Find My Device on Android, part II: Know what to do when your phone disappears

Now, let's break down what your options are when that dreaded moment becomes reality. Now - the most important part - make sure both of the Find My Device toggles are activated: the one labeled 'Remotely locate this device' and the one labeled 'Allow remote lock and erase.' If either of those is turned off, you won't be able to perform the related task. Next, pull up the Google section of your phone's system settings (or the Google Settings app, on some older devices) and scroll down to the line labeled 'Security.' Tap that, then tap 'Find My Device' on the next screen that appears. If it isn't, Android won't be able to access your phone's GPS and thus won't be able to perform any Find My Device-related location functions. Most Android phones should be actively enrolled in Find My Device by default, but there are a few critical settings that are worth double-checking to confirm everything's connected.įirst, head into the Location section of your Android device's system settings and make sure the toggle at the top of the screen is turned on. Find My Device on Android, part I: Make sure your phone is prepared

Then, if you ever have that heart-dropping moment, your phone will be 100% ready - and so will you. So take a few minutes now to learn the ins and outs of how it works and what it takes for your devices to be discoverable. Find My Device has actually been a part of Android since 2013 - originally under the name 'Android Device Manager,' which stuck around until Google's broad Android security rebranding earlier this year - but it's always been a bit buried and easy to overlook.

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