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  Having to look for a missing phone can be quite an irksome task. You’re not always sure where it’s been placed, so you may have no idea where to search for it. You could end up burning precious time—several minutes, or maybe even a couple of hours –trying to locate your lost phone. Here’s the good news: if yours is an Android phone, there are several easy and smart ways to find it if it gets lost or even stolen. In this article, we’ll talk about one such way: using Google Find My Device.
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What is Google Find My Device?

Google Find My Device is an app that helps you track the location of your android phone. It also works for android tablets and smart watches. With it, you can locate, ring up, and even wipe your phone whether it’s just next to you or miles away from where you’re at. You can also access the platform on the web by logging on to Android.com/find with your internet browser.

How to Set Up Google Find My Device on Android

In order to be able to track your phone with Google Find My Device, you’ll need to have it enabled on your phone. Here are the steps you can take to do this:
  • Go to your phone’s Settings
  • Select Security
  • Tap onFind My Device
  • Click on the toggle switch at the top to enable Find My Device
In addition, your phone has to have internet access (i.e. have data turned on or be connected to WiFi), have its location turned on, and be signed into a Google account. These will allow the Google Find My Device portal to discover its whereabouts.
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How to Track Your Android Phone with Google Find My Device

If you want to find your missing phone, you can do so by downloading and using the Google Find My Device app (available on the Google Play Store). Alternatively, you can search for it via Android.com/find. Here are the steps you can take to find your lost phone:
  • Sign in to the Google account you were using on the lost phone
  • If the internet is active on the lost device, Google Find My Device will display its exact location on a map
  • You also have the option of ringing it up (just in case it’s close by). You could ring it for 5 minutes even if it’s set to ‘silent’ or ‘vibrate’
  • If you are unable to find the device, you can remotely lock your lost phone with the ‘Secure Device’ feature and set a recovery message on its screen (for example, “Please return my phone” along with a phone number that whoever finds it can reach you on)
  • If you suspect that your phone has been stolen, you can choose the option of remotely erasing all the data on the stolen phone with Find My Device, to protect sensitive information from being accessed by the thief.

Important Information Held on Find My Device

  • Your lost phone’s battery life
  • It is the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number; you may need this if you eventually have to ask your provider to block your device
  • Your lost phone’s location
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Final Words

The Google Find My Device app and feature makes locating your lost or stolen phone much easier. You can try it with your phone today to see how it works.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 26th January 2024

ikenna-nwachukwu

Ikenna Nwachukwu holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He loves to look at the world through multiple lenses- economic, political, religious and philosophical- and to write about what he observes in a witty, yet reflective style.

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