- Prey centralizes tracking, blocking, and reporting with evidence on Android.
- Free and Pro plans: from basic geolocation to geofencing, deletion, and automation.
- Key Permissions: Background Location, Device Manager, and Files on Android 12+.
- Multi-platform management from a single dashboard for users and organizations.
If you're concerned about the security of your Android phone and want a proven solution that combines location tracking, remote control, and data protection, Prey is a great option to consider. Launched in 2009, it's now a multi-platform suite for locating, locking, and protecting phones, tablets, and computers.
In addition to Android, the service works on Chromebooks, iOS, Windows, Ubuntu, Linux, and macOS. Everything is managed from a single account, either through the mobile app or the web dashboard , making it easy to control all your devices from one place.
What is Prey and what makes it different?
Prey is a device tracking, security, and management tool that helps locate lost or stolen devices and prevent unauthorized access. It goes beyond simply "find my phone" : it adds visual evidence, alerts, screen locking, and file protection and recovery options.
With over a decade of development, the service combines ease of use with features designed for both users and organizations. From stealth mode to geofencing and location history , the app covers both incident response and prevention.
In essence, Prey installs a lightweight agent on each device, which listens for and executes actions and sends information when requested. The communication channel is encrypted, and the project retains open-source components on Linux , promoting transparency and external audits.
The company behind it, Prey Inc., evolved the project from its open-source origins into a SaaS service. Today it offers free plans and even advanced options for businesses and institutions , with automation and centralized fleet management.
Key features on Android
On Android phones and tablets, Prey stands out for its combination of precise location tracking and immediate security controls. It uses GPS, Wi-Fi networks, and antenna triangulation to locate the device even indoors or in areas with limited coverage.
When you mark your device as lost, periodic reports with helpful evidence are triggered. These reports include GPS coordinates, nearby Wi-Fi networks, photos from the front and rear cameras, and technical data that helps prove ownership of the device.
To prevent unauthorized use, you have immediate remote actions available: screen lock, a sound alarm that sounds even when the phone is on silent, and on-screen alert messages , in addition to changing the status to lost or recovered.
If you're looking for discretion, the app has a less visible operating mode. This stealth mode allows Prey to run in the background without drawing attention , which is useful when the device might be in the hands of someone else.
Trace reports: the core of recovery
Incident reports are the cornerstone of any attempt to recover a mobile phone. They include the exact location, IP addresses, the device's MAC address, a list of nearby networks, and camera footage —elements that can be crucial for the police or for proving ownership.
Beyond geolocation, the system records relevant events. The activity log and hardware information document device changes and status , providing useful context if the incident needs to be escalated.
Data protection and advanced features
When protecting your data is paramount, Prey adds superior controls. Remote wipe lets you delete data or select which files to erase if your device is beyond repair.
In compatible environments, file recovery is also possible, along with backup guides . This combination of selective erasure and recovery reduces the impact of incidents where the device is lost or destroyed.
Permissions, security, and restrictions on Android
To prevent unauthorized uninstalls, the app asks you to enable deletion protection. It also checks the blacklist of fraudulent apps . If you decide to uninstall, you can do so from the login screen by first disabling that permission and then proceeding with the uninstallation.
Android includes a system option called “Remove permissions if not in use.” Prey recommends disabling it to ensure that protection and critical functions are not compromised by the system's own automatic maintenance.
When using remote locking, the app may request Accessibility Services. These services are used to overlay an "Access Denied" screen and strengthen the lock , making it more difficult for anyone with the phone to access it.
There is a relevant limitation due to system policies: the power button lock is only available on Android 8 and earlier . From Android 9 onwards, system restrictions prevent apps from controlling this function.
On Android 12 or higher, the app may request "Manage all files" permission. With this access, file recovery on professional plans is not limited to photos and videos , but also includes other types of documents.
To maintain active tracking, Prey requires background location services. This enables geofencing, location history, and continuous geotracking even without opening the app . Some manufacturers, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, require additional permissions that must be manually configured due to their power-saving policies.
Additionally, the app can use Device Administrator permission. This permission enables critical functions such as remote wiping and force locking when the device disappears.
Free plan and paid options
The free plan serves as an entry point to try out the platform. It includes device view, geolocation tracking, and hardware information —enough to verify functionality and cover the basics.
In terms of security, that plan offers screen lock, alert messages, remote alarm, marking as lost or recovered , incident reports, report storage, and a 24-hour activity log.
The higher-tier plans include professional-level features. Geofencing (Control Zones), location history, custom wipes, file recovery , a kill switch, and factory reset are all part of the package.
For large-scale operations, organizations gain access to automations, mass scheduled actions, a device loan manager , tags, user roles, and an audit log to track who did what and when.
Some references mention pricing for individuals. Plans like Personal and Home expand the number of devices and features , and the professional editions for organizations are customizable.
Fleet management and IT administration
Prey is designed to simplify device deployment and management. Group tagging, advanced search, and unattended installation with custom APKs save significant time in corporate and educational environments.
When it is necessary to act on many teams at the same time, mass actions and scheduled automations come into play , useful for applying homogeneous policies or reacting to events at scale.
Cross-platform compatibility is key in mixed environments. Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Linux, and Chromebooks are all managed from a single dashboard , reducing tool fragmentation.
How it works: Lightweight agent and unified dashboard
The agent residing on the device simply waits for instructions and reports what is necessary. It receives commands from the cloud and responds with data or actions , balancing resource consumption, security, and responsiveness.
Communication with the servers is protected. Encryption in transit provides confidentiality and integrity to sensitive information, such as locations and deletion or blocking orders.
The user controls everything from the web panel or the mobile app. Actions are launched, reports are viewed, geofences are drawn, and permissions and roles are managed without physically touching the device.
Useful additional features on Android
Beyond tracking and blocking, there are practical uses for everyday incidents. SIM swap detection alerts you if the card is replaced , a common tactic in thefts to reactivate the device with a different line.
In certain configurations it is possible to activate the agent via SMS , which offers a lifeline if there is no mobile data as long as the device receives text messages.
Together, the remote lock, the warning overlay, and the audible alarm constitute a rapid deterrent barrier that helps buy time to locate the device.
Use cases: personal, education, business, and public sector
Millions of individual users rely on Prey to protect their mobile phones and laptops; in addition, there are essential security apps that complement it. If you lose your phone in a taxi or leave it in a coffee shop, tracking and alarms can help you recover it or, at the very least, safeguard your data.
In businesses, the value lies in combining security and fleet governance . BYOD policies or corporate fleet management, compliance, auditing, and incident response are all covered with deletion, locking, and logging tools.
Educational institutions are also adopting it for devices issued to students and teachers. Centralized visibility, device lending, and geofencing simplify administration in high-mobility environments.
Public administrations particularly value the protection of confidential data and inventory control , integrating Prey into their security practices.
Metrics, reputation and testimonials
Public figures give an idea of its reach. More than 7,7 million users in over 170 countries and 8,9 million protected devices illustrate its widespread adoption.
In terms of support, the data is also positive. A 93,3% satisfaction rate in help interactions shows a focus on customer service and ease of installation.
“Quick to set up and easy to use. Adds a level of security that lets me sleep at night.” – Tim P.
“Quality, reliability, and exceptional support. What I appreciate most is their consistency in meeting our needs.” – Sara D.
Many reviews highlight its simplicity and reliability. Users and administrators appreciate its clear interface and a team open to suggestions for improving features.
Comparison of versions and new features
Since 2009, Prey has been incorporating key capabilities such as geofencing, remote capture, integrations, and performance improvements over the years.
On Android, system permission changes have set the course: mandatory background location access, permission to manage all files in Android 12+ , and restrictions on power button control since Android 9. See also Android's advanced protection mode .
Installation and first steps
Getting started is straightforward: install the app and create your account or log in. In minutes, you'll see the device on the dashboard with its initial location and hardware specifications to verify that everything is working.
From the dashboard, you can draw Control Zones, configure alert messages, and adjust the reporting frequency . If you need discretion, activate stealth mode to hide the app's presence in your daily life.
If you manage many teams, organize by groups, tags, and roles , and take advantage of unattended installation with a custom APK for mass deployments.
If at any time you cannot find the app in your region's store, access the web panel or the official website for updated instructions and download channels compatible with your area.
Privacy and security model
The service's philosophy focuses on data minimization. Personal information is only requested or collected when you ask for it , and communication between devices and servers is encrypted.
Some of the software maintains open-source components in Linux to enhance technical transparency. Additionally, there is public documentation and real-world recovery stories to illustrate best practices.
Support, resources and help
If you need assistance, the support team is available by email. You can write to [email protected] and also reach out to the community at community.preyproject.com for help.
To review terms and plans, visit preyproject.com/terms and preyproject.com/pricing . You can also find inspiration in real-world case studies at preyproject.com/device-recovery-stories to improve your procedures.
Integrations and APIs
In professional environments, integration makes all the difference. API compatibility allows you to orchestrate actions from IT or SIEM tools , centralizing events and automating responses.
Good practices to maximize protection
Keep critical permissions enabled and check battery settings. Disable "Remove permissions when not in use" and confirm the background location so that key functions aren't interrupted for power saving.
Create geofences in sensitive areas such as offices, campuses, or warehouses and activate alerts when entering or leaving to quickly detect unforeseen movements.
If you manage fleets, define a protocol: who marks a device as lost, what actions to take, and when . Scheduled mass actions and group profiles help to apply the policy consistently.
Availability and compatibility
Prey works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Linux, and Chromebooks. This cross-platform approach makes it easy to view, block, or delete from a single panel , without switching between different tools.
This makes it useful for home users with multiple devices and for IT teams managing heterogeneous fleets in large organizations.
What each plan includes: a practical breakdown
The Free and Starter plans provide essential tracking capabilities. Device view, geolocation, and hardware details cover the basics.
- Basic security: Screen lock, alert message, remote alarm.
- Incident Management: Mark as lost/recovered, incident reports, and storage.
- Recent activity- 24-hour log to review events.
Professional plans geared toward organizations include enterprise-level features. Geofencing, location history, custom wipes, and file recovery enhance incident response capabilities.
- Critical controls: Kill Switch and Remote Factory Reset.
- Operations: automations, scheduled bulk actions, loan manager.
- Governance: Audit log and user roles for traceability.
Notes on special permits and manufacturers
For advanced file functions on Android 12+, managing all files for recovery beyond just photos and videos may be required in professional plans.
On some Huawei and Xiaomi models, power-saving systems may close background apps . Check the manufacturer's guides to keep permissions active and avoid forced closures.
Facts, figures and trust
The service indicates that millions of users and devices trust its platform. Over 7,7 million users, over 8,9 million protected devices , and a 93,3% support satisfaction rate reflect its stability and reach.
These metrics, along with testimonials from MSP administrators and IT managers, reinforce the perception of reliability and ease of deployment in real-world scenarios.
Prey offers a balance of simplicity and power, covering everything from personal to corporate use. With features like GPS tracking, alarms, locking, evidence-based reports, and advanced wipe and recovery controls , it positions itself as a comprehensive solution for anyone seeking peace of mind, knowing they have the resources to react quickly if something happens.
