Galaxy s26: offline tracking feature unlikely for upcoming series

Galaxy s26: offline tracking feature unlikely for upcoming series

While details about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series continue to emerge, a recent report suggests a disappointing omission for many users: the ability to track a stolen phone even when it’s powered off. This feature, available on Google Find Hub and Apple's Find My, appears unlikely to make its way to the Galaxy S26 lineup.

What is google find hub and why is it important?

Google Find Hub is a service designed to help users locate their lost or stolen Android devices. It works by continuously broadcasting a secure signal, allowing nearby Android phones to detect the lost device’s approximate location. Crucially, it also supports Bluetooth-based finding, enabling tracking even when the phone is turned off – a feature that has proven invaluable.

The missing offline tracking feature

A recent log entry on the Google Issue Tracker indicates that the Bluetooth finder feature is not supported on the Galaxy S26 series. This is a significant departure from previous expectations, as many believed Samsung would include this functionality. The absence of this feature puts the Galaxy S26 at a disadvantage compared to competitors like Google and Apple.

How offline tracking works (and why it matters)

The power of offline tracking lies in its ability to locate a device even when it’s not connected to a network. Google Find Hub and Apple's Find My achieve this by leveraging Bluetooth signals and proximity data. This is particularly useful in scenarios where a thief quickly disables the phone’s network connectivity. For instance, my friend recently had his Pixel 10 Pro stolen, and being able to track it even after it was powered off was a game-changer. Without this, location recovery becomes significantly harder.

Samsung's smartthings find: a limited solution

Samsung's SmartThings Find offers an “offline finding” feature, but it’s not as comprehensive as Google Find Hub’s. SmartThings Find only helps locate a device when it’s not connected to a network, not when it is powered off. This distinction is crucial, as many users might assume