Most of us have experienced the sinking feeling that accompanies the realization that we can’t find our smartphone. It could be lurking under a cushion, left at a cafe, or worse, stolen. For Android users, Google’s Find My Device offers a way to track down and manage lost phones remotely. But what happens when you’re met with the error message: “Location is unavailable“?
Let’s look into the reasons behind this message and some troubleshooting steps to get your device back on the map.
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What does “Location is unavailable” mean in Find My Device?
Google’s Find My Device is a service that allows you to remotely locate your Android devices, such as phones, tablets, and even watches. The service uses the device’s built-in GPS and other location sources like Wi-Fi and cell towers to pinpoint its location. When the message “Location is unavailable” pops up, it means the service can’t access or determine the device’s location.
Also see: Share Files from Android to PC or Vice Versa Wirelessly
Why does this happen?
1. Location services disabled
The most common reason for this message is that the device’s location services are turned off. For the Find My Device service to work, your device must have its location settings enabled.
How to Check and Enable:
- On your Android device, go to the home screen.
- Swipe down from the top to access the notification shade.
- Click on the “Settings” gear icon.
- Scroll down and click on “Location”.
- Ensure the toggle is switched to “On”.
2. No internet connection
Find My Device requires an active internet connection to communicate the device’s location. If the device isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, its location won’t be updated.
What to do: If you believe your device might be in a location with weak signal strength, try calling or sending an SMS. Sometimes, this can jumpstart a brief connection to send location data.
3. Battery is dead
If the device’s battery has died, Find My Device won’t be able to contact it.
What to do: Remember the last location you had the device. While you can’t locate it now, it will display the last known location when it was still powered on.
4. Device is turned off
Whether intentionally or due to an exhausted battery, a turned-off device can’t share its location.
What to do: Be patient. If someone powers it on and it connects to a network, its location will update.
5. Logged out of Google account
For the Find My Device feature to work, the device needs to be logged into a Google account. If someone logs it out, location services won’t work.
What to do: If you suspect unauthorized access, consider changing your Google account password to prevent further intrusion.
Troubleshooting steps
If your device shows “Location is unavailable”, here are some steps to potentially remedy the situation:
- Refresh the page or restart the app: Sometimes, it’s a simple glitch. If you’re using the Find My Device website, refresh the page or restart the app.
- Check if the device is online: A device that’s offline won’t send location data. Wait and check again after some time.
- Ensure ‘Find My Device’ is enabled: Go to “Settings” > “Security” > “Find My Device” on another Android device and make sure it’s turned on.
- Check Google Play devices library: Visit https://play.google.com/library/devices and ensure your device is listed under “Devices” to allow Google to find and erase it.
Alternative tracking apps
While Google’s Find My Device is the default for many Android users, there are alternative tracking apps available that offer different features or can work in conjunction with Google’s service:
- Cerberus: Offers features like taking photos of the thief, recording audio, and more.
- Life360 – Family Locator, GPS Tracker: Not just for lost devices, it helps families and friends stay connected by sharing their location with each other.
- Lookout: Offers device tracking as well as security and antivirus features.
It can be advantageous to have an alternative app installed as a backup or for additional functionality.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating to see “Location is unavailable” when trying to find your device, understanding the potential causes can aid in the recovery process. Remember to always have your location services enabled, keep your device charged, and routinely check that you’re logged into your Google account.
Your Android device is more than just a phone; it’s a hub for personal data, memories, and more. Keeping it safe and knowing how to track it down is paramount.
