Key Points:
- Find My Device can locate Pixel 8 models even after they’ve been powered off or their batteries have died, providing a valuable tool for theft or loss prevention.
- Users need to ensure Find My Device is set up and active, with specific settings chosen to maximize tracking effectiveness, particularly in low-traffic areas.
- Google’s specialized Pixel hardware enables this feature and may be expanded to other manufacturers in the future.
In a breakthrough for smartphone security and loss prevention, Google’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices boast a remarkable capability: the ability to be tracked via the Find My Device network even when powered off or with a depleted battery. This feature, unveiled by Google in a recent notification to users, underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing user safety and device security.
Upon activation of the Find My Device network on the Pixel 8, users are informed that this tracking capability remains active for “several hours” post-power-off or battery depletion. Such functionality proves invaluable in scenarios where a device is lost, misplaced, or, worst-case scenario, stolen. To ensure maximum effectiveness, users are advised to adjust Find My Device settings to either “With the network in high-traffic areas only” or “With the network in all areas,” with the latter option offering expedited tracking in lower-traffic regions.
This innovation is made possible through the integration of specialized Pixel hardware, although Google has hinted at plans to extend this technology to other OEMs and chipmakers. However, specifics regarding the required version or compatibility beyond the Pixel 8 series remain undisclosed by the company.
Additionally, Google emphasizes the importance of enabling Bluetooth and Location services at the time of shutdown to facilitate tracking. While Location services cannot be disabled without device unlocking, Bluetooth functionality remains active, providing an added layer of assurance for users. With Find My Device on the Pixel 8, users can rest assured that even in the face of adversity, their device remains traceable, safeguarding against potential loss or theft.
