Google finally launched its Find My Device web for Android devices on Monday, April 8. The feature was first announced by the tech giant last year but is still in development. Reports emerged last week that the feature could finally be released soon, and now Google has rolled out the new technology globally. The feature leverages a crowdsourced network of all Android users to locate lost smartphones and accessories. The feature works similarly to the Find My app on the iPhone.

Announcing the feature blog post“Today, the new Find My Device feature is rolling out to Android devices globally, starting in the U.S. and Canada,” said Erik Kay, vice president of engineering at Google. A new crowdsourced network of Android devices, Find My Device helps you find lost Android devices and everyday items quickly and securely.”

The most useful feature of the network is the ability to locate devices even when they are offline. This means that the smartphone or accessory does not need to be connected to the internet in order to be tracked. Additionally, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users will be able to find their devices even when they are powered off or have a dead battery. This can be very convenient if the device is stolen. The Find My Device network also comes with Find nearby Buttons help find the exact location of your smartphone or accessory.

Google says the Find My Device network feature also allows Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee to be on the network and track their location. These tags can be placed on everyday items such as keys, wallets or bags to keep them safe. The feature will be rolled out starting in May. Later this year, Bluetooth tags for eufy, Motorola and Jio will also be added.

In addition, the network will be integrated with Google Nest, and an Android feature will show the proximity of a lost device to a Nest device to provide a reference point. Users can also share the accessory with family and friends so everyone can keep an eye on its location. Using Bluetooth tags, users can share house keys or TV remotes with family members, and all members can find the item individually.

Privacy and data protection are also of concern. Google says the network has multiple layers of protection built into it to keep personal information private. The Find My Device network features end-to-end encryption of location data and aggregated device location reporting to prevent unwanted device tracking. The app is available for devices running Android 9 or higher.

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