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Use Google Search to Locate Your Android Phone or Tablet, Send Directions to It & More

Apr 24, 2015 04:06 PM
Apr 27, 2015 07:56 PM
Map interface showing directions to a location on a laptop and mobile device.

A set of cool new Android-related Google Search functions made their debut this week, which will allow you to locate your phone, send directions to your mobile device, set alarms and reminders, and send notes from any web browser.

These new features will require that you have Google Location History enabled on your Android device, as well as Web and App Activity, but beyond that, it's about as simple as it gets.

Send Directions to Your Android Device

If you've ever searched for directions to a location with Google Maps only to hop in your car and realize you don't remember every turn, then this first tip is for you. Just head to Google.com from any web browser (or simply use the address bar in Chrome), then type "Send Directions."

Map interface showing directions and location services.

A mini-map will pop up, with a field asking "Where do you want to go?" Simply type in the address or name of the location, then click "Send directions to my phone."

Map showing directions to a specific location in San Diego, CA.

Almost immediately, the Google Maps app on your phone or tablet will launch automatically, with directions to the location already queued up.

Map view indicating the location of Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.
Map showing directions to the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.
Map view indicating the location of Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.
Map showing directions to the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

Locate Your Phone or Tablet Directly from Google Search

Last year, Google debuted a service called Android Device Manager that allows Android users to easily locate, ring, and wipe their device should it ever be lost or stolen—but this new feature makes it easier than ever.

Again, head to Google.com from any web browser, but this time search "Where's my phone."

Map showing location in San Diego, CA, USA.

Within a few seconds, your device's location will be displayed on the mini-map, and there's even an option to ring your phone in case it's lost in a couch cushion.

Send Notes or Reminders & Set an Alarm

For the folks that like to keep things organized, there are a few more Google Search functions for Android that will help with creating alarms and setting reminders.

First, to send yourself a note, perform a Google search of Send a note to my phone. The top result will be a box with a field that lets you quickly type out a note, which can then be sent over to your phone.

Use Google Search to Locate Your Android Phone or Tablet, Send Directions to It & More

To set an alarm on your phone remotely, just type Set an alarm into Google Search. This will let you select a time for your alarm, and after clicking the link at the bottom of this box, the alarm will be set on your phone.

Set an alarm for 8:00 AM.

For a hybrid of these two features—essentially an alarm with a note attached—type Send a reminder to my phone. Fill out the fields with your reminder and the time, then you can quickly send this over to your phone, where the notification will show up in Google Now.

Set a reminder interface on Google search.

Which of these new features do you find more useful? Let us know in the comment section below.

Cover image via Google

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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