How to find the location of your lost Android Device

All of us have lost a device and it is never fun. Not only do you worry about the data on the device and who might be going through it or making calls from your number but there is also the COST of replacing the phone.

Iphones have had the ability to locate the device for some time using a feature built right into the OS called "Find my iPhone" but Android users were out of luck unless they installed 3rd party applications ahead of time. Not anymore!

All you need is a Android device with a current OS version that is STILL ON and has a data connection (wifi or cellular are both fine.)

Step 1: Login to your Gmail/Google account on your computer

Step 2: Go to the Google Maps Location History page https://maps.google.com/locationhistory/b/0

Google will try to connect to your device and if it is on, will show you the approximate location which is accurate to about 20 meters. This can be very helpful in identifying a general location for the device. PLEASE note that this information should NOT be used to try and recover a stolen device. It is valuable information to give to the police but DO NOT try to confront someone you believe to have stolen your device under ANY condition!