Losing your phone or trying to find installed apps shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you're trying to figure out what apps are on your phone, or you're panicking because your Android device is lost, there are straightforward solutions.
Let’s break down how to view my apps on this phone, find your device with Google locate my phone, and even use Google search my phone to get its location.
How to See “My Apps on This Phone”
Most Android phones make it easy to view all your installed apps. This is useful if you’re checking for unwanted apps, clearing space, or just want to remember which apps you’ve downloaded.
Method 1: View Apps in the App Drawer
Swipe up from the home screen to open the App Drawer. Here, you’ll see all apps installed on your Android device. These include:
Pre-installed system apps
Downloaded apps from Google Play Store
Any third-party apps you've added
Method 2: Check Installed Apps from Settings
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps or Apps & notifications.
3. You’ll see a list of all apps on your phone, including background apps.
This helps you get a clear view of my apps on this phone without using any extra tools.
View “My Apps on My Phone” via Google Play Store
Google Play keeps a full history of all apps you've installed across devices using your account. To check:
1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap Manage apps & device.
4. Select Manage tab to see currently installed apps.
5. Tap Not installed to see apps you used in the past on other devices.
This is handy if you’ve just changed phones and want to reinstall my apps on my phone again.
Use “Google Search My Phone” to Find Your Device
Let’s say you’ve misplaced your phone but you're logged into your Google Account. You can type Google search my phone directly in the Google search bar on a PC or another mobile device.
What Happens When You Search?
Once you type Google search my phone, Google shows you a map with your device's last known location. You’ll also get options like:
Ring your phone (even if it’s on silent)
Lock your phone
Sign out of your account
Erase your phone remotely
This is part of Google’s built-in security feature called Find My Device.
How to Use “Google Locate My Phone”
If you want more control, go directly to Find My Device. This feature helps you locate, secure, and erase your lost phone remotely. It's pre-installed on most Android phones.
Steps to Use Google Locate My Phone:
1. Visit google.com/android/find on any browser.
2. Log in using the same Google Account that’s on the missing phone.
3. You’ll see all devices linked to that account.
4. Click on the device you want to locate.
Google will attempt to pinpoint its exact location using GPS and network data.
You’ll also be able to:
Play a loud sound for 5 minutes.
Secure the device with a custom message.
Completely erase your phone data if recovery isn't possible.
This feature is especially powerful and easy to use, even if you're not tech-savvy.
Make Sure Find My Device is Enabled
Before disaster strikes, make sure this setting is active on your phone:
1. Open Settings > Security > Find My Device.
2. Make sure the toggle is turned on.
3. Also go to Settings > Location and keep it enabled.
Without these settings turned on, Google’s ability to help locate your phone becomes limited.
What If You Don’t Have a Computer?
You can also find your lost phone using another smartphone:
1. Download the Find My Device app from Google Play.
2. Log in with your Google Account.
3. It works just like the web version – track, ring, or wipe your phone.
Alternatively, borrow a friend’s phone and go to google.com. Search Google locate my phone, and follow the same steps.
What If My Phone Is Switched Off?
If your phone is off or not connected to the internet, Google will:
Show the last known location.
Let you send a command to erase or lock your phone, which will be executed once it's back online.
In this situation, acting fast is key. If you believe someone stole your device, consider locking it first and erasing data later.
What to Do If Your Phone is Stolen
If you believe your phone has been stolen:
Lock Your Device: Use Find My Device to prevent unauthorized access.
Secure Your Account: Change Google passwords linked to your phone.
Contact Your Network Provider: They can help block the SIM to prevent misuse.
Report to Authorities: If needed, provide location details from Find My Device to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I see “my apps on this phone” from another device?
Yes. If you log into your Google Account on another device and open the Play Store, you can view installed and previously used apps.
2. Is it possible to track a phone without enabling Find My Device?
No, unless you’ve installed a third-party tracking app in advance. Google's tools require prior permission.
3. Will “Google search my phone” work with multiple devices?
Yes. If you own more than one Android device under the same account, Google will let you choose which one you want to locate.
4. How can I locate my lost Android phone?
You can locate your lost phone by going to the Google Find My Device website (
5. Does my phone need to be connected to the internet for "Find My Device" to work?
Yes, your phone needs to be connected to either mobile data or Wi-Fi for the Find My Device service to communicate its location and for you to send commands to it.
6. What if my phone is turned off? Can I still locate it?
If your phone is turned off, the Find My Device service cannot actively track its current location. However, it might show the last known location before it was powered off.
7. Is it necessary to have a Google account to use "Find My Device"?
Yes, your Android phone must be signed in to a Google account for the Find My Device service to function.
Conclusion
With built-in Android and Google tools, it’s simple to find my apps on this phone or locate your lost device. From checking your app list in the Play Store to using commands like Google search my phone, these methods are straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Whether you’re organizing apps or recovering a lost phone, using tools like Google locate my phone can save time and protect your data. Just make sure location and Find My Device are turned on ahead of time.
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