Finding a lost or misplaced Android smartphone can be a frustrating experience, especially when the device is turned off. Google's Find My Device system, while useful, has its limitations, especially when the device is not turned on. With Android 15, Google intends to solve this problem by introducing a new system that will be able to find a smartphone even when it is turned off.
Android 15: it will be possible to find a smartphone that is turned off!
The Android Police website revealed how the API can help locate devices even when they are turned off. Essentially, the system works by storing integrated Bluetooth beacons in the Bluetooth controller's memory.
However, there is a catch: specialized hardware is required for the device to power the Bluetooth controller, allowing it to work even when the phone is completely turned off. Therefore, a small battery backup may be required for this feature to work.
While initial rumors suggested this feature could debut with the Pixel 9, it looks like the Pixel 8 could also benefit from it when updating to Android 15.
In addition to hardware requirements, significant software engineering efforts are required to support the Bluetooth Finder HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer). Users must also ensure that they have updated to Android 15 and have the latest version of Google's Find My Device system.
Unfortunately, older devices like the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 range and Pixel 6 range are less likely to receive this feature. It's unclear whether these devices lack the necessary hardware or whether the limitations are purely software-based.
However, there is a possibility that this functionality will be extended to certain older devices in the future, especially for recent high-end models like the Pixel Fold.
It is without a doubt a big new feature coming to Android 15 and it can undoubtedly make a difference. It is usually more difficult to locate a stolen smartphone because it is immediately turned off. Now everything will change.
How to currently locate your smartphone
It's true that there are many applications that promise to help us find our smartphone in case of loss or theft. Most are even paid. However, you don't need any of that. You just need to access your Google account. Through it you can locate your smartphone, but you can do much more.
There is always a small margin of error regarding where the equipment may be. So you can play a sound to identify where he is. Even if it is in silent mode.
Furthermore, we can protect the equipment and make it leave our Google account. Furthermore, you can even send him a message.
Finally, it is also possible to erase the device.
Requirements to be able to search for the smartphone
Please note that to be able to locate a smartphone it must have active location or at least access to the 4G or Wi-Fi network.
Furthermore, and unsurprisingly, you must have your smartphone and the equipment you are using to search linked to the same Google account.
If you are on a computer
First, access this link. Then we have an overview of the location interface. That's where you can access all the functions I mentioned above.
There, you'll find the devices that have recently used your account, and Google will start locating your device right away. It has a small tab to choose the equipment in question.
If you are on a smartphone, there is an app to locate your lost smartphone.
If instead of being on a computer, you are on a smartphone you can do exactly as I mentioned above. The website is fully responsive and adapts to any device. However, it is always better to download the device tracking app that is available on the Play Store. You can download it here.
After installing it, you have access to all functions in the interface.
You can also locate your lost smartphone using Google Maps
If all else fails, it can be useful to know where our smartphone was before it was turned off or ran out of battery.
So access this link. There you will be able to see all the places where your smartphone has been. You can even find all the information by year, month or day. Filtering the dates is even easier.
Of course, to do this you need to have the device's location turned on. With the information collected, Google Maps can provide a graphical representation of the device's most recent route.
As you can see, you can easily locate your smartphone in three different ways.