New Find My Device Android Feature, Here's How to Use It

You might be thinking that the "Find My Device" is already there as a "find a connected device" feature in every Android mobile, what's this new thing about?

Screenshot of Google's The Keyword Blog Post

Well, the all-new Find My Device app being rolled out by Google has amazing features to help you locate your lost Android devices and belongings even if the battery is dead and there are a lot more features in this app to help you take your personal security and your devices' security in your own hands.

Here's how to use some of the coolest ones (as per Google's official blog post):

1. Find Your Phone Even Without Internet (Android 9+)

It was not possible before to locate a device that's not connected to a proper internet connection, but now you can easily locate any device that's added to your Android Find My Device app and here's how:

1. Open the Find My Device app on another phone, computer, or tablet. (You can also directly visit https://www.google.com/android/find in a browser)
2. Sign in to your Google account associated with your lost phone.
3. Select your lost phone from the list of devices.
4. See your phone's location on the map, even if it's offline. (Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can be found even if powered off or dead)

Surprisngly, the feature is going to work with almost every Android-powered smartphone but it will work best with Google's Pixel 8 and later lineups as Google's hardware is capable of letting the app trace the phone even with a dead battery.

2. Track Everyday Items (Coming in May)

Starting in the next month, Google will be rolling out this feature to every Android user to help you track everyday items from a keychain to your pet dog too using third-party Bluetooth tags and here's how:

1. Purchase a Bluetooth tag compatible with Find My Device (Google recommends Chipolo and Pebblebee).
2. Attach the Bluetooth tag to your everyday items (keys, wallet, luggage).
3. Open the Find My Device app and select "Add device" to connect your Bluetooth tag.
4. Use the Find My Device app to locate your tagged item on a map, just like you would on your phone.

The best part? you will also be able to track unknown Bluetooth tags so you can always have your back by knowing if someone is tracking you using their tracking tags so you can remove them at your comfort.

3. Find What's Hiding Nearby (Android 9+)

This feature will help you find the exact location of a device or an item that's already added to your Find My Device app here's how:

1. Open the Find My Device app.
2. Select your lost phone or tagged item.
3. If your device is nearby, tap "Find Nearby" to activate a stronger Bluetooth signal for precise location tracking.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions or listen for the ringing sound (if your phone is lost).

This is simply a great way to find a lost keychain or anything essential that you care about.

4. Nest Helps Find Stuff at Home (Android 9+, Requires Nest Devices)

Out of your home or resting in another room and don't want to go find your stuff? but it is added in your Find My Device app? you don't have to worry.

With this new app, you can easily find the "Last Seen" of any connected item, and here's how:

1. Make sure your lost phone or tagged item is connected to Find My Device.
2. Open the Find My Device app.
3. Select your lost or misplaced device.
4. The app will show your device's location on a map, along with an indicator of how close it is to your Nest devices (thermostats, speakers, etc.), helping you narrow down the search.

Isn't this an amazing feature? all you need is a Google Nest device and add the devices to your latest Find My Device app on an Android device.

5. Share Tracking with Friends and Family (Android 9+)

Your spouse or your parents are at home? or your friends or your little kids are trying to find a device but they are unable to locate it and calling you to help them? Well, if that item is added to your Find My Device app, that's a breeze. You can just track it right away and share the tracking with anyone you want to. Here's how:

1. Open the Find My Device app.
2. Select the device you want to share (phone, luggage with travel buddy, house keys with roommate).
3. Tap "Manage access" and choose "Grant access."
4. Select the person you want to share with and choose the level of access (location only or full control).
5. Your friend or family member will now be able to see the location of the shared device in their own Find My Device app.

Plus, this new app by Google for Android users to find their lost devices is a secure and private app.

However, if you are using it and going to share the locations of your devices with someone else, you should do it with caution and understand your privacy and security.

Happy tracking your lost devices!