Google set to make finding missing Android phones, headphones ‘easier’, here’s how

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Google is all set to launch its much-awaited Find My Device network. According to a report by 9to5Google, the company has sent out emails to select Android users that Find My Device network will be available later this week.

The company had announced the feature last year ago its annual developer conference in May. The feature works very much like Apple’s Find My service. Find My Device will help users to locate missing phones, headphones and item trackers.

The Find My Device rollout has been delayed as Google and Apple were working together to establish an industry-standard protocol to ensure that the technology isn’t misused for tracking purposes. The collaboration was initiated when there were multiple reports about Apple AirTag was being misused and Android users were affected by it as well.

Apple had to implement some safeguards in iOS, which will roll out with iOS 17.5 update later this month.

According to the report, Google has started sending out emails to some users outlining the advantages of the Find My Device feature. 9to5Google did receive an email where it was mentioned how users will be able to find their devices even when they are switched off or online.

The Find My Device feature will be available for accessories such as earbuds, headphones, trackers as well. The email also mentions that users will have the option of opting out of the network, which means that the feature will be made available on Android devices linked to the user’s account.

It has been suggested in the email that the feature will be active in the next three days. This points out a launch date of April 7 or 8.

Google hasn’t officially commented on the launch date of Find My Device but the email sent to some users does suggest that Android users’s lives might get easier in finding misplaced/lost devices.