Google has launched its enhanced Find My Device feature for Android phones and tablets, but at launch it’s only available in the United States and Canada.
The feature leverages Bluetooth technology across a network of over a billion Android devices to help users find their misplaced devices — even if they’re offline. Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices have the added benefit of being able to be located even if they’ve been powered off.
When participating devices in the network report the location of a Bluetooth tag or device, the location is end-to-end encrypted and can only be viewed by the missing device’s owner.
Locate offline devices
Locate your compatible Android phone and tablet by ringing them or viewing their location on a map in the app — even when they’re offline. And thanks to specialized Pixel hardware, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro owners will also be able to find their devices if they’re powered off or the battery is dead.
Keep track of everyday items with compatible Bluetooth tags
Starting in May, you’ll be able to locate everyday items like your keys, wallet or luggage with Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee in the Find My Device app. These tags, built specifically for the Find My Device network, will be compatible with unknown tracker alerts across Android and iOS to help protect you from unwanted tracking.
Find nearby items
If you’re close to your lost device but need a little extra help tracking it down, a “Find nearby” button will appear to help you figure out exactly where it’s hiding. You’ll also be able to use this to find everyday items, like your wallet or keys, when Bluetooth tags launch in May.
Pinpoint devices at home with Nest
More often than not, we lose everyday items like our keys or phone right at home. So the Find My Device app now shows a lost device’s proximity to your home Nest devices, giving you an easy reference point.
Share accessories with friends and family
Share an accessory so everyone can keep an eye on it in the app. For instance, share your house key with your roommate, the TV remote with your friend or luggage with a travel buddy so you can easily divide and conquer if something goes missing.
At first, the new feature will work with Android phones and tablets, providing they are running Android 9 or later. Since that operating software was first launched in 2018, there are plenty of devices that are compatible, which is how Google comes to the number of more than 1 billion.
Google has also added the newly introduced Find My Device network to the Android security vulnerability rewards program to take advantage of Android’s global ecosystem of security researchers.
Additionally, the company is working alongside select security researchers via its private grant program to further encourage targeted research.
