How to track an Android phone, tablet, or smartwatch

Misplacing an device can be a stressful experience, especially if it contains sensitive data. However, there are a number of ways to track down a lost or stolen device, even if it is turned off.

Google Find My Device

Google Find My Device is a free service that is built into all Android devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later. It uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile network triangulation to locate your device on a map. To use Find My Device, you must have a Google account and be signed in to your device.

To track your device using Find My Device, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Find My Device website or open the Find My Device app on another device.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. Select the device you want to track.
4. Find My Device will show you the current location of your device on a map. If your device is turned off or has no internet connection, Find My Device will show you the last known location.

In addition to tracking your device, Find My Device also allows you to:

• Make your device ring, even if it is on silent.
• Secure your device by remotely locking it and signing out of your Google account.
• Erase your device remotely if you think it has been lost or stolen.

Third-party tracking apps

There are also a number of third-party tracking apps available for Android devices. Some of the most popular third-party tracking apps include:

• Cerberus
• Prey
• Find My Phone
• Lost Android

These apps offer a variety of features, such as the ability to track your device’s location, remotely lock and wipe your device, and receive alerts if your device is moved or turned off.

Tracking an Android smartwatch

If you have an Android smartwatch, you can also use it to track your lost or stolen phone. To do this, you must make sure that your smartwatch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

To track your phone using your smartwatch, follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top of your smartwatch screen.
2. Tap Find my phone.
3. Your phone will ring, even if it is on silent.

Tips for tracking your Android device

Here are a few tips for tracking your Android device:

• Make sure that Find My Device is turned on. You can check this by going to Settings > Security & privacy > Find My Device.

• Keep the software on your Android device up to date.. This will help to ensure that Find My Device and other tracking apps work properly.

• If you think your device has been lost or stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible.

In addition to the information above, here are some additional tips for tracking Android devices in a professional setting:

• Use a mobile device management (MDM) solution to track and manage all of your company’s Android devices. MDM solutions provide a centralized way to manage device settings, security policies, and applications.
• Use a mobile analytics solution to track device usage and performance. This information can be used to identify lost or stolen devices, as well as to optimize device performance and security.
• Implement a security policy for all Android devices. This policy should include requirements for strong passwords, screen locks, and regular security updates

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your company’s Android devices are secure and trackable.

Conclusion

Tracking an Android device is relatively easy, thanks to Google Find My Device and third-party tracking apps. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of finding your lost or stolen device.