Definition: remote wipe

To delete data on a computer or mobile device from a remote location. Using the Internet to establish the connetions, the primary purpose of a remote wipe is to remove private data from a stolen smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. It may also delete apps and the OS, rendering the device useless.

The Find My iPhone and Google Apps Device Policy are examples of iOS and Android remote wipe apps. In order to work however, the apps must be set up to always run in the background.

Remote Wipe My Android

Google Apps for Business users could install this Device Policy app on their Android phones and perform these functions. See Google Workspace.