Security is an essential aspect in this technological era. However, it remains one of the issues that most concerns mobile device users. For this reason, many appreciate having Find my device on Android. Since Google has updated this tool, in this post we will talk a little about what it will offer from now on.
The latest update to Find my Device will give Android users more options in case of loss or theft. Until now, this function allowed you to locate, block or erase data from a lost or stolen phone only if it was turned on. However, the novelty is that we can locate our devices even when they are turned off. How will it be possible?
Find my device on Android: the function is updated
Find my device on Android is a tool that was launched to the public in 2018 and has been receiving improvements. It is very similar to a function that incorporates Apple in its ecosystem. Find my Device is part of Google Play Protect, a group of security services for Android devices such as phones, tablets, etc. Now, at Google I/O 2023, Google announced that it would make a major update to the renowned feature. What is it about?
With enough time spent to improve and develop the update, it is now available in beta version 24.12.14 of Google Play Service. So what have those with access to the beta discovered? The most significant improvement is that the tool Allows you to find a device without it being turned on or connected to the Internet. Next, let's see how they have achieved it.
News that Find my device will offer on Android
That's how it is. The novelty is that with the new Find my Device update we will be able to locate our Android devices even when they are turned off or without an Internet connection. But how is this possible? This is thanks to the Find my Device network. Once your Android participates in this network, Securely sends location information from devices it detects nearby from him to help the owner find his.
On the other hand, the tool will be able to search for your device no matter what state it is in. When activating the Find my Device function, you can select any of the following situations:
- Off
- No network
- With network only in high traffic areas
- With network in all areas
As expected, the success of This new feature will depend on more and more people choosing to subscribe to the Find my Device tool. In this way, Android devices will be able to locate each other to send their respective owners the most accurate location possible.
Who will be able to use this function?
Since Find My Device is a tool that has been available for Android users for several years, it is expected that all devices with Android 9 or higher can get the new update. However, for now it is enabled in beta version 24.12.14 of Google Play Service and only some of its users have been able to access it.
Likewise, it is believed that these developments They will be available first in the United States and Canada. However, as the days go by, more and more countries will be added to the list until the feature is available worldwide. So far, it is expected that more than one billion devices will benefit.
When will Find My Device be available on Android?
We don't know when the new Find My Device update on Android will be available globally. However, since it has already been included in the beta version, it will most likely It won't be many days until all Android users can use it on your devices.
What can we do while we wait for it to be available? The most prudent thing is keep your mobile updated to its latest version. It is also good that we periodically update the Google applications on the device. Thus, we can use the new function right when it is enabled.
Other possible tools to find our devices
On the other hand, a rumor that is spread among Android users is that This tool may end up being compatible with Bluetooth trackers. Which means that we can not only use it to find devices such as a mobile phone, tablet or a watch, but we can also use it to locate objects such as suitcases, bags, keys or anything that has a label, just as happens with Apple AirTags.
Until now, compatible brands for object search They are Chipolo and Pebblebee, which are also compatible with iOS devices. All in all, it is expected that by the end of the year, manufacturers such as Motorola will be included in the list and available for this feature.
Security will not be a problem with Find my device on Android
As we mentioned at the beginning, one of the factors that most concern users is keeping their privacy and security safe. All in all, this is not a problem for Google, who has already reported that Location data from all devices is end-to-end encrypted.
This means that even if a Bluetooth connection is used to locate any of your devices, No one else besides you will be able to remotely access the information stored on your phone, tablet or smart watch. In fact, for companies as large as Google, protecting user security is a primary factor.
The Find my device function on Android is improved
Until now, the most important requirement for the Find My Device tool to work was that the lost or stolen device was turned on. However, With this latest update it will no longer be necessary for the device to be on or is connected to the Internet.
From now on, as long as your device is part of the Find my Device network, You will be able to locate it more easily with the help of third-party devices. Plus, you won't have to worry about your privacy since your data will be end-to-end encrypted. We hope to make this feature available soon to test it and increase our security.