Google Find My Device launches on Android: locate smartphones and devices

At I/O a year ago, Google announced the new “Find My Device” network, which allows smartphones and devices to be found and located in a similar way to Apple. The system upgrade is intended to be particularly secure and make tracking by third parties impossible with various security mechanisms. The Find My Device network has now been officially launched, but initially only in the USA and Canada.

Google launches new Find My Device network

In a blog post, Google has announced the launch of the new “Find My Device” network, which allows devices and smartphones to be tracked in Android. Particularly exciting: The Pixel 8 devices around the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and presumably also the Pixel 8a, which will be launched in May, can even be tracked offline to find out their location, even when the devices are switched off.

From May 2024, other items such as keys, wallets and suitcases will also be able to be tracked and located using compatible Bluetooth trackers. Find My Device currently supports trackers from Chipolo and Pebblebee in the new location app.

Later in the year, trackers from eufy, Jio, Mororola and other manufacturers will be offered, but these have not yet been officially announced. However, Google has already mentioned a few names, including the eufy SmartTrack Link for Android and the JioTag Go.

The app has been given a new interface that shows where which devices were last seen in the network. An animation informs you when the devices come into close proximity. A sound can also be played to locate the devices.

Smart home devices from the Nest family can also help with the search at home. Sounds can then be played on the nearest Nest device to help locate the devices more quickly.

It is also possible to share devices with friends or family and have them located by people who have been granted the appropriate rights.

Find My Device also for headphones

Google reveals that Find My Device works with devices running Android 9 or a newer operating system. The discoverable devices also include various Bluetooth headphones, which should support the location function with a software update.

Devices from JBL (JBL Tour Pro 2 and JBL Tour One M2) and the flagship Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones will be the first to do so. Further details on the Find My Device network can be found on the official Google website. It will be rolled out globally later this year.