Google has introduced a new Powered Off Discovery API that will let you find your smartphone even if it’s completely dead.
How does it work? The secret is in the Bluetooth beacons, which will be stored in the memory of your phone’s Bluetooth controller. These beacons constantly ping your smartphone, even if it’s turned off, allowing you to locate it using the Find My Phone app.
But there is a caveat: This function requires special hardware to work. Therefore, not every phone will be able to use it.
The first smartphones to get this feature will be Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 (after updating to Android 15). Unfortunately, Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 will not be available this way, but there is a possibility that this feature will be available for them in the future.
Note that you will need to update your phone to Android 15 and install the latest version of the Find My Phone app for the feature to work.
Source: Ferra
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