Recommended Settings for mobile devices with Prey
First of all
You need to make sure that you enable all the permissions Prey asks for when you first install the agent. They will ensure that Prey actions work properly and that reports include all the information they should when you set your device to Missing.
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Android
Prey for Android will lift whenever necessary, so there is not much to tinker around. The only thing you need to have in mind is to keep Location Services On, or Prey won't be able to get the device’s location.
To turn Location Services on, grab your phone or tablet and go to Settings > Location > Mode and select High Accuracy (This may change depending on the Android version.) You will need to keep Wi-Fi and/or GPS on for a location to be obtained, preferably both to ensure accuracy. Don't worry about using extra battery! GPS doesn't consume it if it's not being used by the app.
To use the features Shield OFF Button and Block App Uninstall, first you will need to set up a 4 digit pin. For that, simply enter your app's settings and tap Prey Security PIN.
Once you create it, these functions will become available.
The PIN that you create will be requested when you try to turn the device off, or uninstall Prey from it.
Android 8 and up
Starting from Android 8, the operating system will automatically limit the functions and close applications that are not being actively used. To make sure Prey works as always, enable the Run in Background option on your app's settings. An icon will be displayed on your notifications tray, which shows that Prey is working as expected.
Android 9 and up
Due to recent restrictions from Android, Android 9 and higher don't support Shield OFF button.
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iOS
First
Please go to your Settings from your Control Panel, go to your Apple Push Notification Service tab and follow the steps to download and virtually sign the Apple Certificate. This way, you'll be able to run the Lock, Wipe and Remove Password on your iOS devices :) You will find all the details for that here.
To properly use Prey for iOS, it's mandatory to have the app running in your iPhone or iPad's background. This can be done just tapping on the Prey icon and then using your phone or tablet normally, never killing Prey. While it is running on the device, you'll get location, reports, etc. The good news is that while on the background, and provided that devices aren't saved as Missing, the app won't consume any battery. It just sleeps.
Important
Reports and every Prey action will not be able to work if the app isn’t running in the background.
Since Prey can't be automatically brought up, we created a trap message to lure the thief into tapping it, allowing the agent to take a picture of him. The message will appear when the device is set to Missing and will refer to billing statements and banks. An offer they can't refuse!
If all the settings are properly enabled, the app will do all of its magic without problems. Here are the tips in a nutshell.
Go to Settings > Prey and check the following options:
- Location: Always enabled. This will help you locating your iOS devices whenever they get stolen or missing.
- Camera: Enabled. This will allow Prey access to your device's camera and take photos to the thieves.
- Notifications: Tap on them and enable everything. You'll get push notifications, popups and badges coming from Prey.
- Background App Refresh: Enabled. Prey will check your device's information constantly, as long as it's connected to the internet. Even when locked.
- Prey is running on the background.
- You keep the Low Power Mode option disabled on iOS settings.