Google Maps: Find lost items faster
May 31, 2025 - 4:00 a.m. Reading time: 2 min.
Lost something? Use Google Maps to find it. We'll tell you how this clever trick works.
Most of us know that moment when something we had yesterday suddenly goes missing. It might be our wallet, our keys, or even our favorite book. Would you have thought that Google Maps could help you find it?
With Google's "Find My Device," you can locate not only your smartphone but also other compatible devices such as Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, or tracker tags. The network works even when the device is offline.
Other nearby Android devices search for your item via Bluetooth and report its location anonymously and encrypted to the network. The more users participate, the more accurate and faster the location is determined.
- Make sure that "Find My Device" is enabled in your Android device's settings ("Settings > Google > Find My Device").
- If necessary, install the "Find My Device" app from the Play Store.
- Sign in with your Google Account.
- You can see the location of your device on a map and calculate a route there using Google Maps .
Note: Not all devices are compatible; some manufacturers (e.g. Samsung) use their own search services.
Attach special tracker tags (such as those from Chipolo, Pebblebee, or others compatible with Google) to keys, bags, or other items. Once paired with your Google account, these tags can also be located via the "Find My Device" network and displayed on a map.
For example, if you're looking for your car, save your location in Google Maps as a parking spot after parking. The app will then guide you back there later.
For better tracking, enable Location History in your Google Account. This will let you see where you were last and where you might have lost your items.
Tip: Use your voice command ("Hey Google, find my [device/item]") to have Google search for connected devices, provided they are compatible.
You can't use Google Maps itself directly to lock lost items. However, you can use Google's Find My Device service, which works closely with Google Maps, to lock lost Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and compatible Bluetooth devices.
- Sign in to Find My Device with your Google Account.
- Select the lost device; the location will be displayed on a map (Google Maps).
- You then have the option to lock the device. You can leave a message or phone number on the lock screen so that a finder can contact you.
- Additionally, you can play a sound or – if necessary – delete all data on the device.
This locking feature only applies to devices, not to mere objects like keys or wallets without a tracker. For such items, you'll need special Bluetooth trackers, which can also be managed via "Find My Device," but there's no locking feature like on smartphones.
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