Galaxy S26 Ultra May Lack a Key Google Find Hub Capability

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra may miss out on one of Android’s key anti-theft features. A fresh report suggests the phone might not support powered-off tracking through Google’s Find Hub. This capability is currently available on some Pixel phones.

Logs suggest no powered-off tracking on Galaxy S26 Ultra

While digging through Google’s Issue Tracker, folks over at Android Authority spotted an interesting detail in system logs from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The logs were posted by a Google employee while investigating a font-related issue. However, they also revealed a line regarding device tracking support.

The logs include the entry [ro.bluetooth.finder.supported]: [false]. This suggests the device does not support Bluetooth-based finding when powered off. While Google Pixel 8 series and later models already support powered-off tracking, Samsung’s next-gen flagship may continue to lack this capability.

For the uninitiated, Google’s Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) allows Android device users locate lost phones. Nearby Android devices can detect Bluetooth signals from a missing phone and then send its location to the owner. This also works without mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.

Speaking of the powered-off tracking capability, it keeps a Bluetooth component active for several hours after the phone switches off. This allows users to locate the device even if someone deliberately powers it down. However, the device must have both Bluetooth and location services turned on before it loses power for the feature to work.

Samsung also offers an offline finding solution through its SmartThings Find. However, here, offline means the user can locate the phone without internet access. The device must be powered on and signed into a Samsung account. So, if the device is powered off, it also loses tracking abilities. We should learn whether Galaxy S26 Ultra misses out on Find Hub’s powered-off tracking at the Unpacked event on February 25. Stay tuned.