Find My Device App on Android Set to Receive Major Upgrade for Securely Tracking Anything Anywhere

A significant improvement to the Find My Device network could make losing your Android phone less troublesome in the near future. Presently, activating Find My Device allows you to view your phone’s most recent location on a map, but this is only possible when the phone is connected to the internet and has location services enabled.

Extended compatibility

A future update will remove these restrictions. Not only does it work with devices like Android phones and Wear OS watches, but it also includes Bluetooth trackers from popular brands like Tile, Chipolo, and Pebblebee, according to a Techradar report. This means you can track items like wallets or keys by connecting a Bluetooth tracker, even if they don’t support Find My Device.

No internet needed

The exciting part of this update is that it does not require an internet connection or location services to track objects. Other Android devices connected to the Find My Device network can locate your property via Bluetooth. Due to the huge number of Android devices worldwide (more than a billion), this network is ready to locate missing objects from almost anywhere.

Like Apple’s Find My network, Google guarantees that location data is encrypted, ensuring that only you can access your product’s location data, not even Google.

Improved personal safety

This update also applies to personal security. Android phones now alert you of unknown trackers that can be used for stalking. Your phone can send notifications if it detects an unknown tracking device traveling with you. By manually scanning Bluetooth, it intentionally differentiates between the next locator and one that is simply nearby because of other people.

Detailed tracking information

When an unknown tracker is spotted, you’ll get a map showing where it was first spotted and how it traveled. You can even play a sound on the tracker to locate it, along with instructions on how to disable it.

However, it’s important to note that this feature initially only detects AirTags (although this will change) and may experience issues with them. Google will likely fine-tune this aspect over time.

In short, the new Android Find My Device update is set to make it more efficient and easier to track lost items and ensure security. With expanded compatibility and improved tracking features, it is a step forward in providing users with greater peace of mind.