No sooner said than done: Google has started the process of activating Find My Device, a tool that allows users to find their lost Android device and track/locate accessories and trackers. The roll out started from North America and will gradually be extended to the whole world. Europe included.
With a new crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices, Find My Device can help you find your lost Android devices and everyday items quickly and safely.
Google guarantees maximum safety And privacyspecifying that location data on the Find My Device network is encrypted using your smartphone’s PIN, pattern, or password.
HOW DOES IT WORK
To use Find my device you need to install the application:
The link from which to control all your devices is the following:
THE compatible products with Google’s new feature are all those that have the “Works with Android” label:
In addition to the Pixel ecosystem, Google lists the first products from other compatible brands:
- tracker tags: Pebblebee Clip, Pebblebee Card, Pebblebee Tag, Chipolo One Point, Chipolo One Card, Eufy SmartTrack Link for Android, Eufy SmartTrack Card for Android, JioTag Go
- audio: JBL Tour Pro 2, JBL Tour One M2, Sony WH-1000XM5
Localization via third-party trackers will be active from May. These products they will be compatible with the anti-unwanted tracking function of Android and iOS.
The tool can be used to locate compatible Android devices and accessories in several ways:
- view on map: indicates the most recent location of the object
- sound localization: making the lost device ring will make it easier to find it
- light notification: function that allows you to identify the object by activating an LED notification
- nearby location: allows you to identify the precise location where the lost object is located
- Google Assistant: by asking the assistant a few questions you can speed up the process of finding the product
- location near a Nest device (used as a reference point)
NOTE: Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can be located on the Find My Device network even if turned off. In essence, Google ensures that the Bluetooth chip necessary for localization continues to be powered even when the device is turned off/discharged. This function could soon be implemented on smartphones that will be offered by other brands in the future. However, it is not clear whether this can also be introduced on current devices.
COMPATIBLE ANDROID VERSIONS
The Find My Device app is compatible with Android 6+, the Find My Device network requires Android 9+.
I USE FIND MY DEVICE TO HELP A FRIEND
It is possible to find your lost device from the app installed, for example, on a friend’s smartphone. In this case you will not have to log in with your account but as a guest.
SHARING OF ACCESSORIES
Find My Device allows you to share an accessory with friends and family, such as your house key.
WHAT TO DO REMOTELY
We have seen how Find My Device has the main function of identifying the lost object. But localization is not the only thing that can be done: the user can in fact secure your data remotely by locking your device via PIN, password or pattern or by deleting its contents. Another aspect of fundamental importance concerns protection from unwanted tracking: in this case the Android smartphone is able to warn the user if a tracker is tracking him without his knowledge or consent.
Find lost Android device: you need to check
- that you are signed in to a Google account
- that geolocation is active
- that the Find My Device app is active (it is active by default on Android devices)
- that the device is visible in Google Play
- that the device can be found
- that you have the Find My Device app installed
- that you have created a backup code for two-step verification
Once you have found the device you can lock and reset it:
- going up android.com/find
- log in to your Google account
- the lost device will receive a notification
- the user will locate the lost device on the map
- user can select
- play audio: the device rings (even if it is in silent mode)
- Protect device: Lock your device with password/PIN
- reset: allows you to restore the device to factory data (excluding microSD)
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LOST SMARTPHONE IS OFFLINE
We have seen how the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are able to be located even if they are turned off. Other devices can be found ateven if offline (but turned on). By default on our Android smartphone the “Only with network in high traffic areas” setting is selected, so that recent encrypted locations are stored, integrating the device into the global crowdsourced network. You can change the setting at any time.
NEW PEBBLEBEE AND CHIPOLO
In the list of third-party products compatible with Find My Device there are also Pebblebee and Chipolo with their brand new products.
Pebblebee: Card, Clip and Tag they are rechargeable and equipped with an LED indicator and an audible alarm. They are compatible with the recognition of unsolicited trackers (Android/iOS) and can be updated via OTA. They will arrive in May and can be purchased on the Google store from June.
Chipolo: One Point and Card Point they are equipped with an acoustic alarm and allow you to identify the lost object nearby and on the integrated map. Activation occurs via Fast Pair.
