Find My Device Google Can Now Track Phones Without Internet

17 April 2024

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Find My Device Google Kini Bisa Lacak Ponsel Tanpa Internet

In the latest update for Find My Device from Google, we can now track lost Android smartphones even when offline. This is part of the Find My Device system update for Android which was first announced at the I/O 2023 event and finally launched for all devices today, starting with those in the United States and Canada.

“Crowdsourced” network for search

The main change lies in Google’s creation of “crowdsourced network” of more than a billion devices running Android 9.0 or higher, which can practically emit a signal to your phone or tablet while within reach. Previously, Find My Device only works for Android devices connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile network. However, now the technology can also take advantage of Bluetooth signals from neighboring electronics to determine the location of the device in real-time.

Optimal use in public

“Our advisers found that the Find My Device network is most valuable in public settings such as cafes and airports, where there are likely to be a lot of devices around,” the company said.

Special Features for Pixel Phones

One of the improvements to Find My Device is exclusive for Google-made Pixel phones. “The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can now be found even if the battery is off, because there is a backup power on the device for several hours flowing into the Bluetooth chip,” according to Google.

Easy to use via apps and web

Find My Device is available through the application and the web, allowing the owner to easily track lost Android phones or even secure and delete them remotely. This is enabled by default for Android devices logged into the Google account. To improve the system, Google will let users monitor their Bluetooth tracker through the Find My Device app. Starting in May, the application will support third-party trackers from Chipolo and Pebblebee before supporting other Bluetooth trackers from brands such as Eufy, Jio, Motorola and others.

Support for third-party Bluetooth tracker

Other improvements involve helping people find lost items when in close physical distance. If this happens, the Find My Device application will display a warning that will show how close the item is to a person’s location.

security and privacy

This tracking might make users concerned with privacy feel uncomfortable, but Google says they are designing Find My Device to prevent unwanted surveillance. This includes the use of end-to-end encryption to secure Bluetooth-based location data.

Conclusion

The update for Find My Device from Google is a significant step forward in finding lost Android devices, even when in offline conditions. With the crowdsourced network and Bluetooth technology, users now have more ways to track their devices and guarantee the security of their personal data.