The wait is over, we already have among us the biggest leap in capabilities for the network to find Android devices: after having verified that it was already active, the new find devices finally expands to all compatible Android. And you can configure it on your phone, we give you all the keys.
Imagine that, hopefully it doesn’t happen, you lose your phone. As long as you have the SIM active, it will send the location, also if you stay connected to a known WiFi. But what if that’s not the case? Until now you could see in the device locator what was its last known location, a very useful piece of information that, as time goes by, stops being so useful: If someone takes it you will not find the phone on the site. Until now.
Your lost mobile will transmit the location even if it is not connected
Since the network of Android devices is gigantic, with more than 3 billion active users Worldwide, it is relatively easy to find a lost mobile phone if everyone shares the location in case they meet him. This is exactly how the decentralized search network works: it is enough for one Android to be close to another so that it can transmit its location.
With the notable improvement in device location, from now on it will be much easier, faster and more reliable to find a stolen or lost Android mobile. Not only that: Google has extended this new search network to connected devices; such as Smart Watchesheadphones and trackers.
The update has reached a large part of the mobile phones and tablets that have a minimum of Android 9. We have checked on several mobile phones and it is now possible to activate it: generally a notice arrives on the device. Otherwise, you must do the following:
- Access the Android settings and go to the Google section.
- Select “Find my device”, it is in the recommended section. You can also locate the menu using the settings search engine.
- Go to «Find offline devices». If your mobile phone and/or Google account is not yet operational, this menu will not appear. It’s a matter of time: the function is expanding.
- Once inside “Find offline devices”, select the last two options from the menu: or “Network available in high traffic areas” either “Network available in all areas». With the second you will have more options to find your devices.
- If you do not want to participate in the search network, you can check “No network” or directly deactivate the possibility. You won’t be able to find your Android offline.
By default, offline device tracking is disabled: you must turn it on manually
Once you have the new search network activated, your Android will save the locations of nearby devices to send them to their owners in case they are lost or stolen; The same thing happens with your own phone. All locations are encrypted, as are connections to transfer location. As before, Google will continue to save your location history or timeline to your account.
The new search network represents a notable advance in the location of Android devices. It is compatible with trackers similar to AirTags, although compatibility is still lacking to extend its range of use. At the moment we have been unable to add a location tag to our account.
Cover image | Ivan Linares