A helpful feature introduced to Android phones this year allows users to locate their devices even when the battery is dead. This functionality is integrated into Android’s Find My Device system. However, it appears Samsung’s upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, might not include this convenient feature.
According to code analysis conducted by Android Authority, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a disabled Bluetooth-finding protocol. This means the phone will not be visible on the location-finding map once its battery is depleted. It’s important to note that this information is based on pre-release details, and the situation could change before the official launch.
Setting up offline device finding on Android phones.Enabling offline device finding on Android. (Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX)
Android’s “Find your offline devices” feature utilizes Bluetooth and location proximity data from nearby Android devices. This system is similar to Apple’s Find My network, which helps users locate lost devices by leveraging the vast network of Apple devices. Google remains vague about the specific mechanics of locating offline devices, attributing it to “specialized Pixel hardware” in a store listing. The feature is enabled by default on recent Google Pixel phones, including the Pixel 8 and 9 series.
Essentially, the feature relies on network pings from nearby Android devices, which relay the location of the offline device to the Find My Device network. To activate this feature on your Android device, navigate to:
Settings > Google > All Services > Find My Device > Find your offline devices
Users can choose from two offline finding range options: “With network in high-traffic areas only” and “With network in all areas.” Google’s support documentation states that offline devices will be detectable “for several hours” after the battery dies.
Leaked render of Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.A potential look at the Galaxy S25 Ultra. (dbrand / MaagX)
Google explains that when other devices detect your lost item, they securely transmit the location to Find My Device. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra may lack this particular feature, it is rumored to boast other upgrades, such as the second-generation Corning Gorilla Glass Armor.
The design is expected to receive a minor refresh with rounder corners and new color options. Internal upgrades appear iterative, with a familiar 200-megapixel primary camera and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. However, leaked information suggests that charging speed and battery capacity will likely remain unchanged.
In conclusion, while the potential absence of the offline finding feature on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is disappointing, it remains to be seen if this will be the case at launch. The phone still promises other improvements, but users hoping for this specific functionality may be left wanting.
