Find My Device Now Helps You Locate People Along With Your Devices
Google has upgraded its Find My Device app, making it more useful than ever. Now, besides tracking lost or misplaced devices, users can also see the real-time location of friends and family who share their location. This new feature, part of the Android March update, simplifies location sharing by integrating it into a single app.
Google’s Find My Device Becomes More Powerful
Find My Device has long been a go-to app for tracking Android smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. With this update, it now includes a People tab, making it easier for users to keep track of their loved ones. This means that Android users don’t have to switch between Google Maps and Find My Device to find people and lost gadgets.
How the New People Tab Works
The new People tab in Find My Device displays a map of contacts who share their location. It works similarly to Google Maps’ location-sharing feature but brings everything under one roof. Users can switch between tabs to see both their devices and their contacts on the same interface.
For those concerned about privacy, the app offers options to control location sharing. You can choose who to share your location with and for how long. This gives users greater control over their privacy and security.
A Feature Similar to Apple’s Find My App
Google’s new update makes Find My Device more like Apple’s Find My app, which allows iPhone users to track both devices and people. The interface now features a split-screen layout. The map is on top, while devices or people appear in the lower section, depending on the selected tab.
This change enhances user experience, ensuring that finding both lost items and loved ones is seamless.
Who Can Use This Feature?
This feature is rolling out gradually to Android users. If you don’t see it yet, check for updates in the Google Play Store. It works with any contact who has granted location-sharing permission. Even users on iOS who share their location through Google Maps will appear on the Find My Device map.
Why This Update Matters
Before this update, users had to switch between different apps to find people and devices. Now, everything is available in one place. This simplifies tracking and makes it easier to locate lost phones, smartwatches, and even loved ones.
For parents, this feature provides peace of mind. They can check their child’s location quickly without needing an extra app. Friends can also use it to coordinate meetups more efficiently.
Privacy and Security in Location Sharing
With any location-sharing feature, privacy is a concern. Google has included tools to manage permissions. Users can:
- Decide who sees their location.
- Set time limits for sharing.
- Stop sharing at any time.
These options ensure that users remain in control of their personal data.
How to Access the New Feature
If you want to try this new update, follow these steps:
- Open the Find My Device app on your Android phone.
- Tap on the new People tab.
- View the contacts who share their location with you.
- Manage location-sharing settings as needed.
If you haven’t updated the app yet, visit the Google Play Store and install the latest version.
Final Thoughts
Google’s Find My Device app is now more than just a tool to track lost phones. With the new People tab, it becomes a central hub for both device and people tracking. This update makes life easier, helping users find their loved ones and their lost devices in one place.
As this feature rolls out, Android users will benefit from a more connected and convenient experience. Whether you’re looking for a misplaced phone or checking on a friend’s location, Find My Device has got you covered.
