It’s a basic security and privacy policy that your phone is locked when you’re not using it, but even so, there are still people trying to discover what the PIN or password is. If you suspect someone is trying to spy on your phone or just want proof in case it happens, here is a solution: These Android apps use the selfie camera to photograph those trying to unlock your cell phone..

Some first thoughts

These are important to consider before selecting some of the apps we continue to list below. operation and common points:

• These apps are limited to Monitor unlock attempts with PINs, patterns or passwords, but not with biometric systems such as fingerprints or faces. In any case, and even if you choose biometric recognition, remember that you should always have a security code, so these are still useful.
• Considered Android Unsuccessful unlock attempt if you enter four or more numbers, characters, or dot patternsi.e. these apps will ignore short errors like when we enter a few characters and then immediately change our mind and delete them.
• Since Android 12, a an icon appears as an alert when the app accesses the camera or microphone. Even though these apps try to go unnoticed in monitoring tasks, they don’t bypass this functionality. If they manage to unlock it, they will be able to see which app is in use and delete the crime photo. In any case, they would act as a deterrent.

All of these unlock attempt monitoring apps require you to set them as device administrator. To do this, go to: ‘Adjustment‘ > ‘Security‘ > ‘Device Management Applications‘. Similarly, if you want to uninstall these apps, you have to re-enter the administrator mode to continue.

watch lock

Lockwatch is an interesting app for taking photos of those trying to unlock your phone, and it delivers on its promises in a simple way: enable receiving an email when someone tries to do this.

To start using Lockwatch, download and open the app. Then enable the ‘ toggleSend alert email‘. While doing this, the application will ask you to configure it as an administrator and you will be able to enter your email.

After configuring the above, number of unlock attempts before email is sent. After all, it’s not a bad idea to pick two or three just in case we screw ourselves up the first time. To prevent email spam, Lockwatch will not send the email if you enter the correct password within 10 seconds.

When the app detects that someone has entered an incorrect PIN, the message it sends contains the following information: photo you took, GPS location and map of the areaBeyond gossiping about your phone, it’s very useful if it’s stolen.

Premium version of Lockwatch It lets you configure alerts when the SIM card is changed or someone turns your phone off without unlocking it, takes three photos instead of one, or even attaches a sound clip to an email.

• Download the app for free from the Google Play Store (premium version available).

third eye

The third eye works similarly to Lockwatch, but in this case Shows pictures of people trying to unlock your phone inside the phone instead of resorting to email. This is interesting for exploring gossip, but it won’t do you much good if your phone is stolen. Even if you enter the correct PIN after a few seconds, it will take the photo.

After installing the application, you will need to enable it as an administrator and grant the relevant permissions. Enable intrusion detection for me to take a photo Red-handed. Both images and unlocked hours are displayed in the application. By the way, every time you unlock the phone, the last time it was previously unlocked appears, which can be a bit annoying.

Among its options, configure the number of attempts, the possibility of saving notifications or photos to Google Drive. The “must” has quite a few ads in the free version. If you choose the paid versionthe only thing you will gain is getting rid of the full ad as it has no extra functions.

• Download the app for free from the Google Play Store (premium version available).

CrookCatcher

Another good app for catching scouts is CrookCatcher, which has a stunning dark interface with green highlights. As usual, after installing it will guide you to configure it as administrator and grant permissions to use them.

When you’re done, your interface is simple and with multiple tabs. In ‘Start’ it is used to disable the service, in ‘Photos’ you will see the images it has collected, a map with the device’s location and if you tap the ‘i’ you will be able to see it on the line. exact coordinates. In ‘Settings’ you can set options such as the number of unlock attempts (one to five), how many photos to take, and enable email and device notifications. This app takes pictures even if the correct PIN is entered.

Buying the premium version You get access to more features like sound alarm, record sound, show message, take more photos or keep the app private and also remove ads. However, you will be more than enough with the free version.

• Download the app for free from the Google Play Store (premium version available).

Xataka on Android | My cell phone was stolen: a complete guide to learn what to do and how to avoid it