For what days have Android smartphone users been receiving a message from Google inviting them to activate a new function. Do not neglect it, it is very important.
After rolling it out in the United States and Canada, Google is starting to expand its Find My Device network in Europe. Combined with the Find My Device function, it allows you to locate a lost or stolen device on a map in order to lock it, ring it or reset it remotely. Protection of this type already existed, but it was quite limited. Google therefore rectified the situation by adopting a method applied by Apple. This location relies on Bluetooth technology by exploiting other nearby smartphones to more precisely locate a lost device, even when it is disconnected from the mobile network or turned off. All nearby Android smartphones thus form a mesh.
Since the end of May, many European Android smartphone users have received a curious message from Google inviting them to make a choice. This involves indicating whether or not you want your smartphone to participate in this Find My Device network. An important decision because if the owner of the Android smartphone validates Google’s proposal, he at the same time accepts that his device transmits its position permanently, even when it is offline, turned off or running out of battery.
Google ensures that the location information of other devices detected nearby is transmitted securely (without further clarification). Furthermore, the company claims that the offline location information of the smartphone participating in the network is encrypted with its own PIN, pattern or password. No one else, not even Google, can see them.
Several options are available for participating – or not – in the Find My Device network. It is possible to simply deactivate the option but in this case, recent location data will not be saved. You can also choose not to participate in the network without cutting off data recording which allows you to find the device even if it is offline. Finally, it is possible to participate in this network only in busy areas or everywhere.
The Find My Device network not only allows you to find lost or stolen Android smartphones but also accessories compatible with the Express association such as headphones, watches, etc. It is possible that the option is already installed and activated or not, which is the case on Google Pixels. But not automatically for other popular brands like Samsung or Xiaomi. Hence the message from Google. To check this, go to the smartphone settings then to the Google menu > Find my device > Find your device offline. If this option is not present, be patient. It shouldn’t be long before it arrives with an update.