How Google Find Hub helped
Google Find Hub confirmed the phone was still active. This system refreshes location data whenever the handset connects to mobile data or Wi-Fi. It can also provide a broad last-known location if Location History was enabled beforehand, though precise, real-time tracking depends on active internet or GPS.
It gave us the first indication that the device had not yet been reset — an important early advantage when there is no lock screen in place.
How Samsung SmartThings Find became the key
SmartThings Find ended up being the difference-maker. Samsung’s offline finding relies on a network of nearby Galaxy devices to anonymously and securely relay Bluetooth Low Energy signals. Even without mobile data, these encrypted pings are sent through other Samsung phones in the area.
Within minutes, SmartThings Find began reporting highly accurate location updates. This feature is designed for exactly this scenario: a lost or stolen phone moving through areas with weak connectivity.
Cross-checking with Google Maps
I used Google Maps to visualise each location ping, confirm movement patterns, verify the type of area being reported and ensure the signal remained consistent. When three independent tools align on the same coordinates, the likelihood of accuracy increases dramatically.
After about an hour of watching the updates, all three systems locked onto the same location: a restaurant roughly 50 km away. Once the signal held steady long enough to rule out a transient connection, Thomas decided to drive out and retrieve his device.
Against the odds, he got it back.