Learn more about finding a registered device with SmartThings Find

If you're trying to locate a lost device using SmartThings Find, it's important to consider the different factors that can affect the accuracy of the signal. When you're outdoors with no obstructions around, such as walls or heavy pedestrian traffic, the signal from the lost device can be detected within a 100m radius using the "Search Nearby" feature. However, if you're indoors or there are obstacles present, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal can weaken, reducing the detecting radius to around 10m.

It's worth noting that registered devices are located based on nearby Wi-Fi signals rather than GPS signals. As a result, the location shown in the SmartThings app may not always match the actual location of the device.

There are a few scenarios where locating a device may not be possible. Firstly, if the lost device has been moved and its actual location has changed, it may be challenging to track its current position accurately. Additionally, if the device is in close proximity but the BLE signal gets overshadowed by other signals from nearby communication or Bluetooth devices, it can hinder the detection process.

Lastly, it's important to know that the "Search Nearby" feature cannot be used if your mobile device and the lost device (e.g., a wearable device) are connected via Bluetooth (BLE). This limitation prevents the simultaneous tracking of connected devices.

In some cases, even if your Galaxy device detects a signal from the lost device, if the device is moving at a high speed, the displayed location on your Galaxy device may differ from its actual location.

If you're unable to find a pair of Galaxy Buds that are connected to another device without SmartThings Find installed, it's important to note that Galaxy Buds Live, Buds+, Buds Pro, and Buds2 connected to a device with SmartThings Find can be located using the "Offline Finding" feature in SmartThings Find. However, wearable devices that were previously connected to a device without SmartThings Find installed cannot be tracked if they are lost.

If your wearable device has been connected at least once to a device with SmartThings Find, you can utilize the "Offline Finding" feature to locate it when it goes missing.

In case you're unable to see your supported Buds or Watch even after installing SmartThings Find, it's recommended to ensure that you have the latest versions of the Galaxy Wearable app, the SmartThings app, and the Find My Mobile app installed from the Galaxy Store. If all the apps are up to date, try unregistering and re-registering your wearable device using the Galaxy Wearable app.

After re-registering, check if your wearable device is now visible in the Edit menu within the SmartThings Find section.

When using the "Offline Finding" feature to locate a lost device, the location shown may not always be an exact match to the device's actual location. This is because the device is located with the assistance of nearby Galaxy devices belonging to other users.

It's important to note that there can be a variance of up to 100 meters (the range of a BLE signal) between the actual location and the location displayed.

Rest assured, the Offline Finding option utilizes low-power Bluetooth technology, resulting in minimal impact on your smartphone's battery life. Keeping this option enabled will have a negligible effect on your normal battery consumption, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of SmartThings Find without worrying about draining your device's battery.