Google Find My Device Just Added a People Tab: 7 Ways to Track Loved Ones and Stay Connected

Google’s Find My Device app, a lifeline for locating lost phones and gadgets, has expanded its capabilities to include real-time people tracking with a new “People” tab. This update, lets Android users share their location with friends and family, track loved ones on a map, and even set location-based alerts—all while prioritizing privacy. But with great power comes great responsibility: How does it work? Is it safe? And how does it stack up against Apple’s Find My? Here’s everything you need to know about How Google Find My Device just added a People tab.

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7 Ways to Track Loved Ones and Stay Connected

1. The New “People” Tab: Track Friends and Family in Real Time

What It Does

The “People” tab is a dedicated space in the Find My Device app (separate from the “Devices” tab) where you can:

• Share your location with specific contacts.
• See loved ones on a map if they’ve shared their location with you.
• Set notifications for when someone arrives at or leaves a location (e.g., “Alert me when my kid gets home from school”).

How to Use It

1. Open Find My Device → Tap the “People” tab (bottom right).
2. Click “+” → Choose contacts → Select sharing duration (1 hour to indefinitely).
3. Recipients get a notification and must accept the request to appear on your map.

Why It’s Better Than Google Maps Sharing:

• Centralized Tracking: Combines device and people tracking in one app.
• Longer Durations: Share indefinitely vs. Maps’ 24-hour limit.

2. Privacy First: Opt-In, Encrypted, and Granular Controls

Google emphasizes “opt-in only” sharing, but here’s how it protects users:

• End-to-End Encryption: Location data is encrypted, even on Google’s servers.
• Temporary Sharing: Set time limits (1 hour, 1 day, or custom).
• Revoke Access Anytime: Go to the “People” tab → Tap a contact → Stop Sharing.
• Incognito Mode: Temporarily hide your location without turning off sharing.

Red Flag: Kids under 13 need a Google Family Link account to share locations.

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3. Location Alerts: Never Miss a Milestone

Set up geofenced alerts to get notified when:

• Your partner leaves work.
• Your teenager arrives at soccer practice.
• An elderly parent wanders outside a “safe zone.”

How to Enable:

1. Tap a contact in the “People” tab → Add Notification → Choose “Arrives” or “Leaves”.
2. Drop a pin or type an address (e.g., “Home”).

4. Emergency SOS Integration: Safety Meets Tracking

If a shared contact triggers Emergency SOS (via Android’s Personal Safety app):

• Their real-time location and emergency details auto-share with you.
• You’ll see a flashing alert on the map and get directions to their location.

Use Case: Ideal for hikers, solo travelers, or caregivers monitoring at-risk individuals.

5. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Track iPhones (Sort Of)

While designed for Android, the “People” tab can track iPhone users if they:

1. Install Google Find My Device on iOS.
2. Log in with their Google account.
3. Manually share their location.

Limitation: iPhones won’t show real-time movement as smoothly as Android devices.

6. Battery-Saving Mode: Location Tracking Without Draining Power

Find My Device uses Android’s Adaptive Location to:

• Reduce GPS usage when you’re stationary.
• Piggyback on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scans for low-power tracking.

Impact: Adds just 1-2% hourly battery drain vs. 5%+ on older apps like Life360.

7. Legacy Features: Still Find, Lock, or Wipe Lost Devices

The update doesn’t remove Find My Device’s core functions:

• Ring Your Phone: Even on silent mode.
• Secure Devices: Remotely lock or display a message (“Reward if found!”).
• Erase Data: Nuclear option for stolen devices.

How to Set Up Find My Device’s “People” Tab

1. Update the App: Get v6.25+ on the Play Store.
2. Enable Location Permissions: Go to Settings → Location → App Permissions → Find My Device → Allow all the time.
3. Share Your Location: Follow the steps above in the “People” tab.

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Now, you might be wondering, “But what if my laptop is offline? Can I still track it down?” Ah, a valid concern indeed. Microsoft has anticipated this very scenario and equipped Windows 11 with fail-safe mechanisms. Even if your laptop is offline, Windows 11 diligently saves its last known location for when it reconnects to the internet. So, the next time your laptop decides to make an appearance in the digital realm, you’ll receive a friendly notification with its whereabouts. It’s like your laptop’s way of saying, “Sorry for the disappearing act, but I’m back in action!”

Privacy Concerns: What You’re Risking

While encrypted, location sharing has risks:

• Stalking: Ex-partners or hackers could abuse access.
• Data Breaches: Google’s servers are a target (though E2EE helps).
• Battery Drain: Constant tracking impacts older phones.

Protect Yourself:

• Avoid indefinite sharing.
• Use Incognito Mode during sensitive trips.
• Audit your “People” tab monthly.

Find My Device vs. Competitors

FAQs about Google Find My Device Just Added a People Tab

Q: Can I track someone without them knowing?
A: No—they must accept your sharing request.

Q: How accurate is the location data?
A: Within 10 meters (GPS) or 100 meters (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth).

Q: Will this work if my phone is off?
A: No, but you’ll see its last known location.

Q: Can I share with non-Google users?
A: No—contacts need a Google account.

Q: How to stop sharing suddenly?
A: Go to the “People” tab → Tap contact → Stop Sharing.

Real-World Use Cases

• Parents: Track kids after school or during travel.
• Couples: Share locations during late-night commutes.
• Event Planners: Monitor team arrivals at venues.
• Pet Owners: Attach a location-sharing tag to your dog’s collar.

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The Bigger Picture: Google’s Location Ecosystem

The “People” tab isn’t standalone—it ties into Google’s broader tools:

• Maps Timeline: Review location history.
• Family Link: Manage kids’ device permissions.
• Wear OS: Track smartwatches alongside people.

Final Take: Should You Use It?

Yes if:

• You value privacy but want peace of mind.
• Your family is Android-heavy.
• You’re tired of juggling multiple tracking apps.

No if:

• You’re all-in on Apple’s ecosystem.
• You distrust Google with location data.

Bottom line: Google’s update makes Find My Device a one-stop shop for tracking people and devices—just stay vigilant about permissions.