What is Google Find My Device?

09 Nov 2024, 09:42 by Ben Khalesi · Android Police

Losing a phone disrupts daily life and makes it stressful. Google's Find My Device locates lost Android phones and accessories like earbuds, with remote locking, ringing, and erasing features. Here's a complete guide to Google's Find My Device network, covering setup, features, and troubleshooting.

Introduction to Google's Find My Device network

Google introduced Android Device Manager in 2013 to locate lost or stolen Android devices. The tool was renamed Google Find My Device in 2017. Google expanded its services with its Find My Device network launch in 2024. The update uses Bluetooth and crowdsourced data from nearby Android devices to track lost items linked to Google accounts more accurately.

The latest Google Find My Device update adds offline tracking for Android

Before the recent update, losing an Android phone meant you could only see its last known location on a map when Find My Device and Location services were turned on. Locating even offline or powered-off devices is possible with Google's new network update. This feature is only available for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series.

Android Authority reports that Google is collaborating with Android manufacturers to expand this feature. The feature requires specific hardware that keeps the Bluetooth chip active even when the phone is off, so budget Androids may not support it.

Using Google Nest devices with Google Find My Device for home tracking

Find My Device can use Google-owned Nest products to locate items within a home. Nest devices' location data helps pinpoint the exact location of an item linked to a Google account. It's also possible to make the item ring for easier discovery. Here's what's required:

A Google Nest device with Google Assistant (for example, a Google Nest speaker, display, or Nest Wifi).

An Android phone, tablet, or compatible accessory with:

Power
A data or Wi-Fi connection
Google account sign-in
Find My Device turned on
Visibility on Find My Device Network

After setup, say, "Hey, Google, find my phone" or "ring my headphones." Google Assistant will ring the device, even if it's in Do Not Disturb mode.

How to locate and ring an Android device with Google Find My Device

Google's Find My Device lets you remotely locate an Android device. When the device is located, its position appears on a map. If it's nearby, you can make it ring. To do so:

Open Google Find My Device or go to android.com/find.
Log in with the Google account linked to the lost device.
Select the lost device from the list.
Choose Ring to make the device ring at maximum volume.

How to remote factory reset a device with Google Find My Device

A factory reset protects personal data by erasing everything on the device if lost or stolen. This action deletes files, apps, and settings but does not affect SD card data. To perform a remote factory reset:

Open Google Find My Device or visit android.com/find.
Log in to your Google account.
Select the lost device from the list.
Tap Settings, then select Factory reset device.
Confirm to erase all data on the device.

Find My Device no longer tracks the device after it has been erased.

How to factory reset your Android phone or tablet

For when you're troubleshooting, selling, or trading in your phone

How to mark a device as lost in Google Find My Device

You can mark your accessory and device as lost. This lets you display your contact information on the device's lock screen. When the accessory is near you, it is automatically marked as found, and Find My Device notifies you. To mark an accessory as lost, follow these steps:

Open Google Find My Device or go to android.com/find.
Log in and select the lost device.
Tap Mark as lost.
Add your contact details.
Confirm, and your contact info is available when someone scans the device.

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How to find your lost Android phone or tablet

It's worth a shot before buying a new device

How to access your device's IMEI using Google Find My Device

Each device has a unique IMEI number. Mobile providers use the IMEI to deactivate lost phones. Find the IMEI in the device's settings or through Find My Device. How to find your device's IMEI:

Open Find My Device and select your device.
Tap the gear icon to view the IMEI.

How to find your phone's IMEI number

Locating your mobile phone's unique identification number is easy-peasy

How to manage shared devices and access control in Google Find My Device

The Find My Device network supports device sharing with up to 10 people for easier tracking. You can stop sharing and remove devices from Find My Device anytime. Here's how to get started:

Open Find My Device and select the accessory to share.
Tap Share device and follow the prompts.
Send the invitation via text, email, or Quick Share.
The recipient must accept the invitation within 24 hours.
Enter the four-digit PIN for added security if prompted.
Open Find My Device, select the shared device, and go to Settings.
Select the person you shared with, then tap Confirm.

Privacy and security in Google Find My Device

Google prioritizes privacy and security in the Find My Device system. It uses end-to-end encryption to secure location data and excludes personal identifiers from crowdsourced data. To prevent misuse, Google added rate limits and throttling. These measures control how often a device's location updates, making real-time tracking by unauthorized individuals difficult.

Find My Device can also detect unknown trackers. It scans Bluetooth for devices that may have been traveling with the user. This system distinguishes between trackers actively following the user and those nearby, such as in a crowded area.

If an unknown tracker is detected, the app displays a map showing where it was first identified and its path. You can play a sound on the tracker to locate and remove it. The Find My Device update activates unknown tracker detection by default. To check or adjust this setting:

Go to Settings.
Select Safety & Emergency.
Scroll down to Unknown tracker alerts.
Confirm that the Allow alerts toggle is on.

Third-party Bluetooth tracker compatibility in Google Find My Device

The Find My Device app supports Bluetooth tracker tags from brands like Chipolo. These trackers also include unknown tracker alerts. Rumors claim that Google is developing its own Bluetooth tracker, reportedly codenamed Grogu. Google has not set a release date or announced the product.

How to activate and confirm Google Find My Device on Android

A phone running Android 9 or later is required to use the new Find My Device network. Find My Device is activated automatically upon signing in to a Google account on an Android phone. To ensure everything is set:

Go to Settings > Google to confirm you're signed in to your Google account.
Go to Settings > Location to confirm that Location sharing is turned on.
Go to Settings > Google > All Services > Find My Device to confirm that Find My Device is active.

Precision tracking improvements possibly coming to Find My Device

Google Find My Device is about to get better. Recent code discoveries by AssembleDebug and Android Authority suggest upcoming integration with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and augmented reality (AR). The phone's camera could soon be used with AR overlays to locate items precisely. This would improve today's approximate location data and sound alerts, transforming how Android users find lost devices.