Remote wipe of mobile devices

Mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) generally have a remote wipe capability. This makes it possible to erase the entire contents of a device which has been lost or stolen (although strictly speaking, in some cases it may instead delete encryption keys, leaving data on the device but encrypted and inaccessible). Configuring it may also help to pinpoint the location of the stolen device.

College policy makes remote wipe mandatory on all mobile devices used for work, and recommended for all mobile devices.

How to configure remote wipe

There are two ways:

1. Nearly all mobile devices require the creation of an account when setting up the device. Remote wipe can usually be enabled by configuring the "Find my phone" feature using this account:
   • iOS - iCloud: Set up Find My iPhone.
   • Android - Turn Android Device Manager on or off.
   • Windows Phone - Protect my phone, Find my phone.
2. Mobile phones and tablets configured for the University Office 365 eDiary service have remote wipe already enabled, so nothing further needs to be done. IS provides guides which explain how to configure for Office 365.
   Note that Staffmail users should turn off the mail synchronisation when using Office 365:
   • iOS, step 7 - turn off "Mail" service.
   • Android, step 11 - un-tick "Set as default for sending emails" and "Sync email".

Get help

Information Services IT Support Desk , situated on the ground floor concourse of the Main Library, provides in-person technical support for users' personal devices and University IT-related services.

See also

• How to secure a mobile device.
• (University advice page) Security for mobile phones and tablets
• (University advice page) Encrypting smartphones and tablet devices
• The College device encryption policy.