Abstract: When attempting to recover a lost or stolen mobile device, it is often desirable to remotely command the device to play a sound in order to allow the device to be located or alert nearby people. In order to allow the owner of a lost device to remotely initiate the sound, a server generates a remote access user interface and it is displayed on a client computer that allows the owner to send a request the server to initiate the playing of the sound on the device. The interface may allow the user to customize the sound by selecting from a list of pre-configured sounds, recording a sound, uploading a sound, or purchasing a sound. The sound may also be input as text and converted to sound for playing on the mobile device.