Smartwatches have become an essential wearable gadget in the 21st century, providing a range of features that cater to the diverse needs of its users. One of the most significant concerns for smartwatch users, however, is whether their smartwatches can be tracked. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to track your smartwatch, the benefits of tracking your smartwatch, and the potential risks involved in doing so.

Why Track Your Smartwatch?

Tracking Your Fitness Goals with Smartwatches

Smartwatches have become an essential gadget for fitness enthusiasts, providing a range of features such as heart-rate monitoring and step tracking, which help keep them on track with their daily fitness goals. With integrated accelerometers, smartwatches can track your daily movement, calories burned, and even monitor your sleep patterns.

Tracking Your Location with Built-in GPS

Smartwatches come with built-in GPS that enables you to track your location in real-time. With this feature, you can monitor your outdoor activities such as running, hiking or cycling, and even share your location with family and friends. With GPS, you can locate your smartwatch, track your daily commute, and even monitor the distance covered during your outdoor workouts.

Tracking Notifications and Calls from your Smartphone

Smartwatches enable users to stay connected with their smartphones even when their phone is not within reach. With smartwatches, you can receive notifications and text messages and even make calls directly from your smartwatch. You can also control your music, manage your calendar and even receive reminders without having to take your phone out of your pocket or purse.

What Happens When You Lose Your Smartwatch?

Using “Find My Device” App for Android Users

If you lose your Android smartwatch, you can use the “Find My Device” app to locate it. This app relies on your smartwatch’s built-in GPS to track your device’s location. You can even use this app to ring your smartwatch, lock it, or erase its data remotely.

Using “Find My” on Your iPhone

iPhone users can use Apple’s “Find My” app to locate their lost or stolen smartwatches. This app helps you track your Apple Watch Series 6 or earlier models, and you can even use it to lock your device or erase its content remotely.

Built-in Tracking Features on Smartwatches

Most smartwatches come with built-in tracking features such as accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. These features enable you to track your smartwatch’s location and even locate it when it’s lost. The find my watch app on your smartwatch can help you pinpoint your device’s location and even help you to retrieve it.

Which Smartwatches Have Tracking Features?

Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a built-in GPS and cellular connectivity that allows you to make calls and send messages from your smartwatch without your phone. You can even use the “Find My” app to locate your lost or stolen Apple Watch.

Garmin Smartwatches

Garmin Smartwatches are known for their fitness tracking features and built-in GPS that enables you to track your outdoor activities accurately. Their wearables come with a range of fitness tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting.

Fitbit’s SpO2 Tracking Features

The latest models of Fitbit come with features such as SpO2 tracking that enables users to monitor their blood oxygen levels. With features such as heart rate monitoring, calorie tracking and sleep tracking, Fitbit is an ideal device to help you achieve your fitness goals.

How to Find your Lost Smartwatch?

Get the “Find My Device” App

To locate your lost Android wear OS watch, you need to install the “Find My Device” app on your smartphone. This app enables you to track your watch’s location, ring it or erase its data remotely.

Use Built-in Bluetooth Connectivity

When your smartwatch is connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone, you can use it to locate your smartwatch. You can find your lost device by following the sound it makes from your smartphone. However, this feature requires your smartwatch to be within range.

Check in with Google Play and Other App Stores

If your smartwatch is lost or stolen, you can check in with Google play and other app stores that may have additional tracking capabilities. This can help you locate your device or even provide you with additional tracking features.

Are There Any Risks in Tracking Your Smartwatch?

Privacy Concerns When Tracking Your Location

When tracking your location, you may expose your privacy and personal information to the public. It is essential to understand your smartwatch’s privacy policy and how your data is stored and used.

Security Risks When Using Bluetooth to Track Your Smartwatch

When using Bluetooth to track your smartwatch, you are potentially exposing your device to cyberattacks or malware. It is essential to ensure that your Bluetooth is disabled or secured when not in use.

Potential Battery Drain on Smartwatches with Built-in Tracking Features

Smartwatches with built-in tracking features may drain your battery’s life more quickly, which could be a challenge, especially when traveling. It is essential to manage your smartwatch’s battery life efficiently and use it only when needed.

Conclusion

Tracking your smartwatch can be an essential feature for many smartwatch users, protecting your device when lost or stolen. While there are risks involved when tracking your smartwatch, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in terms of convenience and safety. As smartwatches evolve into advanced wearables, it is increasingly essential to implement safety and privacy measures to protect our personal information and data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I track my lost smartwatch?

A: Yes, you can track a lost smartwatch using the Find My Device app. Most smartwatches like Apple Watch Series, Garmin, Fitbit, and Wear OS have a built-in GPS or can connect to Wi-Fi to help you find its location.

Q: What should I do if I can’t find my smartwatch?

A: If you can’t find your smartwatch, first make sure it’s turned on and connected to your phone or Android device. Then, open the tracking app or the Find My Device app to locate your watch.

Q: How do I use the Find My Device app to locate my smartwatch?

A: To use the Find My Device app, open the app and select the smartwatch device you want to locate. The app will show you the last known location of your device on a map.

Q: Can I use my smartwatch to find a lost phone?

A: Yes, you can use your smartwatch to find a lost phone if it’s connected and within the range of the watch. Most smartwatches have this feature.

Q: Do all smartwatches have a built-in GPS?

A: No, not all smartwatches have a built-in GPS. However, most high-end smartwatches like Apple Watch Series 6, Garmin, Fitbit, and Galaxy Watch have this feature.

Q: Can I track my health and fitness with a smartwatch?

A: Yes, most smartwatches come with health and fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and blood oxygen saturation (spo2) tracking.

Q: How long does the smartwatch battery last when tracking?

A: The battery life of a smartwatch can vary depending on usage and features. However, most smartwatches can last up to 2 days or more when used for tracking and monitoring.

Q: How can I track a lost Wear OS watch?

A: To track a lost Wear OS watch, open the Find My Device app on your phone and select the watch you want to locate. The app will show you its last known location on a map.

Q: Will I be able to track my smartwatch in 2023 and beyond?

A: Yes, if your smartwatch has a built-in GPS or can connect to Wi-Fi, you’ll usually be able to track it in the future as well.

Q: Can a smartwatch be used as a tracker for someone else?

A: It’s technically possible to use a smartwatch as a tracker for someone else, but the person wearing the smartwatch needs to give permission and allow their location to be shared.