I recently noticed an unfamiliar device showing up on my Google Find My app. I only use a MacBook Air M1 and a Galaxy S23, and both are logged into my Google account along with my TV. I have multiple email accounts, including one on Google, Outlook, Hotmail, and iCloud, all with different passwords that I regularly update. However, the app shows that an unknown Galaxy S21 Ultra signed in on October 1st. I can't remove the device or factory reset it; it still appears in the Find My app despite having removed it from my Google account. The device hasn't come online since it last logged in. Is this something to worry about? I have sensitive work information on my emails and I'm paranoid about security, but I haven't experienced any suspicious activity. Could it be a glitch or should I take further action?
2 Answers
This is actually a pretty common issue with Google’s Find My Device and doesn't necessarily mean you've been hacked. It’s likely just a 'ghost device'—essentially a leftover entry that remains after you've deleted it from your account. Since that Galaxy S21 Ultra hasn't been online since October 1st, it’s not actively tracking you or being used. Google sometimes misrepresents older devices too, showing them even if you haven’t interacted with them in ages. If you want to ensure everything’s okay, double-check your Google Security settings for any unusual activity. If all appears normal, you should be safe! To clear it up, try signing out from your Google Devices section and maybe change your password just for peace of mind. Don’t worry; this is more about Google being quirky than actual hacking!
I can relate to the confusion! Google has a history of showing devices that you might not actively use anymore, especially if you’ve logged in from different accounts or devices over time. Sometimes issues with Google Takeout or scheduled tasks can also create confusion with unknown device alerts. If you’re keeping your passwords strong and you haven’t received any unusual login alerts, you're likely in the clear. Just give the security settings a good once over to keep everything confirmed, you'll probably find it’s just a quirk of the system!
That makes sense! I felt super anxious seeing that unknown device. Glad to hear it might just be a bug and that I haven’t seen any alerts myself!