Find My Device feature 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.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

How to enable Find My Device on Windows 10 to recover your PC if it’s ever lost or stolen

The "Find My Device" feature on Windows 10 helps users locate lost or stolen laptops and desktops by using location services to store the device's location in the cloud linked to a Microsoft account. To enable this feature, users must go to Settings > Update & Security > Find My Device, ensure location services are enabled, and toggle on the "Save my device's location periodically" option. To check the last known location, users can access the same Find My Device page and select the appropriate option to find their device. Disabling the feature involves toggling off the "Save my device's location periodically" option in the same settings menu. The feature requires an internet connection to function properly.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Rolls Out Android 15 With Theft Detection Lock, Privacy Features For ‘Sensitive’ Apps And More – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Alphabet Inc.'s Google has begun rolling out Android 15 for Pixel devices, focusing on enhancing user experience, security, and privacy. Key features include: - Theft Protection and Recovery: Introduces Theft Detection Lock using AI to secure devices upon detecting suspicious movement, remote locking via phone number, and authentication requirements for critical actions like SIM card removal. - Private Space for Sensitive Apps: A secure vault for concealing sensitive applications, requiring additional authentication for access and allowing users to hide its existence from the main interface. - Enhanced Multitasking on Foldables and Tablets: Features include a pin/unpin taskbar for quick access to apps and App Pairing for simultaneous operation of two applications with drag-and-drop functionality. - Camera, Messaging, and Passkey Updates: Includes Low Light Boost for improved image quality, satellite connectivity for carrier messaging apps, and streamlined authentication for Passkeys.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

What’s new in Android 15, plus more updates

Android 15 has begun its rollout for Pixel device users, introducing a suite of security features aimed at protecting sensitive health, financial, and personal information. Key features include the Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to automatically lock the device if it detects movement consistent with theft, and the Remote Lock feature that allows users to secure their device remotely. The update also includes stricter authentication requirements for critical settings and locks the device after multiple failed access attempts. These enhancements are available for devices running Android 10 and above.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Android 15 is finally here for your Pixel device!

Google has rolled out the stable version of Android 15 for its Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer, the Pixel 6a, the Pixel Fold, and the Pixel Tablet. Key features include Privacy Space for concealing sensitive apps, improved anti-theft protections, app pair functionality for foldable devices and tablets, enhanced camera controls for third-party apps, satellite messaging capabilities for carrier apps, and a simplified login process using passkeys. Installation guides and release plans are available for users.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

My essential Windows 11 tweaks: 22 Settings to change for a better experience

Windows 11 offers extensive customization options, with specific settings to adjust during new installations. Key areas to configure include: - Start Menu: - Show more pins by selecting the "More pins" option. - Show folders by choosing shortcuts next to the power button. - Disable account notifications by turning off the "Show account-related notifications" toggle. - Disable app recommendations by turning off the "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more" toggle. - Taskbar: - Align icons to the left by selecting the "Left" option in Taskbar behaviors. - Remove Widgets and Search icons by choosing the Hide option and turning off the Widgets toggle. - Disable badge notifications by clearing the "Show badges on taskbar apps" option. - Notifications: - Enable "Do not disturb" by turning on the toggle in the Notifications settings. - Clock: - Enable automatic time and zone adjustments by turning on the relevant toggles in Date & time settings. - Apps: - Set default applications by selecting the desired app in Default apps settings. - Control startup apps by turning off the toggle for each app in Startup settings. - Display: - Change screen scaling and refresh rate in Display settings. - Enable Night light by adjusting the settings in the Display page. - Privacy: - Disable the "Find My Device" feature and Settings notifications in Privacy & security settings. - Connect Phone: - Use the Phone Link app or Mobile devices feature to connect an Android phone to Windows 11. - File Explorer: - Change the startup page to "This PC" and show file extensions in the View menu. - Mouse: - Change the mouse cursor and pointer style in Accessibility settings.

Winsage

July 26, 2024

14 must-know Windows 11 security and privacy settings

- A screen lock is a must-have for laptops, and there are different options such as fingerprint, facial recognition, password, or PIN. - To make login more secure, users can enable high-security login methods like Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. - Users can automatically lock their computer by setting up time intervals for requiring login again or enabling Dynamic lock with Bluetooth devices. - Users can skip the login and use a local account to reduce monitoring. - Users can turn off Windows Ad ID to prevent customized advertising. - Users can limit the information Windows can access to protect privacy but may lose some functionality. - Users can control app permissions for things like camera, microphone, and location through App Authorization. - Users can restrict or turn off app sharing between devices. - Users can opt out of Device Usage feature to prevent Microsoft from customizing the system and advertising to their habits. - Users can disable Microsoft 'tips' that may be perceived as advertising. - Windows 11 has built-in security features like Windows Defender for virus protection and can protect against extortion trojans. - Users can find a missing computer by enabling the Find my device feature and using account.microsoft.com/devices to locate and control the device remotely.

Winsage

July 11, 2024

7 ways Windows 11 collects your data — and how to opt out

Microsoft collects required data for Windows operation, including basic details of the device and diagnostic data for system failures. Optional data collected includes browsing history, connected devices, inking and typing, product and service performance, product and service usage, software setup and inventory, and location. Users can opt out of optional data collection by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and toggling the relevant options to Off. To view the data collected by Windows 11, users can install the Diagnostic Data Viewer app from the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

April 10, 2024

Google launches Find My Device for Android users

Google has unveiled an enhanced 'Find My Device' feature for Android users, making it easier to locate misplaced phones and tablets. The feature will initially cater to two devices but will expand to support headphones and third-party Bluetooth tags. The new service can locate devices even when they are turned off or have a depleted battery, thanks to specialized Pixel hardware. Google emphasizes user privacy and security by using end-to-end encryption for location data and aggregating device location reporting to enhance protection against unwanted tracking. The update was announced at Google I/O 2023, with an initial launch aimed for the summer. Android's VP of Engineering for Security and Privacy highlights the company's dedication to user safety, data security, and privacy in building a private, crowdsourced device-locating network. The network operates through the participation of nearby Android users, allowing users to view aggregated location data through the Find My Device mobile app.