Disappointing Test of Google’s Find My Device Network

A comprehensive experiment put the latest Find My Device trackers and network to the test.

Google relaunched the Find My Device network in April 2024 to compete with Apple’s similar item-finding service. The idea was to create a web of compatible devices worldwide to help locate lost items using compatible trackers.

As an expert in accessory gadgets, I was excited to get my hands on the newest Bluetooth trackers supporting this network. Chipolo and Pebblebee were the first brands to join the Find My Device network, so I chose their trackers for my experiment.

Despite the hype, Google’s Find My Device network hasn’t performed as expected. I hoped my test would yield better results. Here’s how it went.

Pebblebee was kind enough to send me the Pebblebee Clip, Pebblebee Card, and Pebblebee Tag for Android. Here are the primary specs for these Bluetooth trackers:

To fully understand the network, I also tested Chipolo’s trackers compatible with Google’s network. Chipolo recently updated its Chipolo ONE Point and Chipolo CARD Point to support the new network:

Both brands offer typical round trackers with keyholes and card-shaped ones. Additionally, Pebblebee provides a small tag with a silicone mold and double-sided adhesive tape, useful for attaching to pet collars or items like TV remotes.

In essence, Pebblebee and Chipolo’s Find My Device trackers are nearly identical in functionality. You set them up using your Android phone and the respective brand’s app, which then integrates the tracker with the Google Find My Device app.

I found Chipolo’s app slightly faster during setup, while Pebblebee’s trackers had a better response and a wider Bluetooth range. However, Chipolo’s trackers are louder. All trackers have splash-proof water resistance.

A cool feature of Pebblebee’s trackers is their rechargeability using standard USB-C cables or magnetic pin-to-USB-C cables.

After setup, you name and attach the trackers to important items. I distributed all five trackers among my friends, asking them not to disclose their locations. I wanted to locate them using Google’s network.

Everything worked fine while the trackers were within Bluetooth range. However, once out of range, the network lost them immediately. I decided to test further by marking all trackers as lost, expecting at least one to be found within a few days. Surprisingly, three days passed without any updates.

Ironically, I found the trackers during a dinner with friends who had them. A notification on my phone alerted me that one tracker was nearby.

To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I had high expectations due to the popularity of Android devices in my region.

I realized that the mere presence of Android devices isn’t enough for the Find My Device network to succeed. My colleague Brady Snyder explained this well.

While most Android and Google Fast Pair devices can use Google’s network, few choose to contribute. Limited participation undermines the potential of this item-tracking network.

Ironically, Google offers too many privacy options for participating in the network. While designed to protect user privacy, this array of options complicates contribution, even though location data is anonymous and encrypted.

Additionally, many people haven’t set up the Find My Device feature on their Android devices. It’s not a priority for new users, and many are unaware of the feature.

To fix this, Google needs to encourage more Android users to contribute to the crowdsourced network. Without sufficient participation, the network will fail as a reliable item-finding service. Given that contributions are anonymous, reducing opt-out options could enhance the network’s effectiveness.

The Experience: Setting Up and Testing

Setting up the trackers was straightforward but highlighted differences between the brands. Chipolo’s app was faster and more intuitive, while Pebblebee’s trackers offered a superior Bluetooth range and quicker response times. The setup process involved downloading the respective apps, pairing the trackers with my Android phone, and integrating them with the Google Find My Device app.

Pebblebee’s trackers impressed me with their rechargeable batteries, a feature lacking in Chipolo’s trackers, which use replaceable CR2032 cells. This small detail makes a big difference in convenience and long-term usability. The ability to recharge with USB-C cables means less waste and fewer trips to the store for battery replacements.

Field Test: Real-World Use

For the field test, I assigned the trackers to various items and distributed them among friends, instructing them to keep their locations hidden. The aim was to simulate real-world conditions where items could be misplaced or lost outside the immediate Bluetooth range.

Initially, all trackers performed well within Bluetooth range. However, problems arose once the items were out of range. The network failed to locate the trackers, which was disappointing given the expectations set by Google’s Find My Device network.

The major flaw became evident when I marked the trackers as lost. Despite being in a densely populated urban area with a high concentration of Android devices, the network failed to update the locations of the lost trackers in a timely manner. It wasn’t until I accidentally encountered the trackers with friends that the network recognized their proximity.

Analysis: Why the Network Falls Short

The primary issue lies in the network’s reliance on user participation. While many Android devices can technically support the Find My Device network, the reality is that few users opt into the service. Google’s approach to privacy, while commendable, results in a fragmented and ineffective network. The multiple opt-in options designed to protect user privacy ultimately deter users from participating fully.

Moreover, the lack of awareness about the Find My Device feature exacerbates the problem. Many Android users are either unaware of the feature or do not prioritize setting it up, leading to a network that is underutilized.

Potential Solutions: Enhancing Network Participation

To address these issues, Google needs to streamline the opt-in process and raise awareness about the Find My Device feature. Simplifying the user interface and providing clearer instructions on the benefits and security of the service could encourage more users to participate.

Additionally, Google could incentivize participation through rewards or integration with other Google services. For instance, integrating Find My Device functionality into popular apps or offering rewards for users who actively participate in the network could boost engagement.

Conclusion: A Network with Potential, But Needs Improvement

While the idea behind Google’s Find My Device network is promising, its current implementation falls short. The network’s effectiveness is hampered by limited user participation and a cumbersome opt-in process. For the network to reach its full potential, Google needs to enhance user engagement and streamline the contribution process.