Use Samsung Find Mobile to locate your tablet remotely

Samsung tablets come with a built-in tracking service called Samsung Find Mobile (sometimes called Find My Mobile) that lets you see where your device is on a map, even if you cannot see it in front of you. This service works as long as your tablet is powered on, connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and registered to your Samsung account.

To use this service, go to findmymobile.samsung.com on any computer or phone and sign in with the Samsung account you used to set up your tablet. Once you log in, you will see a map showing your tablet's location. The accuracy depends on your connection type — Wi-Fi location is less precise than mobile data, but both will narrow down where to search.

If you have not yet set up a Samsung account on your tablet, you cannot use Find Mobile to locate it. Setting up an account takes only a few minutes and should be your first step after purchasing a new tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung Find Mobile shows your tablet's location on a map when you sign in at findmymobile.samsung.com with your Samsung account.
  • Your tablet must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data for location tracking to work.
  • Google Find My Device is a second option if your tablet runs Android and you signed in with a Google account.
  • If your tablet is off or has no connection, check your home, car, and recent locations before using other methods.
  • You can lock your tablet remotely or erase it to protect your data if you believe it is truly lost.

Check Google Find My Device if you signed in with Google

Many Samsung tablets run Android and are linked to a Google account. If you signed into Google on your tablet, you can also use Google Find My Device to locate it. Go to findmymobile.google.com on any computer or phone, sign in with the Google account you used on your tablet, and you will see its location on a map.

Google Find My Device works similarly to Samsung's service — your tablet must be on and connected to the internet. One advantage is that Google's location service sometimes works even when Samsung's does not, so trying both methods gives you the best chance of finding your device.

Search your home and common locations first

Before assuming your tablet is lost, check the places where you most often use it. Tablets are frequently left on beds, couches, kitchen counters, or tables while charging. Look under cushions, in car seats, and in bags you use regularly.

Check the room where you last remember using it, then expand your search to other rooms. Many tablets are found within a few minutes of starting to look. If you live with others, ask them whether they have seen it or moved it.

Make your tablet ring to help you find it in your home

Both Samsung Find Mobile and Google Find My Device have a feature that makes your tablet produce a loud sound, even if the volume is turned down. This is helpful if your tablet is somewhere in your home but you cannot see it.

In Samsung Find Mobile, look for a button labeled "Ring" or "Make it ring." In Google Find My Device, select your tablet and choose "Play sound." Your tablet will ring for several minutes, which should help you locate it by sound. This feature only works if your tablet is powered on and has an internet connection.

Lock your tablet remotely if you think it is truly lost

If you have searched your home and checked both tracking services without finding your tablet, you may want to lock it remotely to protect your personal information. Both Samsung Find Mobile and Google Find My Device allow you to set a new lock screen password from their websites, which prevents anyone else from accessing your data.

Locking your tablet remotely is a good middle step before erasing it completely. A locked tablet is much less useful to someone who finds it, and you still have the option to unlock it later if you locate it yourself.

Erase your tablet remotely as a last resort

If you are certain your tablet is lost and you have sensitive information on it, both Samsung Find Mobile and Google Find My Device let you erase all data from your device remotely. This permanently deletes your photos, documents, apps, and personal information, so use this option only when you are sure you cannot recover the tablet.

Once you erase a tablet, you cannot undo the action. However, if you backed up your data to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive before the tablet was lost, you can restore your information to a new device later.

Report your tablet to local authorities and your carrier if needed

If your tablet has mobile service (not just Wi-Fi), contact your mobile carrier to report it lost. They can disable the SIM card so no one can use your mobile service on that device. Keep the report number they give you for your records.

If you believe your tablet was stolen rather than misplaced, you can file a report with local police. Bring your tablet's serial number (found on the original box or in your Samsung account) and any proof of purchase. Police reports are rarely used to recover devices, but they create an official record in case the tablet is found and turned in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my Samsung tablet is turned off?

If your tablet is off, neither Samsung Find Mobile nor Google Find My Device can locate it. However, if someone turns it on and connects it to the internet, the location will update on the map. Check the tracking services periodically in case your tablet powers back on.

Can I find my tablet if it is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data?

No. Your tablet must have an active internet connection for either tracking service to show its location. If your tablet is in airplane mode or has no signal, the map will show its last known location before it lost connection.

Do I need to pay for Samsung Find Mobile or Google Find My Device?

Both services are free to use. You only need a Samsung account or Google account, which are also free to create. No subscription or payment is required to locate your tablet.

What if I never set up a Samsung account on my tablet?

If you did not create a Samsung account before your tablet was lost, you cannot use Samsung Find Mobile. However, if you signed into a Google account on the tablet, you can still use Google Find My Device to locate it. Going forward, set up both accounts on any new device.

Can I find my tablet if someone else is using it?

Yes. As long as your tablet is powered on and connected to the internet, the tracking services will show its location regardless of who is using it. You can also lock it remotely or make it ring to alert whoever has it.