Android

Android makes ‘Find my Device’ actually usable with new update

Google improved Find My Device to simplify locating your Android devices and everyday items, adding offline finding and Bluetooth tracker tags soon.

by
Kevin Raposo
April 10, 2024

Find My Device feature on Android phones in a purple background.

Image: KnowTechie

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Google just delivered some big news that might just make the “lost phone” saga a thing of the past.

This update provides a much-needed upgrade to its Find My Device feature, transforming your Android devices into pocket-sized homing beacons. Let’s explore what this means for you.

Okay, Google. You’ve finally given us the tools to put an end to this ‘lost phone’ nonsense. Let’s see how well this works.

Google Amps Up ‘Find My Device’

Let’s face it: losing your phone can feel like losing your right arm. But not anymore.

Google has drastically enhanced its Find My Device app, rolling it out across a staggering network of over a billion Android devices. Erik Kay, VP of Engineering at Google, shared:

“Today, the all-new Find My Device is rolling out to Android devices around the world, starting in the U.S. and Canada,” writes Kay in a blog post. With a new, crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices, Find My Device can help you find your misplaced Android devices and everyday items quickly and securely.”

Here’s what’s cooking with the new Find My Device revamp:

Offline Finding Magic: Ever lost your phone in silent mode? Worry no more. Google now lets you locate your offline devices, showing their last known location on a map or making them ring—even in silent mode.
Bluetooth Tags Are Coming: This May, say hello to Bluetooth tracker tags for all your precious items, from keys to backpacks. Never say ‘lost’ again!

Google’s using some serious tech wizardry to make finding your phone a breeze. The update lets you locate your devices on a map, even when they’re offline.

Three smartphones against a purple background displaying a device sharing and tracking application interface. The left phone shows a device sharing invitation, the center phone displays a map with a device's location tagged, and the right phone lists devices tracked by the app including a Pixel 8 phone and various items like keys and a wallet. — Image: KnowTechie

Plus, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro owners get an extra perk: their phones will still show up on the map and can even ring even if they’re powered off or the battery is completely drained. A neat lifeline for when that battery finally conks out, right?

Google’s recent announcement could mean that losing your devices could become those old stories you tell about “back in my day.” This is good news for anyone who’s mastered losing their phone in the most bizarre places (guilty as charged).

Google says the update is now rolling out to U.S. and Canadian users running Android 9+. Check out Google’s official ‘Find my Device’ page for more info.

So there you have it: Google’s Find My Device feature is finally usable. Maybe attach a tracker to that TV remote, too? Because, let’s face it, that’s always missing at the worst possible times.

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