How to Use Google Find My Device on Android

This How.com.vn teaches you how to use Google's Find My Device to track down your missing Android. Though Find My Device is enabled by default on many newer Androids, you'll still need to adjust a few settings in advance so your lost phone or tablet can be traced.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Enabling Find My Device

1
Open your Android's settings
. To do this, drag down the notification bar from the top of the home screen, then tap the gear at the top-right corner.
- Use this method to ensure your Android's location is traceable should it ever be lost or stolen.^{[1]XResearch source} If your Android is already missing, see the Finding Your Android method.
- Many (but not all) Androids have all of the options in this menu turned on by default. You should still double-check in case you've made changes to your settings.
2
Tap Security & location. If you don’t see this menu option, tap Google and then Security.
- The options in the Settings menu vary wildly by model. You may have to poke around through the menus if neither of these options work for you.
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If the switch was already turned on, there's no need to make any changes.^{[2]XResearch source}
If you don't see this option in the main menu, it may be under Security & location.
If the switch was already turned on, there's no need to make any changes.
If you don't see this option, tap Mode instead.^{[3]XResearch source}
If you tapped "Mode" in the previous step, you can skip this step.
10
Slide the "Improve Location Accuracy" switch to on
. If you see a list of modes rather than a switch, select one of these modes:
- Tap High accuracy for the most precise location-finding should you ever lose your Android. This option uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and sensors to map your location.
- Tap Battery saving to use only Wi-Fi and mobile networks. This option is slightly less precise, but it'll save you precious battery time.
You can do this by pressing your Android's Home button and tapping Chrome, Internet, or your preferred browser on the home screen.
12
Navigate to https://play.google.com/settings. This opens a page that displays a list of your Android devices.
- If you're not already signed in to your Google account, follow the on-screen instructions to do so now.
The box is to the right of your Android's description, under the "Visibility" tab. If there was already a check mark here, there's no need to make any changes.
Now that you've finished enabling all the features required to make Find My Device work, you should give the service a test drive. See the Finding Your Android method to learn how.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Finding Your Android

1
Go to https://android.com/find in a web browser. You can access this website on any computer, phone, or tablet.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you haven't set up Find My Device before you lost your Android, you may not be able to use this method. Your Android is only traceable if:
  - It's turned on and signed in to a Google account.
  - Find My Device is enabled.
  - It's connected to the internet via mobile data or Wi-Fi.
  - Location services are enabled.
  - Google Play visibility is turned on.
- If you're using another Android, you can also download the Find My Device app from the Play Store. The steps will be the same.
2
Sign in to your Google account. You must sign in to the same Google account you use on the missing Android. Once you're signed in, you'll see a map.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If you're already signed in with a different account, click or tap the logged-in user's profile photo at the top-right corner of the page, click Sign Out, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
3
Click or tap the missing Android. This zooms in to its location on the map. You'll also see some data, including when the Android was last seen and its battery level.
- If the Android is not turned on (or Find My Device is not fully enabled), the map will show its last known location.
Once you're within earshot of the missing Android, use this option to make it ring at the loudest-possible volume five straight minutes--even if it's in silent mode.^{[6]XResearch source}
5
Click Lock to lock the screen. Even if you've disabled the screen lock, you'll can lock the screen with a new password now.
- Locking also lets you display a message on the screen. Use this message to share your contact information so that if someone finds your Android, they can return it to you.
6
Tap Erase to delete everything. If you're afraid that your device has been stolen or you think it's lost for good, use this option to perform a factory reset. The Android will only be useable again once you enter your Google password.
- If the missing Android is unreachable by Find my Device, the factory reset will occur once it reconnects.
- Data saved to SD cards may not be deleted.
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Question
When I sign out of my Google Accounts using Android Device Manager, does that mean I'm signed out of apps such as Hangouts, too?
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Community Answer
Yes - any app that uses Google to sign in.
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How can I find my forgotten password?
Community Answer
Usually websites will give you an option to recover a lost password or change it to a new one. Android is no exception. Go onto their website, log-in, click "Forgot Password?" and it should send a email to your phone.
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How do I deactivate a device administrator?
Community Answer
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device, scroll all the way down to Security and tap on it. Step 2: Look for an option named "Device administrators" or "All device administrators", and tap it once.
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Warnings

If you suspect that your device has been stolen, don't use the map to track down the thief yourself. Instead, report the theft to the police.
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