Google has rolled out a significant update to its Find My Device app, adding a new “People” tab that lets users view the real-time locations of contacts who have shared their location. This update, which began rolling out widely to Android users this week, brings Google’s offering more in line with Apple’s Find My app.
The updated app now features a split-screen design with a map on top and a list of devices or people below, making it easier to track both your gadgets and your contacts in one place.
What’s New in Find My Device
The major addition is the “People” tab, currently labeled as “Beta,” which centralizes location sharing that was previously available in Google Maps. This feature allows you to see where your friends and family are in real-time, provided they’ve chosen to share their location with you.
The redesigned interface displays a map at the top of the screen with shared locations marked, while the bottom portion lists addresses, proximity information, and when the location was last updated. Users can filter contacts by “Sharing with you” and “You’re sharing with” categories.
For those concerned about privacy, Google has implemented end-to-end encryption for location data, ensuring that only authorized users can view shared locations.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility
One notable advantage of Google’s implementation is cross-platform support. Android users can view the locations of iOS users who have shared their location via Google Maps, creating a bridge between the two major mobile ecosystems.
Sharing Controls
The update gives users granular control over location sharing duration. When sharing your location, you can choose from several options:
- For 1 hour
- Today only
- Until you turn this off
- Custom duration
This flexibility helps users maintain privacy while still enjoying the benefits of location sharing when needed.
Familiar Yet Improved Design
According to 9to5Google, the design represents “a throwback to previous, years-old design, with functionality winning out over something simpler.” The app now uses an interesting ‘pull tab’ in the top-right corner for the profile menu where users can switch accounts, sign in as a guest, see blocked users, and access Location Sharing settings.
The update is part of version 3.1.277-4 of Find My Device and is available via Google Play.
The addition of the “People” tab completes the vision of a comprehensive tracking solution for both devices and contacts.
What is the new “People” tab in Google’s Find My Device app?
+The “People” tab is a new feature in Google’s Find My Device app that allows you to view the real-time locations of contacts who have chosen to share their location with you. It centralizes location sharing that was previously only available in Google Maps, bringing both device tracking and people tracking into a single application.
How do I control who can see my location?
+The app gives you full control over location sharing. You can choose who to share with and for how long. Sharing options include: For 1 hour, Today only, Until you turn this off, or a Custom duration. You can access and modify these settings through the Location Sharing option in the profile menu (accessed via the pull tab in the top-right corner).
Is my location data secure and private?
+Google has implemented end-to-end encryption for location data in the Find My Device app. This means that only authorized users (people you’ve explicitly chosen to share your location with) can view your real-time location, protecting your privacy and maintaining data confidentiality.
Can I see the location of iPhone users with this app?
+Yes, the Find My Device app supports cross-platform compatibility. Android users can see the locations of iOS users as long as they’ve shared their location via Google Maps, creating a bridge between the two major mobile ecosystems.
How is this different from location sharing in Google Maps?
+While Google Maps already allowed users to manage location sharing and track trusted contacts, the Find My Device update makes this information easier to find with a more straightforward presentation. The split-screen interface shows a map on top and a list of people below, with clear information about addresses, proximity, and last update time. The key advantage is having both device tracking and location sharing in one app.
How do I get this update?
+The update (version 3.1.277-4 of Find My Device) is widely rolling out via Google Play. If you don’t see it yet, check for updates in the Google Play Store or wait a few days as Google is gradually releasing this feature to all users.
