How to Use the Remote File Retrieval Action

Whether you need to urgently retrieve important office files from a lost device that is connected to the internet, or if you just forgot to send the latest report you were working on from your home computer, the remote File Retrieval action can help you download files from your device, whether you're in the next room, or thousands of kilometers away from your computer; all you need is for the device to have access to the internet, and your Prey panel!

If you need help in using the File Retrieval action, we've prepare this comprehensive step-by-step:

Access the device from which you want to retrieve files

From your device list, select the device you wish to retrieve files from. Once in the map view, click on the File Retrieval action from the Action bar, on the right side of the screen.

This will pop-up the start path modal. 

Choose the path from which you want to retrieve your files, and click the green Confirm button.

Choose the file you want to retrieve

Once you start the action, Prey will connect to your device and the map and Actions bar will be replaced by a browser for your device. Let's see in detail what you can find here.

1. The name of the device you're browsing. It will match the name you've given it in your panel.

2. Here you can find the recently requested files drawer, which will be, by default, not on display, and will show you all the recently requested files and their status. You can open and close the drawer by clicking the arrow.

3. Back to the start will take you back to the root folder for the user you selected.

4. Here you can disconnect from the device and go back to the Map and Actions screen, ending the current retrieval session.

5. The hidden files toggle, when toggled off, will keep your hidden files unseen while browsing. If you need to retrieve a hidden file, just toggle it on.

6. The browsing area, where you will see all the folders and files available for download. You can also see the path on which you're browsing, and move within it.

Start browsing as you would in your device, until you find the file you want to retrieve. 

Download your requested files

Once you've found the file you want to retrieve, hover your mouse over it and you'll se the Retrieve button, as per the image below. Just give it a click, and the file will be on your way!

The Recently requested files drawer will open and you will be able to see whether Prey is still requesting the file, or if it's already available for download.

Once the word Done appears next to the file you've requested, it will be available for download, and you will receive an email informing so. To download it, hit the word Done from the Recently requested files drawer.

Issues with File Retrieval in macOS Devices

Apple devices running macOS require additional permissions in order to run the File Retrieval action correctly. All you need to do is give the bash shell Full Disk Access permissions. To do so, first access the System Preferences and select the Security & Privacy icon.

Choose the  Privacy tab, and select Full Disk Access.

To make any changes in this window, you will need to enter your administrator password. To do so, just click on the   icon and enter your administrator password. This will unlock the padlock, and you'll be able to make all the required changes.

You should there see the " bash" shell binary. Click on the checkbox, as per the image below...

...and voilà! Your macOS device will now be able to run the File Retrieval action without issues.