A method and apparatus for remotely performing tasks in a wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) by a user is provided. A user can perform tasks, such as, retrieving information and locking the PDA, by sending a controlling or special SMS message to the PDA. The special SMS message has a predetermined format which describes at least a task required and a user-input password. According to the needs of the task, the special SMS message may also include a source or an identifier from which the information is to be retrieved, and a destination to which the retrieved information is to be sent. The retrieved information may be sent as an SMS message or an electronic mail message or both.