Finding Your Lost Pixel Just Got Easier: Google Tests "Powered Off" Tracking

A glimmer of hope for forgetful Pixel owners emerged recently, with reports suggesting Google is developing a way to locate your phone even when it's powered down.

This groundbreaking feature, currently under development, could revolutionize the way we track lost Pixels.

Currently, Google's Find My Device relies on Bluetooth beacons broadcasted by the phone, which are then picked up by nearby Android devices.

This functionality, however, becomes useless if the phone is switched off.

The proposed solution lies in pre-computed Bluetooth beacons. These beacons, meticulously calculated beforehand, would be stored directly on the Pixel's memory.

Even in a powered-off state, the phone's hardware would be able to transmit these beacons, significantly boosting the chances of finding your lost device.

However, there are some caveats. Implementing this feature requires specific hardware compatibility, which explains why it's not expected to be available for all existing Pixel models.

Initial reports suggest the Pixel 9 might be the first to boast this functionality, with the possibility of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro receiving it through future updates.

Another hurdle is software compatibility. To utilize this "Powered Off" tracking, your Pixel will need to be updated to Android 15.

This ensures seamless integration between the hardware and software, allowing the phone to broadcast beacons even in a low-power state.

The news has undoubtedly been met with excitement by Pixel users. The prospect of locating a lost phone, regardless of its power status, offers immense peace of mind.

While the official rollout details remain unclear, this development signifies Google's commitment to providing innovative solutions for its users.

As Android 15's release approaches and more information surfaces, we can expect a clearer picture of how this "Powered Off" tracking will function and its potential impact on the Pixel user experience.