What is the Google Find My Device network and how to opt out of it

Google has been helping you find the lost Android phone associated with your Google account for years, but the search giant is rolling out an improved version of the service this spring. With a network of over a billion Android devices, Google says the new version has the ability to locate lost keys, wallet or luggage using new Bluetooth trackers, and also supports Bluetooth tracker tags.

In the spring, Google rolled out its updated Find My Device service and informed device owners via email that their compatible phones, earbuds, headphones and trackers would be automatically added to the network within three days unless they opted out.

Below is a brief description of the Find My Device network, what it works with, and how you can opt out of it if you so choose.

To learn more, check out how to increase the security of your Google account with keys and how to cast videos from your phone to your TV.

What is the Find My Device network?

Google’s Find My Device network allows you to locate missing devices and accessories associated with your Google Account. This is done through crowdsourcing – devices on the Find My Device network use Bluetooth technology to search and detect lost items. If the item is found, the service will send you a notification about the item’s location. The network can also locate some devices, such as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, for several hours, even if they are turned off or have a low battery.

Which devices and trackers work with Google Find My Network?

In addition to locating your lost Android phone and tablet, the Find My Device network lets you track compatible Bluetooth trackers like Chipolo and Pebblebee, Wear OS devices including the Pixel Watch, and Android-compatible accessories like Pixel Buds and… coming soon – JBL and Sony headphones.

How to find your devices

There are several ways to locate lost items using Find My Device.

Before you can start tracking your missing item, you’ll need to set everything up, including signing in to your Google account, turning on location on your device, verifying that Find My Device is turned on on your device, and installing the Find My Device app.

Now you can first track your missing device online at google.com/android/find.

Secondly, any Android smartphone or tablet that you sign in to using the Find My Device app will also allow you to locate your lost device.

Third, you can ask Google Assistant to find your devices – although when I tested it, Assistant only suggested ringing my two phones, but not my Pixel Watch 2. That said, Google Assistant should also be able to find tracker tags if you have them associated with your account.

What else can he do?

In addition to device tracking, Google’s Find My Device network offers several other features that will be familiar if you use Apple’s AirTags or Find My networks.

Shared items

A useful feature is the ability to add family or friends to shared items that have a tracking tag. Whether it’s a TV remote, a spare house key, or a family iPad, anyone you add can find the shared item without causing hassle to the person who initially set it up.

Unknown tracker alerts

The convenience of the Find My Device network also comes with some risks. As seen with Apple’s AirTags and the Find My network, there is a risk of tracker tags being misused for stalking purposes.

Like Apple’s network, Google’s Find My Device network notifies you about unknown trackers that may be tracking your location. Apple and Google are collaborating on this solution and you can receive these alerts on your Android device or iPhone.

How to unsubscribe from the Find My Device network

By default, Google includes you in its tracking network.

To protect your privacy, Google says your device locations will be encrypted using your Android device’s PIN, pattern, or password. Locations are only visible to you and the people you share your devices with in Find My Device. They will not be visible to Google or used for any other purposes.

If you decide you don’t want to participate, opting out of Google Find My Device Network is simple. However, how to opt out of this option depends on whether it has been activated on your account.

If you recently received the “Your Android devices will soon join the Find My Device web email” email telling you that the service will be enabled within three days, you can opt out of the Internet early by using the link provided in e-mail messages.

If you don’t remember receiving the email or three days have passed, don’t worry, you can easily unsubscribe from your Android device in your settings.

From your Android device

1. On your Android device, go to Settings.
2. Click on the Google setting.
3. Tap the Find my device setting.
4. Tap the toggle to turn off next to “Use Find My Device.”
5. Confirm with PIN, pattern or biometrics.

That’s it. Your device is no longer part of the Find My Device network. To rejoin, simply turn the switch back on.

For more tips, read about all the cool and useful features of iOS 17.5 and how the Notes app on iPhone is your secret messaging tool.