The Android Device Manager app could really save your bacon if you misplace a device, but it could also be a serious pain if someone else opens it. An update is rolling out right now that adds a password challenge when you open the app or switch accounts that makes sure no one but the account holder can track, lock, or wipe devices.

After the update, ADM will prompt for a password each time it starts up. You can still jump back to the homescreen and re-enter through the multitasking interface as long as you do it quickly. However, ending the foreground process will immediately prompt for the password again when you open it. There's a checkbox to have ADM stop asking for the password if you're the trusting type.

What’s New

  • Account password challenge at application start and when switching accounts
  • Bug fixes and performance improvements

Download

The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way. Rather than wait for Google to push this download to your devices, which can take days, download and install it just like any other APK.

File name: com.google.android.apps.adm-1.1.7.apk

Version: 1.1.7 (Android 2.3+)

MD5: 9953eb175f0204ca1cddd63d4a2714e6

[Thanks +Vincent de Smet]