Start with the built-in location tools on your tablet and Google account
If your Android tablet is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, Google's Find My Mobile device tool can show you its location on a map. You access this through your Google Account settings, not through an app you read. The tablet must be signed into a Google Account you control, and you need to be able to log into that same account from another device — a phone, computer, or someone else's tablet.
Go to google.com/android/find from any web browser on another device. Sign in with the Google Account linked to your missing tablet. If the tablet is on and connected to the internet, you will see its location marked on a map, along with the device name and battery level. This works whether your tablet is in another room, at a friend's house, or somewhere you left it earlier.
If you do not remember which Google Account is on your tablet, think back to when you first set it up — you would have signed in during the initial setup screen. If you have multiple Google Accounts, you may need to try each one.
Key Takeaways
- Google's Find My Mobile tool at google.com/android/find shows your tablet's location on a map if it is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Your tablet must be signed into a Google Account, and you must be able to log into that account from another device to use the location feature.
- If your tablet is off or has no internet connection, location tools cannot help — you will need to retrace your steps or check places you were recently.
- Samsung tablets have their own Find My Mobile service separate from Google's, accessible through your Samsung account at findmymobile.samsung.com.
- If you cannot find your tablet and believe it was stolen, contact your local police department and your tablet's manufacturer to report the loss.
What to do if the tablet is offline or the battery is dead
Location tools only work when a device is powered on and has an active internet connection. If your tablet has been off for hours or days, or if the battery has drained completely, Google's Find My Mobile will show you the last known location — the place where it was last connected to the internet. This can still be useful: if the last location was your workplace or a coffee shop, you know where to start looking.
Check the date and time shown next to the last location. If it says "Last seen 2 hours ago at Home Depot," you know the tablet was there recently. If it says "Last seen 3 days ago at the airport," the tablet may have been left behind or lost during travel.
Retracing your steps when location tools do not help
If your tablet is off, has no internet, or was never signed into a Google Account, you will need to retrace your movements. Start with the places you were most recently: your home, car, workplace, or the last store or restaurant you visited. Call ahead to ask if anyone has turned in a tablet matching your description.
Check your own home thoroughly — tablets are often left on couches, in bathrooms, on kitchen counters, or under blankets. Look in bags you have used recently, including gym bags, work bags, or travel cases. If you use your tablet regularly, think about the last time you actually held it in your hands, not just the last time you think you used it.
If you were traveling or away from home, contact the hotel, airline, or transportation service. Many have lost-and-found departments that hold items for weeks or months. Have your tablet's model name and any distinctive features ready to describe — a case color, a screen protector, or any visible damage.
Using Samsung Find My Mobile if you have a Samsung tablet
Samsung tablets have their own location service called Find My Mobile, separate from Google's system. You access it at findmymobile.samsung.com using your Samsung account credentials. If you set up your Samsung tablet with a Samsung account during setup, this service may show your tablet's location even if Google's tool does not.
Samsung's service also offers additional features beyond location: you can lock the tablet remotely, wipe its data, or make it play a sound to help you find it if it is nearby but hidden. You will need to have created a Samsung account and signed into it on your tablet when you first set it up.
Protecting your tablet if you cannot find it
If you have searched thoroughly and cannot locate your tablet, you may want to take steps to protect your data. From Google's Find My Mobile or Samsung's Find My Mobile, you can remotely lock the tablet or erase all data on it. This prevents someone who finds or takes the tablet from accessing your personal information, photos, emails, or banking apps.
Before you erase the tablet, understand that this action is permanent — you will not be able to locate it afterward, and the data cannot be recovered. Only do this if you are confident the tablet is lost or stolen and you do not plan to search for it further.
If you believe your tablet was stolen rather than lost, contact your local police department and file a report. Provide the tablet's model, serial number (found in the Settings app under About Device), and the last known location. You can also contact the tablet's manufacturer to report the loss — they may be able to flag the device so it cannot be reactivated if someone tries to use it.
Setting up location services now to prepare for the future
If you find your tablet, take a few minutes to make sure location tools are ready if you lose it again. Open the Settings app and go to Google Account (or Samsung Account if you have a Samsung tablet). Make sure location services are turned on — this is usually under Location or Privacy settings. Confirm that your tablet is signed into an account you use regularly and that you know the password.
Consider turning on the feature that allows you to see your device's location history. This setting varies by tablet model and Android version, but it is usually found under Location settings. When enabled, it keeps a record of where your tablet has been, which can help you narrow down where you left it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my tablet if it is turned off?
No, location tools require the tablet to be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, Google and Samsung will show you the last location where the tablet was connected to the internet, which can help you narrow down where to search physically.
What if I do not remember my Google Account password?
Go to google.com/accounts/recovery and follow the steps to recover your account. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number you set up when you created the account. Once you regain access, you can use Find My Mobile to locate your tablet.
Can someone else find my tablet if they have my Google Account password?
Yes, which is why it is important to keep your Google Account password find. If you suspect someone has your password, change it when ready. You can also remove devices from your Google Account through your account settings to prevent unauthorized access.
Will Find My Mobile work if my tablet is in airplane mode?
No. Airplane mode turns off all wireless connections, including Wi-Fi and mobile data. Location tools need an active internet connection to work, so the tablet will not be locatable until airplane mode is turned off.
What should I do if I find my tablet but it has been damaged?
If the screen is cracked or the tablet will not turn on, contact the manufacturer or a repair shop for an estimate. If the tablet is under warranty, check whether accidental damage is covered. If you have insurance on the tablet, file a claim with your insurance provider.