In 2013, Google introduced Android Device Manager to help users locate lost or stolen Android devices, then renamed it Find My Device in 2017. Now, the company is rolling out a complete overhaul of the service: the Find My Network Device.
Unlike its predecessors, which primarily located Internet-connected Android phones, the improved version can now locate a wider range of items, including those without Internet or location capabilities.
But how exactly does it work and how to use it? Here’s everything we know so far about the new tracking service.
What is Google Find My Device?
Basically, Find My Device is a service provided by Google that helps users locate their lost or stolen Android devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
It offers features like tracking the device’s location, locking it remotely, and even wiping its data to prevent unauthorized access.
However, the network is much improved in 2024, moving from a standalone service to a collaborative network that can use millions of Android devices to locate lost items.
This update also introduces compatibility with various Bluetooth trackers such as Tile, Chipolo and Pebblebee, as well as other devices such as Google’s Pixel Buds Pro and select headphones from Sony and JBL.
Additionally, Find My Device now includes the ability to detect unwanted trackers, including devices from other networks such as AirTag, which may be hidden and used to track people.
When will Google Find My Device be available?
Google launched the global rollout of the new Find My Device network on April 8, launching it first in the United States and Canada. An expanded release, including the UK and Europe, is likely in the coming months.
It was initially announced at the 2023 Google I/O developer conference and was scheduled for release in summer 2023. However, in a Google blog post from July 2023, it was revealed that the launch would be postponed in order to that unknown tracking alerts are fully finalized with Apple.
On which devices will Google Find My Device be available?
Google Find My Device East will be available on all devices running Android 9 or later. You can also use the Find My Device web page using a web browser on any device with Internet access.
The service now supports various Bluetooth trackers, with Chipolo and Peeblebee trackers launching in May 2024 and others expected from Motorola, Eufy. , and others by the end of the year. It also integrates Nest smart speakers and smart displays for more precise location tracking around the home.
Will Google Find My Device be free?
Yes, Google’s Find My Device network is free for everyone. However, as noted above, you will need a phone running at least Android 9.
All the best budget phones and the best mid-range phones are compatible with the latest version of this system. However, if you’re considering switching phones and want to make sure you have access to the new service, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android phones.
How will Google Find My Device work?
Similar to Apple’s Find My network, Google’s Find My Device uses Bluetooth and proximity data from supported Android devices to locate lost items, leveraging a large network of participating devices for added reliability.
Unlike the previous version, which required your device to be online for an up-to-date location, the new network can also locate offline or dead devices on compatible hardware, although this is limited to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for the moment.
It displays the location of Android devices registered to a version of Google Maps, offering features such as playing a sound, dropping a message on the lock screen, or remotely wiping the device if necessary.
Unlike iOS, Find My Device is also automatically enabled on Android devices, requiring minimal user intervention as long as location settings are enabled.
Why will Google Find My Device be better than Tile or Chipolo?
Google’s Find My Device offers several advantages over competitors like Tile and Chipolo, making it the obvious choice for most Android users.
Above all, it is deeply integrated into the Android ecosystem, ensuring seamless functionality across a wide range of Android devices. This integration provides users with a native solution for locating lost items without the need for additional apps or accessories.
Unlike Tile and Chipolo, which rely on their own networks, Find My Device leverages a vast network of Android devices around the world. This crowdsourced approach improves the accuracy and reliability of location tracking as more devices contribute to the search effort.
One of the most notable features of Find My Device is its ability to locate devices even when they are offline. This is made possible by leveraging Bluetooth proximity data from participating Android devices, ensuring that lost items can still be located even if they are not connected to the internet.
Finally, Google prioritizes user privacy and security, ensuring that location data is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access. Users can be sure that their personal information remains secure when using Find My Device to locate lost items.
Will Google make an Apple AirTag rival?
Despite the lack of an official announcement from Google regarding its rival AirTag, credible rumors from a reliable leaker Kamila Wojciechowska in January 2023, it was suggested that the concept could be revealed during Google I/O 2023.
While Google’s AirTag rival, named “grogu,” didn’t show up at either Google I/O 2023 or the Pixel 8 event in October, Google announced its Find My Device network at the former.
Now with the service East finally deployed, the wait for Google’s AirTag rival could soon be over. It is possible that the device will be revealed at the Google I/O developer conference on June 10, 2024.
However, we will likely have to wait until the Find My Device network is available globally, which is expected to take until 2025.
Table of Contents
