What’s new with Google’s Find My Device network?
Google has recently expanded its Find My Device network, allowing you to track your Android phone even when it’s powered off or offline. This works by securely leveraging nearby Android devices to locate your phone, creating a powerful crowd-sourced tracking system. This feature is rolling out to many Android devices, regardless of their Android version, as part of a broader Google update.How to turn on Find My Device on Android
To ensure your device can be found: On your Android phone, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Find My Device. (Note: The exact path may vary slightly depending on your phone’s manufacturer and Android version). Make sure Find My Device is turned on. You should also see options related to finding your device offline.
To improve location tracking accuracy, go to Settings > Location. Then select Location services and tap Location Accuracy. Make sure the option is turned on. 3 ways to find your lost Android device1. Track your phone’s location using Find My Device
On another phone or computer, go to http://android.com/find.
Sign in with the Google account linked to your lost phone.
On the sidebar, you’ll see all of our devices. Click on the device you want to find. On the map, you’ll see your mobile phone’s approximate last known location. If the device cannot be found, it’ll show you the location history (if available).
From the map page, you have three options—find, secure, or erase your Android device:
Play sound. Even if it’s on silent or vibrate, your phone will still ring.
Secure device. You can do this with your current location pin or create a new one. This option also allows you to leave anyone who finds your device a message or a phone number where you can be reached.
Factory reset device. You can do this remotely to protect your personal info in case it falls into the wrong hands.
If you’re trying to locate your phone through the Find My Device feature and it’s not working, it’s likely because your phone is out of battery life or it isn’t connected to a Wi-Fi network.
The important thing is to keep trying. As soon as the phone connects to a network, it’ll pop up on the map. 2. Find your phone with your smart home speaker
If you’ve misplaced your phone and you know it’s somewhere in your house, your smart speaker might be able to help. Make sure your device and smart speaker are signed in to the same account, and it’ll help find your phone in no time.
If you have a Google Home Hub™, you can say something like, “Okay Google, find my phone.” Your smart speaker will then confirm the device you’re asking about and make it ring. The best part? Even if your phone is on silent or vibrate, it’ll still make the noise. 3. Find your phone with a Bluetooth tracker
Do you often forget where you placed your phone? No worries, you’re not alone. For an extra layer of backup, invest in Bluetooth® trackers. There are several currently available, like the Tile®. All you have to do is sync your phone to the tracker so when your phone gets temporarily misplaced behind a couch cushion, the tracker will set off an alarm on your phone to help you find it quicker. How to add alternate contact information to your phone’s Lock screen
Another helpful step is to set up a Lock screen message with alternate contact info. Through our studies, we’ve found that phones with these messages were three times more likely to be returned to their owners if misplaced. It’s super simple to set up.
Open Settings > Lock screen and AOD.
Tap Contact information
Enter either an alternate phone number or your email, then tap Done.
If you have a Google Pixel™, tap Settings > Display > Lock screen. Then tap Add text on lock screen, add your information, and tap Save.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
FAQWhat do I do if my phone is turned off?
Yes, it’s possible to locate a turned-off Android phone—but only under certain conditions. If your device supports the latest tracking technology (like the Google Pixel™ 8) and has the Find My Mobile feature turned on (also known as Find My Device on earlier Android versions), it is still possible to find it. This only works if the feature was enabled ahead of time.Can I find my phone without the Find My Device app?
Yes. Just go to android.com/find and sign into your Google account.Will this work if my phone is on silent?
Yes. You can make it ring at full volume, even if it’s in silent mode.What if I didn’t enable Find My Mobile?
Unfortunately, these tools must be turned on ahead of time. You can still try calling your phone or checking with nearby locations.Can I use this to find a lost tablet too?
Yes. As long as the tablet is linked to a Google account and Find My Mobile (or Find My Device on earlier versions) is turned on, you can track it the same way.
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