Google has introduced a new capability within the updated Find My Device app that enables real-time tracking of a child’s location using their smartphone. This feature, reported by 9to5Google, marks a significant expansion in how parental controls can be managed directly through Google’s ecosystem.
The forthcoming app update will include a dedicated Family devices tab. This section will display the Android devices of children whose parents have enabled parental controls, making it easier for guardians to monitor a family network from a single interface. The design aims to streamline how families stay informed and connected while preserving device-focused privacy controls that parents configure.
Within this family view, tapping on a child’s device will reveal the child’s current position on a live map with a high degree of precision. The system is designed to present location data with an accuracy of just a few meters, allowing parents to confirm where a child is in real time. In addition to location, the interface will also show the device’s remaining battery level and other relevant device details that are useful for coordinating safety and planning daily routines.
For families, this integration reduces the need for third-party apps or separate devices such as Bluetooth trackers to maintain awareness of a child’s whereabouts. It brings the safety features directly into the standard family management tools already provided by the platform, aligning with broader trends toward built-in, system-level safety controls in mobile ecosystems.
At present, the family devices functionality is undergoing testing and will roll out to additional users in the coming weeks. The rollout timeline may vary by region and account configuration, with Google indicating a phased approach to ensure stability and user privacy protections as the feature expands to more families across devices and circumstances.
Earlier reports have touched on security and privacy topics across major platforms. For context, Apple has announced separate measures involving password management within its own ecosystem, underscoring a broader industry shift toward integrated safety and authentication tools across devices. The evolving landscape highlights how major tech brands are prioritizing family safety, data access, and user consent as core components of their product design and policy considerations.