• General

  • Find my Device on GrapheneOS?

If all you need is to manually get the location when you lose it, and don't mind using SMS, Nulide/findmydevice is probably your best bet.
I wrote a similar Tasker profile that is very simple.

If you want continuous monitoring, https://gpslogger.app/ has a lot of options. From auto uploads to cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive... to SFTP, or custom webhook URLs so you can use your own server like Home Assistant.
Again, I just wrote something in Tasker that encrypts GPS data and sends to my private server.

Colvdv It's available under Apps> Sandboxed Google Play> Google Settings

    Google Play services requires "Allow all the time" location access in order for Find My Device to Work and locate the phone. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning should also be on for indoor location

    6 days later

    user74838

    Seems like Prey is a full enterprise solution with features that free open source can already do.
    I would not trust a SaaS cloud provider, when this kind of data can and should go directly to a users own server.

        Graphite hmm - yes I believe it was started Open Source, but not clear now. Does look like it may no longer be? Not sure how that works - they bought out the license or something?

          I also briefly looked into Prey Protect but quickly dismissed it as it requires Google Play services

          11 days later

          BluePixel4k Hey, I just installed it and it's GREAT!, But i'm not so technical is there any way to use telegram or such instead of messaging?, it was said when I installed it but it's unclear for me.

              ThunderFarter You can install any messaging app you like. The general rule is if an app works on stock Android, it also works on GrapheneOS.

              You will need to install Telegram from an app store. That could be Google Play Store, which is the easiest to use, but there are alternatives available. If you need any further help, do let us know.

                ThunderFarter But i'm not so technical is there any way to use telegram or such instead of messaging?

                For this to work you will need to grand Notification Access permission to FindMyDevice which would allow it to read all notifications and look for that "fmd" text to activate commands. Once this permission is granted, you should be able to use any app to trigger commands. To grant, open FMD, then go to settings (gear icon top right corner) then tap Permissions, next, next until you reach the screen about handling messages from other apps - and grant the permission.

                  a year later

                  There is an interesting app, called KDE Connect. You can install it on your phone and your desktop computer and they you can ring a phone from your computer.

                  Unfortunately it will not give you the GPS location... but at least it rings. There are some other options like file sharing, sending notifications from phone to desktop, you can send SMS messages from desktop...

                  But I am still looking for something, that will be sending you (encrypted) location to your server and be listening to "pings" from your server and then send location back to you...

                    11 days later

                    Matthai But KDE Connect only works in the local network - not remote. So you may find your phone under a pillow in your house or appartment - but not somewhere outdoors.

                    Well, unless you're connected to your home network via VPN all the time.

                    A FOSS alternative to Google's Find My Device service seems to be https://f-droid.org/de/packages/de.nulide.findmydevice/ - but I haven't tried it out yet.

                      Matthai a security review

                      LOL. It is well known how insecure SMS is. People with a high thread level should definitely not install an app with these permissions. Something like this is a gift for attackers.

                        You see, you do not have to use SMS functionality. :)
                        Just do not grant rights and that is it.

                        The point is: "find my phone" app is very needed. GOS does not offer it. So people will look for alternatives. It seems this is the only alternative here.

                          I think Locus is a different type of app. And it doesn't work on newer Android versions.

                          Matthai

                          If you only set this up from your server and via VPN, the attack surface is of course more difficult. And setting up and administering a server is also something where you always learn something new. Everyone can do whatever they want with their phone.

                          I just wanted to point out that such an app should not be used carelessly via SMS and possibly with third-party service providers.

                          In addition:

                          • The phone must always be connected to the Internet.
                          • It usually doesn't help much if it's stolen.
                          • It's unlikely that I'd lose a device worth almost $1000, just like my wallet.

                          The point is: "find my phone" app is very needed. GOS does not offer it.

                          There is a good reason why the GrapheneOS developers did not integrate or removed the code for remote access and device locate.

                            Well, there is also good reason why people should use de-Googled phones. But they are not. And GOS decided, it is better to run Play services in sandbox, than to persist in orthodoxy. :)

                            It's unlikely that I'd lose a device worth almost $1000, just like my wallet.
                            I do not have a toothache, so we do not need dentists.