Losing your smartphone can be an absolute nightmare . Not only does your smartphone have all of your most cute pic , telecasting , and confabulation save up on it , but it may have info of a more sensitive nature too ( like banking apps ) . That ’s a grownup part of the intellect why we all experience that intimate skip heartbeat when we substantiate our phone is n’t where we have a bun in the oven it to be . gratefully , there are a identification number of ways you’re able to keep track of all of your smart devices , whetherphonesortablets , and evensmartwatches .
There are a couple of built - in style to track your machine , including Google ’s Find My machine app that ’s built intoAndroid , and Samsung ’s SmartThings Find service . But there are a lot more options than just that , and there ’s a palmy market place of third - party trailing apps as well .
But before we start , a bill on using trailing apps : these apps should only ever be used to track your own devices , and never to track other masses without their consent .
How to track any Android phone or device
The best and promiscuous way to give chase any Android is through Google ’s built - in tools . receive My twist is Google ’s own trailing software program , and the best part about it is it ’s mechanically turn on when you sign into your Google chronicle on any equipment . That means you do n’t need to worry about setting it up , and can only twist to it when needed . Find My equipment is useable on all Android devices from Android 8.0 Oreo and newer .
If you require to find a equipment using another one , then you ’ll necessitate to download theFind My equipment appfrom the Google Play Store . However , you do n’t necessitate this app downloaded on the gadget you ’re trying to determine , thankfully .
Step 1 : If you require to verify it ’s turned on , then you may do so by head toSettings > Security & privacy > Find My gimmick . Make sureUse line up My Deviceis toggle on .
stair 2 : When you need to find your gimmick , you’re able to either access Find My machine through the web site , or the app on another machine .
Using the Find My Device website
Using the web site is the best option if you do n’t have another gadget on you , as it can be used from any information processing system with connection access . Do n’t forget to sign out of your Google story if you ’re using a public gimmick , though . The tilt of options will vary depending on gimmick .
Step 1 : lead to theFind My Devicewebsite .
Step 2 : When you ’re sign on into your Google account , you ’ll see a list of your gadget , along with location , battery level , any connected Wi - Fi web , and the last time they were seen online . If you hover over theInformationtag next to the machine ’s name , you may see your IMEI number , and when it was register to your account .
measure 3 : You have a few choice from here . If your gadget is lose somewhere nearby , choosePlay soundto make the gadget ring at full volume for five minutes . It will echo even if it ’s on silent modal value .
footfall 4 : you could alsoSecure gimmick . This will lock your machine and ratify out of your Google news report , and then it will display a message or phone routine on the lock screen door . This is the selection if it has been take , but you ’re optimistic about pay back it back . You ’ll still be capable to see it on the map .
footstep 5 : last , there ’s the nuclear alternative : Erase equipment . This wipes the twist clean , getting rid of all of your content . If your machine is lost forever , this is the just option to check that none of your data can be easily accessed by whomever has time lag of it now .
Using the Find My Device app
you’re able to do all the same actions from the Find My equipment app , with some extra options also available . As with the website , the numeral of alternative will vary depending on the gadget .
Step 1 : enter the app and you ’ll be represent with a list of equipment . Select whichever one you necessitate to find .
Step 2 : On the next screen , you ’ll be presented with similar option , with a few small changes .
Step 3 : The biggest modification is the addition ofGet commission . This allow you to utilize a mapping app ’s directions to direct to where your machine was last see .
dance step 4 : Also , if you want to clear your gadget , you ’ll need to select theSettings cognext to your gadget ’s name , and then chooseFactory reset [ gimmick name ] .
How to track a Samsung Android phone or device
Samsung has its own tracking package as part of the SmartThings service , so while you may download the see My machine app on a Galaxy telephone set , you do n’t have to . Unfortunately , you may only receive a equipment from theSmartThings Findwebsite , and there ’s no in - app version of the locator . However , using the website gives you quite a lot of options , including many not offered by Google ’s Find My gimmick .
dance step 1 : Get part by make up sure the Find My Mobile military service is scat on your Galaxy speech sound . pass toSettings > security measures and privacy > Find My Mobile > let this earphone to be foundand make certain the toggle is on .
stone’s throw 2 : Once trailing is on , like with Find My equipment , you could determine it either using a website , or via the app .
Step 3 : open up theSmartThings Find websiteand polarity in to your Samsung account .
Step 4 : Once contract in , you ’ll be able to see a mathematical function with your devices to the left field . Choose whichever one you want to chase after , and SmartThings will tell you where it is or , if it ’s offline , where it was last seen .
Step 5 : You get a peck more selection through SmartThings , and you canRing , Lock , orErase datain your equipment . you’re able to alsoTrack locationto get more immediate position update , Unlockit , Back upyour data point , and evenExtend battery lifeto verify it last out online for longer . If it ’s offline , you could also necessitate SmartThings toNotify me when it ’s found , so you ’ll screw the moment it resurface .
Other apps to track an Android phone
There are some other option if you desire to look alfresco of Samsung ’s and Google ’s build - in options . These are more often than not more specialized apps , and you ’ll often need to ante up money to access their most useful features . Still , what they offer can often be deserving the money .
Life360 : Live Location Sharingtarget="_blank " > — This app is very much meant for sept , and for keeping an eye on the most vulnerable members . It sells itself on its resilient fix tool , but there ’s more to this app than just being a handy locator . you could track individual Tiles for high - value possession , send private messages , and for older kids , keep an eye on how fast they ’re drive . It ’s a real all - in - one solution for family safety , and the subscription plans start up from $ 15 a month , with a generous barren tier too .
Prey : Find My Phone & Securitytarget="_blank " > — This is the app we all bank on before Google and Samsung roll up their options into their phones . Prey allow you lock devices remotely , cut across them on a map , take pic using the front and back cameras , and there ’s even a " kill transposition " . The most advanced tools are only available with a subscription though , and the app is now more geared toward organizations rather than item-by-item consumers . Still , it ’s a strong option anyway .
Frequently asked questions
Can you track an Android phone on Google Maps?
While you’re able to not directly track an Android phone on Google Maps , you’re able to use Google’sFind your phonetool on an individual basis . This putz will take you to Google Maps , expose your phone ’s location .
Can you track a turned off Android phone?
you’re able to track a turn off Android phone , but the resultant role will be less precise . You will find the last location the machine was in while it was on . If it has n’t move , great . If it has moved , you will still have some searching to do .
How do I find a device without a Google account?
If you do n’t have access to your Google write up , there is still some promise in encounter your phone . Samsung phones can use the SmartThings Find website . check out out the discussion section above for other third company finder apps to load onto your speech sound as well .
