What is the Find My Device app?

We all lose our devices from time to time and it may be difficult to try to find them again. Sure, we usually find our device under a pile of clothes or in the pocket of our old pants, but we’re not always so lucky. Sometimes we lose our devices in places not so close to home. This is where the Find My Device app comes in.

The Find My Device app is an application that people use to track their lost phone or other device. This app is extremely useful, but is severely overlooked. The thing is, there always come times when an app like this comes in handy. Maybe you lose your phone in a bar or your earbuds at a friend’s house. So, here is a guide on what this app is and how to use it.

We will look at how useful this app is and how you can use it to the fullest. The Find My Device app goes beyond tracking your phone and that’s something people typically don’t understand. So, let’s dive in.

What is the Find My Device app

As the name of the app suggests, this is a tool that you can use to locate where your devices are located. In case you can’t find a particular device, all you have to do is launch the app and select it. The app will give you a detailed map of where that device is, so you can find it.

The Find My Device app includes different types of devices you use. You will be able to find devices such as phones, tablets and earphones. So if you have an extra phone or other device you use, the Find My Device app is perfect for tracking it.

How to access the app

There are two ways to access the feature. The easiest way is via the Android app. You can download it from the Google Play Store. The other method is through your browser. Just open your browser and type “Find my phone” in the search bar. The main result should be a Google link that says “Find my phone”. When you tap the link, you will go to a page that has the same functionality as the app.

So, if you don’t want to worry about downloading and installing Find My Device, you can use this method. However, it is definitely advisable to use the app.

Using Find My Device

Before we get started, there are a few things to remember. For starters, you’ll only be able to see a device in the app if you’re signed in to your Google account on that device. So, if you have a secondary device with a different email address, you’re out of luck.

Also, to get the best effect, the device will need to be connected to the Internet. Here’s how Google manages to track it. If your device is not connected to the Internet, the app will not be able to help you. If you’re tracking something like headphones (devices that can’t connect to the internet), the app will show you the last location it detected them. This is the last location it detected your usage.

Map view

With that said, let’s dive into the app. When you open Find My Device, you will see the list of devices you are currently signed in to. Some names may be confusing, as the app sometimes uses model numbers rather than actual names. However, this doesn’t happen too often and shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t have too many devices.

When you tap the device you want to track, you’ll see the screen switch to map view. This map view will show you the location of the phone or tablet you’re looking for. The map can be quite precise and shows the approximate location up to several meters. If you lose it at home, you will be able to see which side of the house it is on. You could also see which room it is in.

Information panel

Below the map view, you’ll see a panel that you can expand by pulling up on the tab. This panel will show you the information about the phone you are looking for. This includes the name, when it was last seen (the last time you interacted with it), its battery level, and what Wi-Fi connection it is connected to.

Playing a sound

Below this information, you will see some options. If you can’t find your device even with the map displayed, you can tap the Play Audio button. The device’s default ringtone will play for you to listen to. This is probably the best way to locate your device if you’re having trouble finding it.

Device protection

Below is the Secure Device option. You will use this option if you are concerned that someone has found your device and taken it. What the secure option will do is lock your phone using your PIN or pattern and log you out of your Google account. This way, if the person manages to access your device, they will not have access to your sensitive information.

People often have a lot of important data in their Google accounts. They might have important documents in Docs, important emails in Gmail, important notes in Keep Notes, etc. Therefore, the person who took the phone or tablet will not have access to that information. You can also do this as a precaution.

Directions

Below this option, you will see a Get Directions button with a small square icon next to it. The square icon indicates that you will navigate out of the app to another app. What the option does is paste the location coordinates into Google Maps and give you directions to that location. After that, you will be able to travel to that location just like you would any other destination.

Settings

At the top right of the panel you will see a small gear icon. When you tap it, you will see a new page. At the top of the page you will see the device you are looking for. Below you will see the option to rename the device. Make sure you choose a name that will be easy to remember.

Finally, if it is clear that someone has stolen your device and there is no way to trace them, you will have to make a last ditch effort to protect your phone; restore it to factory settings. This will erase all data from your phone and put it back exactly as it was when it left the factory. You’ll see this option at the bottom of the settings page.

This should be your last line of defense when dealing with a lost device. You need to try everything you can to find the device. However, if it is not possible to do so, you may have to do so. It’s not preferable, but it can be the best way to keep your information out of other people’s hands.