Android 15 is expected to introduce an innovative feature known as the Powered Off Finding API, enabling users to locate Pixel devices even when they are powered down. However, this advanced functionality will comes with hardware requirements available in Pixel 8 and later. Android 15 is expected to release in October alongside the Pixel 9 series.
Power Off Finding uses pre-calculated Bluetooth beacons stored on the device. This requires the Bluetooth controller to remain active even when the device is turned off, which is only possible with a strong enough battery. In addition, device manufacturers need to do additional engineering work to implement the Bluetooth Finder Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) so that Android can enable Find mode when powered off.
Other nearby Android devices that are part of the Find My Device network and within range of the broadcasting device can receive the beacon signal. They then encrypt the device's location and upload it to a Google server so the owner can decrypt that data. To use the option, the user will need to enable Bluetooth, location services and the "With network" option in the "Find my device" settings, as shown above.
It is not yet clear whether the Pixel 7 and 6 series smartphones, as well as the Pixel Fold, will receive the option, as Google has not said anything about it.
In 2021, Google started creating its own version of Apple's Find My feature. It was revealed in 2023 that the application will alert users about unfamiliar Bluetooth tags, aiming to safeguard them from potential tracking by unauthorized devices.
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