Find My Device app Archives

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

Android’s Find My app now tracks people too – here’s how it works

The Google Find My app has introduced a new feature that allows users to track the location of individuals through its Find My network. The app has a revamped interface with two main categories: devices and people. Users can view real-time locations of individuals sharing their whereabouts, along with exact addresses and distances. Location sharing can be initiated for various durations and can be easily disabled. This feature is also available in Google Maps, but many find it easier to use in the Find My app. The Find My network, launched last year, enables tracking of devices even when they are not connected to the internet by utilizing a network of over a billion Android devices and Bluetooth technology.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out a quick March security patch to join its big Pixel update

In March 2025, Google began rolling out a security update for eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet. The update versions are BP1A.250305.019 for Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Fold, and BP1A.250305.020 for Pixel 9 series and Tablet. The update addresses various issues, enhancing display stability and performance, and includes fixes for camera and WebView stability. An audio issue with Bluetooth call volume is resolved, except for the Pixel 6 series. The changelog includes fixes for launcher theme misalignment, transparent home screen icons, app-switching issues with third-party launchers, and themed icon display problems. The update also introduces nine high-severity framework fixes and 21 system fixes for security, including two notable vulnerabilities. The rollout started on March 4, following a Pixel feature drop that added functionalities like Loss of Pulse detection and scam detection alerts.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out new AI-powered scam detection feature in Messages app

Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Find My Device on Android is finally adding a much-awaited login method

The Find My Device app has been updated to version 3.1.173-1, allowing users to log in using biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, instead of entering a Google account password. The update removes the 'Don't ask again' option, requiring users to verify their identity each time they open the app to enhance security. Biometric login is enabled by default in this version. Additionally, the app is transitioning to a side panel layout for tablet users to improve map visibility, while retaining essential options from the previous design. The timeline for this tablet-friendly update is not specified.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Find My Device just got a lot smarter with new biometric login

Google's Find My Device app has introduced a biometric login feature in version 3.1.173-1, allowing users to authenticate using biometrics or a PIN instead of entering their Google account password. This update enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access when a device is unlocked. Users who have not set up a screen lock or biometric option will still need to use their password. The app will also undergo a redesign for tablet users, transitioning from a bottom sheet design to a side panel layout, which will optimize vertical space for the map display but will not be resizable. The biometric feature is currently available in the latest app version.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Find My Device by Google might get a compass for more accurate tracking

Google has introduced an update to its Find My Device app for Android, version 3.1.148, which includes a new "compass" feature that provides directional guidance for locating lost devices. This feature is part of a strategy to incorporate Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology into the app, allowing for more precise tracking compared to traditional Bluetooth. While these features are not yet operational, their presence in the code indicates a future rollout. The integration of UWB technology is expected to enhance the app's tracking capabilities and improve user experience.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Find My Device prepares a ‘compass’ for finding trackers, likely for UWB support

Google's Find My Device network is set to receive enhancements, including the integration of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracker support and a new "compass" feature in the latest app update (version 3.1.148). This compass feature will provide directional prompts to help users locate their devices, such as “Turn left,” “Turn right,” and “The device is behind you.” It aims to improve the existing functionality for locating Bluetooth trackers, which currently has limited precision. However, initial tests indicate that this new functionality is not yet operational.

AppWizard

August 8, 2024

Moto Tag is the first Find My Device Android tracker that asks for its own app

Google's Find My Device network is evolving with the introduction of the Moto Tag, the first Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracker for this network. The Moto Tag requires users to download a dedicated app, unlike other Find My Device trackers such as Chipolo and Pebblebee, which work directly through the existing Find My Device app. The Moto Tag app allows users to pair the tracker, play sounds, and access location tracking features. A notable feature is the ability to find a misplaced phone by double-tapping the tracker’s button, which triggers a sound on the phone if it is within Bluetooth range. While the Moto Tag app enhances user experience with firmware updates and phone-locating capabilities, it introduces a complication by requiring an additional app, which may frustrate users who prefer a streamlined solution.

AppWizard

August 7, 2024

Moto Tag is the first Find My Device tracker that needs its own Android app

Motorola has introduced the Moto Tag, a UWB tracker that is the first Find My Device tracker requiring a separate app for full functionality. Unlike competitors Chipolo and Pebblebee, which integrate with Google’s Find My Device app, the Moto Tag necessitates the download of a dedicated Moto Tag app for pairing and accessing features such as playing a sound on the tracker and locating the device. The app is available on the Play Store, and the Moto Tag can be purchased for .99 or .99 for a four-pack. However, the UWB feature is not yet operational.

AppWizard

June 17, 2024

Lost Your Android Phone? Here’s How Google Will Let You Find It Easily Despite It Being Offline

To add a device to the 'Find My Device' network, open the app, sign in to your Google account, click on 'Enter screen lock', enter the device's PIN, go to 'Settings', click on 'Google', then 'Find My Device', and finally 'Find your offline devices'.