How to track phones with Google Maps – including trick to find a HIDDEN handset

THERE are a number of ways to protect your Android device from thieves, but the most obvious is right under your nose.

Google operates a free app that lets you track gadgets in real-time if they are lost or stolen.

GoogleFind My Device helps you locate your Android gizmo and lock out thieves[/caption]

What is Find My Device?

Called Find My Device, the tool uses GPS signals and more to mark the location of your gadgets with a pin dropped on Google Maps.

You can also use it to play an alarm from your gizmo and to wipe its memory if it’s fallen into the wrong hands.

You can manage multiple devices using the platform, including smartphones, tablets and more.

“Find My Device helps you locate your lost Android and lock it until you get it back,” Google says.

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“See your phone, tablet or watch on a map. If current location isn’t available, you’ll see the last known location.”

Apple offers a similar service called Find My for iPhones, iPads, AirPods, Macs and more.

That doesn’t work with devices that run Android, however, such as smartphones and tablets built by Samsung or Google.

To use Find My Device, you’ll need to sign in to your Google account on a desktop, laptop, tablet or another phone.

Next, open up Google’s Find My Device at www.android.com/find.

You’ll be presented with a map that can show the locations of any devices on which you’re signed in to your Google account.

To cycle through devices, tap or click the icons at the top left of the display. Their whereabouts are shown with a green pin.

On the left, you have the option to play a sound or erase all content from the device.

If you pick to sound an alarm, the gadget will ring for five minutes, even if it’s set to silent.

It’s a handy tool if you know the contraption is located in a room but you’re not sure where.

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A third option allows you to secure the device, which locks it and signs you out of your Google account.

This is a good way to secure your data if you think your gadget has been stolen.

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