The technological advancements in tracking lost phones have taken a leap forward with Google’s Find My Device tool receiving a major upgrade in 2024. This update now allows certain Pixel phones to be located even when they are powered off. Recently, OnePlus 13 has been confirmed to also support this feature, known as Powered Off Finding.

This feature was stumbled upon during testing by Android Authority, proving to be a valuable addition to smartphone security. In case of a stolen device, the likelihood of the thief immediately turning off the phone can hinder tracking efforts. Previously, only a specific range of Google Pixel phones supported this feature, leaving other devices only traceable up to their last location before shutdown.

The method behind tracking a powered-off phone involves a portion of the Bluetooth module staying active, transmitting location data to nearby devices within the Find My Device network. This innovative approach leverages crowdsourcing, a feature Google integrated last year, ensuring anonymous and encrypted data sharing similar to Apple’s Find My network.

While this feature currently requires specialized hardware support within the phone and manufacturer activation, the hope is for wider adoption across devices in 2025. The Google Pixel line is expected to continue supporting this technology, prompting speculation on its potential inclusion in upcoming devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series.

As smartphone security measures evolve, users can benefit from these advancements in tracking lost or stolen devices, providing added peace of mind in an increasingly connected world. The integration of such features enhances the overall appeal of smartphones like the OnePlus 13, elevating its status as a top-tier flagship device.