?

phone was stolen and called carrier to block it. can Iuse device manager to lock the phone?

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: do you have to install the device manager on the phone before it is stolen or lost?

Welcome to Android Central! Sorry to hear about the theft. What phone was it? Android Device Manager comes preinstalled on all phones now, and it is usually already activated. Go to google.com/android/devicemanager, and see if you can find it. The main problem is that the phone has to be on, with a data connection. So if the thief turned the mobile data and wi-fi off, or powered the phone down, or has already done a factory reset, then you won't be able to locate it.