Here’s a shocking revelation for tech enthusiasts: the Galaxy S26 series might already be lagging behind Pixel phones in a major way—and it’s all about finding your lost device when it’s powered off. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Google’s Find My Device network (now rebranded as Find Hub) can locate a phone even after it’s been turned off, this feature seems exclusive to Pixel devices, leaving Samsung users in the dark. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about convenience—it’s about security and peace of mind.
A recent log entry from a Google employee on the Issue Tracker platform spilled the beans. While troubleshooting a font issue on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the logs revealed a critical detail: [ro.bluetooth.finder.supported]: [false]. This single line confirms that the Galaxy S26 Ultra won’t support Bluetooth-based tracking when powered off—a feature Pixel phones have enjoyed since the Pixel 8 series. Is this a deliberate move by Samsung, or a missed opportunity?
Google’s Find Hub leverages Bluetooth and proximity data from nearby Android devices to pinpoint a phone’s location for hours after it’s powered down. However, this requires Bluetooth and Location services to be active before the phone shuts off. Despite this feature rolling out over a year ago, its availability remains limited to Pixel devices, leaving Samsung users relying on less robust alternatives.
Samsung’s SmartThings Find does offer an “offline” finding feature, but here’s the catch: “offline” doesn’t mean the phone is powered off. It simply means the device can be located without mobile data or Wi-Fi—as long as the phone is still on and you’re logged into your Samsung account. Once the phone is truly powered off, SmartThings Find stops working, leaving a glaring gap in functionality.
So, why hasn’t Samsung embraced Google’s powered-off tracking? Is it a technical limitation, a strategic decision, or something else entirely? This raises a bigger question: should all Android manufacturers adopt Find Hub’s capabilities to level the playing field for users? Let’s spark a discussion—do you think Samsung should prioritize this feature, or is it overhyped? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
