As we welcome more devices into our lives, it can seem tricky to keep track of them all. But Google has several ways to quickly, easily, and safely locate one you’ve momentarily misplaced: by downloading Google’s Find My Device app to your phone¹ or by using a few different Google Pixel device settings.

Sometimes, earbuds fall out of their case. Suddenly, they’re nowhere to be seen or heard. But, since Pixel Buds Pro 2 have Fast Pair, it’s easy to quickly establish and keep a connection to your Pixel phone – as well as track your buds or case. 

Here’s how: open the settings on your Pixel – or the Pixel Buds app on an Android – and tap Find Device. Soon you’ll receive a signal that will reunite you with your gear. Lost just one? No problem. Google knows that sometimes it’s only one earbud that goes missing, so you can isolate it by muting the one you have and ringing a loud pitch through the one that got away. 

You can also get help from other Google products. Use a Pixel Watch to ring your misplaced phone, guiding you to its hiding spot under the couch cushion or in the upstairs bedroom. Ask Google Assistant prompts like “Hey Google, find my phone,” or “Hey Google, find my wallet” if you have a tracker tag named accordingly. A Pixel Tablet can also get in on the search by ringing your phone. 

You can locate your compatible Android phones and tablets quickly and securely by ringing them or viewing their location on a map in the app – even when they’re offline. Pixel 8 and 8 Pro owners can also find their devices even if they’re powered off, or the battery is dead, thanks to specialized Pixel hardware. 

You can also keep track of everyday items like your backpack and keys by attaching compatible Bluetooth tags from Chipolo, Pebblebee, and Eufy. 

Did you leave your wallet with the tracker tag on it at the grocery store or in the car? Are your earbuds back in Chicago, even as you’ve just landed in Tokyo? Find My Device offers different ways to find items, depending on your preference. View your belongings on a map and play a sound if they’re seen close by. And if you need a little extra help to find something, a pop-up will now help you narrow in on where exactly your item is hiding. 

If you’ve located your phone or tablet but it’s across town (or across the country) and you’ve decided it’s lost, you have options. With the Find My Device app, you can change your password remotely, or even display a message on the screen. Or, you can choose to erase the data on your device. This removes the ability to find it but keeps your data out of anyone else’s hands.

Google’s secure network ensures that your location information remains private and encrypted, and the information is never shared with Google.

Your Pixel can also warn you of unwanted tracking. If an unknown Bluetooth tracker tag is seen moving with you, your phone can alert you. Then, you can locate it on a map in the app and force it to play a sound for retrieval, as well as access instructions to disable it.