Google launches Find My Device feature to locate misplaced phones, keys and more

Find my Device

Google has announced that its Find My Device feature is rolling out to users, starting today. The feature that helps in finding misplaced phones, headphones, item trackers will initially be available in the US and Canada only. “With a new, crowdsourced network of over a billion Android devices, Find My Device can help you find your misplaced Android devices and everyday items quickly and securely,” said Erik Kay, vice president of engineering, Google. It is not clear when the feature will exactly launch in India but is expected to be arrive sometime this year.

According to Kay, Find My Device is secure by default and private by design. “Multi-layered protections built into the Find My Device network help keep you safe and your personal information private, while keeping you in control of the devices connected to the Find My Device network,” he said. This includes end-to-end encryption of location data as well as aggregated device location reporting, a first-of-its-kind safety feature that provides additional protection against unwanted tracking back to a home or private location.

The feature works very much like Apple’s Find My option available on Apple devices. Google says that users can locate their compatible Android phone and tablet by ringing them or viewing their location on a map in the app — even when they’re offline. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro owners will be able to find their devices if they’re powered off or the battery is dead.

Google also said that starting in May, users will be able to locate everyday items like  keys, wallet or luggage with Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee. These tags, built specifically for the Find My Device network, will be compatible with tracker alerts across Android and iOS to help protect you from unwanted tracking. Google also confirmed that later this year Find My Device will support Bluetooth tags from eufy, Jio, Motorola and more.

If a user has misplaced or lost a device, there will be a “Find nearby” button, which will appear to help figure out exactly where it’s hiding. Earlier, Find My Device feature required a lost phone to have an Internet connection to be located. The updated feature works even if devices are offline with the help of Bluetooth.

Also read: Google's answer to Apple's Find My may arrive soon