Google's 'Find My Device' Now Locates Lost Gadgets Without Internet, Check How It Works
Google has recently updated its ‘ Find My Device ’ app, introducing a significant new feature that allows users to locate their lost or stolen Android devices, including phones, tablets, and headphones, even if these devices are without a SIM card or an active internet connection.
In contrast to Apple's pre-installed ‘Find My’ app, Google's ‘Find My Device’ app needs to be downloaded from the Play Store. Additionally, for offline tracking of your phone, tablet, or headphones, an Android-powered device is required.
How to Add Your Device to the Find My Device Network
- Install and Sign In: Open the Find My Device app and log in with your Google account. You may see a prompt asking if you want to add the device to the Find My Device network.
- Enter Screen Lock: Tap on the blue button labeled ‘Enter screen lock’. Enter the PIN of the device displayed on the screen.
- Manual Addition: If the prompt doesn't appear, open the ‘Settings’ app on your device. Scroll down, tap on ‘Google’, then find and tap on ‘Find My Device’.
- Enable Offline Finding: On the ‘Find My Device’ page, select ‘Find your offline devices’. This setting is off by default, but you can enable it to suit your preferences.
For more detailed descriptions of these settings, press the down arrow button on the right side. You can set it to ‘With the network in high-traffic areas only’ or ‘With network in all areas’ depending on your needs.
How to Use Find My Device to Locate Your Android Device
- Launch the App: Open the Find My Device app on your phone and sign in with your Google account.
- Select Your Device: Tap on the device you need to locate, then select the option ‘Find nearby’.
- Proximity Indicator: A new screen will show your proximity to the lost device. As you move closer, the ring on the screen will fill with color.
- Play Sound: If you’re close but can’t see the device, press the ‘Play sound’ button at the bottom of the screen.
If the device is not nearby, you can also use the Find My Device app to check its last known location.