Google’s Find My Device app has recently been updated to include a new location-sharing feature that allows users to share their locations with friends and family. This update is powered by Google Maps, so if you’ve previously set up location sharing there, you’ll automatically see your contacts in the Find My Device app. For those who haven’t set up location sharing yet, the app provides a user-friendly option to initiate this directly.
Currently, this location-sharing feature is in beta, and users have reported a significant bug: the map displays a white background, making it difficult to discern locations. This issue hampers the usability of the feature, as it is challenging to identify where people or devices are situated. The update coincided with the March Pixel Feature Drop, which introduced various useful features for Google phones.
On that same day, Google rolled out an Android bundle designed for a wider range of devices in its ecosystem. Following the announcement, users on platforms like Reddit began receiving the updated version of Find My Device, signaling a broad rollout via the Google Play Store. In the updated app, the main interface is organized into two tabs—Devices and People.
The People tab indicates that the location sharing functionality is still in beta. Both tabs now open to a map view centered around the user’s current location, facilitating a quick overview of nearby devices and friends. For users who have not previously configured location sharing, a prominent “+” button is available within the People tab to initiate sharing.
Once accepted, users can view their contacts’ locations and additional details, such as battery life and options for navigation via Google Maps. Despite the potential benefits of this update, the current limitations due to the white background on the map make it hard to fully appreciate this feature. It appears users will need to wait for a forthcoming update to utilize it effectively.
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