How to turn on or off Find Hub (Find My Device) on Android

If you've lost your Android™ phone—and it happens to all of us—you know how stressful it can be to retrace your steps in a flurry, sifting through pockets or flipping over couch cushions to try and find it. There is, however, a simpler way. It's called Google Find Hub™ (formerly Find My Device™), and we'll walk you through how to make sure it's ready before you ever need it.

At Asurion, we help you get the most from your tech—whether you want to speed up your phone or fix a TV with no sound. Here's our guide to using Google Find Hub to locate, ring, lock, or erase your Android™ device remotely if it's lost, stolen, or damaged.

How Google Find Hub works

Google Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) is included with most Android phones. If you've signed in with a Google™ account, it's usually turned on automatically.

With Find Hub, you can:

• Locate your phone on a map.
• Make it ring, even if it's on silent.
• Secure your device remotely with a screen lock.
• Add a message and contact information to the lock screen.
• Erase your data if you believe you won't get the device back.

Many newer Android devices can also be located even when they're offline, thanks to Google's Find Hub network. Availability depends on your device model, Android version, and settings.

Want to confirm Find Hub is turned on? Whether you're setting up your new phone or checking your security settings, here's where to find it.

How to turn on Find Hub on your Samsung phone

Samsung®'s menu names can vary slightly depending on your OS version.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Google.
3. Tap All services.
4. Tap Find Hub (or Find My Device on older software).
5. Make sure the feature is turned on.

For the most accurate location results:

1. Open Settings > Location.
2. Make sure Location is turned on.
3. If available, tap Location Services and enable Google Location Accuracy.

How to turn on Find Hub on your Google Pixel

The exact menu may vary slightly depending on your Android version.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Google.
3. Tap All services.
4. Select Find Hub.
5. Make sure it's turned on.

You'll also want to verify that Location is enabled:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Location.
3. Turn Location on.

How to find your phone using Find Hub

Before you can locate, lock, or erase your device, it should be:

• Turned on (unless your model supports offline finding)
• Signed in to your Google account
• Connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data when possible
• Visible in your Google account
• Have Location turned on
• Have Find Hub enabled

Then:

1. Open the Find Hub app on another Android device or visit https://android.com/find.
2. Sign in to the same Google account used on your missing phone.
3. Select your device.
4. You'll see its last known or current location, depending on availability.
5. If it's nearby, tap Play Sound to make it ring, even if it's set to silent.
6. Press the Power button on your phone once you've found it to stop the sound.

How to lock your Android phone remotely

If your phone is somewhere you can't reach—or you think it may have been stolen—secure it as soon as possible.

1. Open the Find Hub app or visit https://android.com/find.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. Select your device.
4. Choose Secure Device.
5. Follow the prompts to lock your phone. You can also display a custom message and contact phone number on the lock screen.

How to remotely erase data from your Android phone

If you don't think you'll recover your phone, you can erase its data remotely. Because this permanently removes everything stored on the device, it's best used as a last resort. Be sure anything important has already been backed up.

1. Open the Find Hub app or visit https://android.com/find.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. Select your device.
4. Choose Erase Device.
5. Confirm your choice.

Once erased, you won't be able to locate the device through Find Hub unless it comes back online and is set up again.

How to turn off Find Hub on your Android phone

If you don't want to use Find Hub, you can turn it off from your settings.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Google.
3. Tap All services.
4. Select Find Hub.
5. Turn the feature off.

To stop your device from sharing its location:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Location.
3. Turn Location off.