Find My Device: Locate, Ring, and Protect Your Android

Google Find My Device helps you locate lost Android devices and accessories. It offers features like remote locking, ringing, and data erasure. Originally launched as Android Device Manager, it was renamed Find My Device in 2017 and significantly updated in 2024 with the Find My Device Network.

Offline Tracking

A key update enables tracking of offline or powered-off devices using the Find My Device Network. This leverages Bluetooth and crowdsourced data from nearby Android devices. Currently exclusive to Pixel 8 and 9 series, Google is working to expand compatibility. However, budget devices may lack the necessary hardware to support this feature. For more on Pixel devices, see the Pixel Watch 3 review.

Home Tracking with Google Nest

Find My Device integrates with Google Nest, allowing you to locate items at home using voice commands like, "Hey Google, find my phone." This requires a Google Nest device with Google Assistant and an Android device connected to your Google account with Find My Device enabled.

Locating and Ringing

  1. Open the Find My Device app or visit android.com/find.
  2. Log in with your Google account.
  3. Select the lost device and tap "Ring."

Remote Factory Reset

If your device is stolen, erase your data remotely via the Find My Device app or website. Select your device, go to Settings, and choose "Factory reset device."

Mark as Lost

This feature displays contact information on the lock screen of a lost device. Find My Device will notify you when the device is nearby and automatically mark it as found.

Finding Your IMEI

Find your device's IMEI through the Find My Device app. This unique identifier can be used by carriers to deactivate lost phones.

Bluetooth Tracker Compatibility

Find My Device supports Bluetooth trackers and provides unknown tracker alerts. Google is rumored to be developing its own tracker, codenamed Grogu. For more on Bluetooth trackers, see Daily Tech Deals.

Privacy and Security

Location data is end-to-end encrypted, and personal identifiers are excluded from crowdsourced data. Unknown Tracker Detection is enabled by default. For tips on extending battery life, which can be crucial in locating a lost device, check out 12 Easy Tweaks to Extend Android Battery Life.

Future Enhancements

Google plans to integrate Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and Augmented Reality (AR) for more precise tracking.