For years, Android users have envied iPhone users’ ability to locate their lost phones even when powered off – a feature known as Find My iPhone. Finally, with the upcoming release of Android 15, Google is introducing a similar functionality called “Powered Off Finding.” This article dives into everything we know so far about this exciting new feature, including its limitations and potential benefits.
How does Powered Off Finding work?
Traditionally, “Find My Device” functionalities rely on the phone being powered on and connected to the internet. Powered Off Finding, however, takes a different approach. It leverages the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities of a compatible phone.
When a user enables Powered Off Finding, their phone stores pre-computed Bluetooth beacons in the memory of the Bluetooth controller, acting as unique identifiers. Even when the phone is powered off, the Bluetooth controller (thanks to special hardware support) can continue to broadcast these beacons. Other nearby Android devices within the Find My Device network pick up these beacons, encrypt the location of the powered-off phone, and securely upload it to Google’s servers. The owner can then access this uploaded location information through the Find My Device app or website to locate their lost phone.
Android 15 offline tracking relies on special hardware
It’s crucial to understand that Powered Off Finding isn’t just a software feature that can be unlocked with an update to Android 15. It requires specific hardware support within the phone itself. This includes the Bluetooth controller needing the capability to receive power even when the phone is turned off, allowing for beacon broadcasting. Additionally, the device needs to support the Bluetooth Finder Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), which enables the Android OS to interact with the Bluetooth controller and manage Powered Off Finding functions. Because of these hardware requirements, not all devices updating to Android 15 will automatically gain access to the feature.
Current speculations on supported devices
While Google hasn’t officially revealed the compatible device list, leaks and developer insights suggest the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are expected to receive the feature with the Android 15 update. It’s also heavily rumored that the Pixel 9 series will support Powered Off Finding at launch, given it will likely be unveiled alongside Android 15. The fate of older Pixel devices like the Fold and Pixel 7 series remains unclear, potentially lacking the required hardware support despite their shared chipsets. However, this function won’t be limited to Google’s Pixel lineup. As long as Android OEMs can include the right hardware in their phones, it should be able to support offline tracking with Android 15. Heck, even pre-existing Android phones that meet the required minimum hardware requirements will receive Powered Off Finding support with the update to Android 15.
But with all the speculation surrounding device compatibility, it’s important to wait for Google’s official announcement. They will likely reveal the definitive list of devices that will benefit from Powered Off Finding alongside the official Android 15 rollout later this year — or maybe at the upcoming Google I/O 2024.
Powered Off Finding offers several advantages, including increased chances of recovering a lost or stolen phone and peace of mind. However, some potential drawbacks exist. For instance, the continuous broadcasting of beacons might have a slight impact on battery life when the phone is turned back on. For security and privacy freaks, they might be apprehensive about the pre-computed beacons potentially revealing location information even when the phone is off.
Powered Off Finding represents a significant step forward for Android’s lost phone recovery capabilities. While hardware compatibility remains a concern, it paves the way for a more robust Find My Device experience, potentially bringing it on par with Apple’s offering. As Google continues to refine this feature and potentially expand its reach to more devices, Android users can expect even greater peace of mind regarding their precious smartphones.
