Find My Device on Android and Find My on iPhone are essential apps for locating lost or misplaced mobile devices and more. In this article, we dive into the best ways to use these tools to recover your devices.
Good to know: you might also be interested in learning how to find a lost or stolen Samsung phone.
Table of Contents
- Devices Supported by Google’s Find My Device
- Google Find My Device: Play Sound
- Use Google Find My Device to Secure Your Device
- Use Google Find My Device to Remotely Lock Your Device
- Factory Reset Your Device
- Devices Supported by Apple’s Find My
- Apple Find My: Play Sound
- Use Apple Find My to Mark Your Device as Lost
- Erase Your Device with Apple Find My
- Use Apple Find My to Track People
Finding Lost Devices with Google and Apple
Both Google’s Find My Device and Apple’s Find My function the same way: by scanning and locating devices connected to your Google account or Apple ID. Each system leverages a privacy-focused, crowdsourced network of nearby devices running Android or iOS to find misplaced tech items. Here’s how to find a lost device using either of the two options.
Note: you won’t be able to use Find My Device on an iOS or use Find My on an Android device. The first option is specifically targeted towards Android, while the second is available only on iOS devices.
Devices Supported by Google’s Find My Device
Google’s Find My Device network supports the following devices:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Smartwatches
- Bluetooth trackers
- Headphones
If you are wondering if Google Find My Device can track Chromebooks, the answer is no. You’ll have to log in to your Google Account page via the web to access remote commands for lost Chromebooks.
Google Find My Device: Play Sound
This is the main feature of Google Find My Device. It helps you locate your lost device quickly, as the sound immediately gives away the phone’s location. Once activated, it will ring the mobile device for 5 minutes, even if it’s set on silent or vibrate. Nevertheless, the phone has to be on for this to work. When it comes to wireless headphones, the accessories need to be turned on. Earbuds have to be outside the case.
Note: you can find your Pixel 8 (and up) phones even when the battery has died.
Launch Find My Device on your PC or spare Android phone and log in to the same Google account that you’re using on the device you want to locate.
Once logged in, you should see all the devices connected (including the one you’re tracking) to your Google account. Select the one you want to locate.
Tap Play Sound in the menu on the left (if you’re on PC.) Your device will ring for five minutes if it’s turned on. You can keep playing the sound until you find it. Note that your device won’t ring if it’s not connected to the Internet.
To stop the sound, tap Stop Sound.
Tip: wondering what’s the difference between location spoofing and VPN? Check our post to get clarification.
Use Google Find My Device to Secure Your Device
On the Google Find My website or app, tap the Secure Device option. It features a lock icon.
Google will warn you that if you proceed to do this, your device will be locked with its PIN, pattern, or password. You’ll also be signed out of your Google account on the phone or tablet. In addition, payment cards will be removed from Google Wallet.
Press Secure Device if you agree.
In the mobile app, you also have the option to Add contact info such as a message and phone number, so whoever finds your device can have the means to contact you.
Use Google Find My Device to Remotely Lock Your Device
If you want to simply lock your device without signing out of your Google account, you can do that using the Remote Lock option. This is available in the web version of Find My Device.
On the device page, click the Remote Lock button in the upper right corner.
Input the phone number associated with the device and press Lock device.
Factory Reset Your Device
If you believe your device has been stolen or has fallen into the wrong hands, the best course of action might be to erase it. Google allows you to do this as a last resort.
Click on the Factory reset device.
Google will warn you that doing this implies completely wiping out the data on the device. After the reset, the device’s location will no longer be available in Find My Device, but at least you’ll be at ease knowing your sensitive data has been removed. Press Next to confirm your identity and reset the device.
In the mobile app, tap on the gear icon next to the device you’re targeting.
You’ll find the Factory reset option at the bottom.
Tip: here’s how to use Microsoft Office for free on Chromebooks.
Devices Supported by Apple’s Find My
What sets Apple’s Find My far ahead of Google’s Find My Device is its long list of compatible devices. In the Find My app, you can locate and execute a few remote controls on these Apple devices. Not all options are available on the devices listed.
Apple Find My is also integrated into third-party products from Belkin, Chipolo, VanMoof, Targus, Beats, and more. This means specific items from these brands can be tracked in the Find My app without attaching an AirTag. Visit this page for more information on third-party products supported by Apple’s Find My.
- iPhone
- iPad
- Mac
- iPod Touch
- Apple Watch
- AirTag
- AirPods
- Find My-compatible products
Apple Find My: Play Sound
Launch iCloud Find Devices on your PC or the Find My app on your iPhone and log in with your Apple ID. If you have a Mac, then click on the Find My option in the menu at the top.
Select the device you want to locate from the list of connected gadgets.
Tap Play Sound. The device won’t ring if it’s powered off, or not connected to the Internet. The next time the device is on, though, the sound will play.
It seems there’s currently no way to stop the sound alert once it has been initiated from the spare device. You’ll have to find and activate your iOS device for that to happen. The sound alert does stop on its own after approximately 2 minutes.
Use Apple Find My to Mark Your Device as Lost
In iCloud Find Devices or the Find My app, tap the device you’re trying to locate.
Click the Lost button.
A pop-up will appear letting you know that your device will be locked if you choose to proceed. Press Next to proceed.
Add your phone number and select Next.
Add a message letting others know that you’ve lost your device. Finally, press Activate.
In the iPhone app, you can find this option by swiping down on your phone’s dedicated page. Press Activate under Mark As Lost.
Your lost device’s lock screen will display the “Lost iPhone” message and will display your contact number.
Erase Your Device with Apple Find My
If you think there’s no chance of getting your device, you might as well erase it remotely and make sure no one can access your sensitive information. In iCloud Find Devices, go to the device in question and press Erase This Device.
You’ll be notified that all content on your iPhone will be erased. Press Next. Note that if Find My Network is enabled, you will still be able to locate this device.
Input your iPhone Apple ID password and enter a phone number so that the person who finds your phone can contact you. Finally, tap Erase.
In the mobile Find My app, swipe all the way to the bottom of the device page to find the Erase This Device option.
FYI: check how to share your location using WhatsApp.
Use Apple Find My to Track People
Unlike Google’s Find My Devices, Apple’s Find My app also lets you track people in your circle who own an iPhone or iPad.
Open the app on your device and switch to the People tab. Press the + button and select Share My Location.
Select the person you wish to track from the list of contacts then press Send.
Select whether you’d like to share your location for one hour, until the end of the day or indefinitely.
Now, the person will appear in the People tab of the Find My app. They will also need to share their location with you in order for you to be able to track them (and vice-versa.) Once they do so, you can tap on their name on the app and see their location.
You can also take advantage of Siri when you need to find your missing iPhone or iPad. Take a look at this post to see how. At the same time, you might want to check this list of tips that will enhance the security of your Android phone.
Image credit: DepositPhotos All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
