Google has updated its Find My Device service to help people find their lost Android phones, tablets, and other devices more easily. This new version is now available in the US and Canada, with plans to expand worldwide soon. It works with devices that use Android 9 or newer versions.
The company shared that thanks to a network of over a billion Android devices, the updated Find My Device can locate a phone on Google Maps or make it ring, even if the phone is not connected to the internet. If you have a Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, the service can find your phone even if it's turned off or the battery is dead.
Google is also adding a feature to help you find things like keys, wallets, or bags using Bluetooth tracker tags from brands like Chipolo and Pebblebee. These tags are made to work with the Find My Device network. They'll also be safe from unwanted tracking thanks to protection across both Android and iOS devices. More Bluetooth tags from brands like eufy, Jio, Motorola, and others are expected to join later.
In May, the Find My Device app will get a new "Find nearby" button. This button will help guide you directly to any lost item that has a supported Bluetooth tracker. If you have a Nest smart home device, the app will also help you find a lost Bluetooth tracker by showing how close it is to your Nest device. You can even share the location of a lost item with friends or family through the app, useful for things like a home key or TV remote.
Google has made sure the new Find My Device service is secure. It uses end-to-end encryption to keep location data private. It also uses a special way of reporting device locations to keep hackers from figuring out where you are.
Read next: America’s Latest National Data Privacy Bill Could Give Citizens More Control Of Their Personal Data
The company shared that thanks to a network of over a billion Android devices, the updated Find My Device can locate a phone on Google Maps or make it ring, even if the phone is not connected to the internet. If you have a Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, the service can find your phone even if it's turned off or the battery is dead.
Google is also adding a feature to help you find things like keys, wallets, or bags using Bluetooth tracker tags from brands like Chipolo and Pebblebee. These tags are made to work with the Find My Device network. They'll also be safe from unwanted tracking thanks to protection across both Android and iOS devices. More Bluetooth tags from brands like eufy, Jio, Motorola, and others are expected to join later.
In May, the Find My Device app will get a new "Find nearby" button. This button will help guide you directly to any lost item that has a supported Bluetooth tracker. If you have a Nest smart home device, the app will also help you find a lost Bluetooth tracker by showing how close it is to your Nest device. You can even share the location of a lost item with friends or family through the app, useful for things like a home key or TV remote.
Google has made sure the new Find My Device service is secure. It uses end-to-end encryption to keep location data private. It also uses a special way of reporting device locations to keep hackers from figuring out where you are.
Read next: America’s Latest National Data Privacy Bill Could Give Citizens More Control Of Their Personal Data
