When someone loses their mobile device but manages to get it back, it’s not uncommon to hear, “Thank goodness, my life is in there!” It would be safe to assume that, in many cases, their employer’s entire data stack also resides on the device.
That’s why businesses should be as aware as consumers of the invaluable location-tracking solutions in Samsung devices, such as SmartThings Find. That’s especially true for small and midsize businesses (SMB), which may not employ mobile device management tools like Knox Suite or apply security protocols typical of larger enterprises. The SmartThings Find app offers them peace of mind.
And with Samsung’s new AI-accelerated Galaxy S26 Series mobile devices, getting familiar with SmartThings Find should be one of the first action items. It provides frontline defense for what will inevitably become a mobile hub for business on the go.
Here’s a rundown on what users need to know about Samsung SmartThings Find:
What is SmartThings Find?
Samsung SmartThings Find is a free service through the Samsung account that allows users to remotely locate, back up and wipe data on a registered Galaxy mobile device.
How do users activate SmartThings Find?
Getting started is as simple as a few clicks:
- On a Galaxy mobile device, open Settings and tap your Samsung account at the top of the menu. Users will need to enter Samsung account details or easily create an account if one isn’t already in place.
- From there, tap the Find My Mobile option.
- Go to the “Allow this phone to be found” option, and toggle it on.
Note that on some mobile carriers, Google’s Find Hub service might be offered in place of SmartThings Find within the Settings menu. With Find My Device, simply log in to the user’s Google account instead. Many of the same features are available on both services.
How can SmartThings Find locate a phone?
SmartThings Find uses Bluetooth Low Energy, ultra-wideband technology and location data collected from Google and wireless networks to help identify where a mobile device might have been left or stolen.
Once SmartThings Find is activated, users can visit the service on any web browser to locate their Samsung device. After logging in to the associated Samsung account, they will see a list of Samsung devices activated and tied to SmartThings Find.
When a device is found, it will be indicated on a map. The available information will include its status, network connectivity and battery life.
Note that location tracking and other features of SmartThings Find only work if a lost device is turned on and connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network. Logging in as soon as a device is determined to be missing maximizes the chances of recovering it.
What if the battery has died?
If the battery has already died, SmartThings Find won’t be able to identify the current location of the device. But if a user opted in to the “Send last location” feature, the device would have automatically sent its location to the SmartThings Find server when the battery life dropped to approximately 20%. This can help retrieve a lost device if it is not on the move.
How can I extend the battery life on a lost device?
SmartThings Find allows users to remotely adjust the power saving settings on a lost phone to extend the battery life. Switch to maximum power saving mode to increase the time a device will stay on, so that it can be located.
How can a phone set on mute ring?
If the misplaced phone is thought to be nearby, a user can tap “Ring” within SmartThings Find, making the device sound at maximum volume even if set on mute or vibrate modes.
How do I lock the screen, prevent power off or show a contact message?
If users are concerned their misplaced devices may have been unlocked, SmartThings Find has a remote lock capability. This prevents others from powering the device off, so that its location can still be tracked. A contact message and phone number may also be set to appear on the screen, so anyone who finds the device is able to reach the owner.
What if the misplaced device is on the move?
SmartThings Find includes a “track location” feature that sends an automated update on the device’s location every 15 minutes.
How can users back up data or wipe a lost device?
If users cannot retrieve a lost device, they may try to back up their data remotely. That’s done using the Samsung account, so long as Samsung Cloud is activated on the device. A wide range of data can be backed up to Samsung Cloud and then restored on the replacement device.
Users may also tap “erase” in SmartThings Find to remotely delete all data and perform a factory reset. Just remember this will remove the Samsung account from the lost device, too, and neuter the ability to locate and track it.
What if the device locks out a user?
SmartThings Find is useful even when a device is not lost. If a user forgets the PIN or password to unlock a device, it can be accomplished through the service instead. To use this feature, opt in to “Remote Unlock” when registering the device.
Smart security for mobile fleets
Security is critical for any business that employs mobile devices, whether it’s a large corporation or an SMB. That’s equally true for supplied or personal devices. When one does go missing, both employers and employees will want to do everything possible to minimize security risks like data loss or theft.
Fortunately, SmartThings Find makes this easy. From location tracking and preventing power-off to extending the battery life, the service greatly raises the likelihood of recovering the device and protecting its contents. And, if an innocent stranger finds the phone, they can see a message telling them how to reach you.
In other words, Samsung’s SmartThings Find service ensures fewer people ever need to ask, “I’ve lost my phone. What do I do?”
Learn more about mobile device security and 2026’s major threats that enterprises can’t ignore. Also discover Galaxy S26 Series and the features that further protect mobile business.
