What is Lookin4?
Lookin4 is an open-source alternative to Apple's Find My app available on iOS devices and Google's Find My Device app available on Android. It provides similar functionality to help users locate, lock or remotely wipe lost or stolen phones and tablets.
When installed on a mobile device, Lookin4 allows the device to periodically send its GPS location data to Lookin4's servers. If the registered device is ever lost or stolen, the user can log into their Lookin4 account on the web portal and view the device's last known location on the map.
The app relies on crowdsourced location data from other Lookin4 users to approximate the lost device's location if GPS is unavailable. The portal also allows users to remotely lock the device with a passcode or perform a factory reset to prevent data theft.
As an open-source alternative, Lookin4 provides greater transparency and customization options compared to the vendor-locked Find My apps. Users can host the location servers themselves for better privacy. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and allows tracking devices across platforms.