Google’s Pixel 8 series phones can now be located even when they’re powered down or after their batteries have run down. The convenient new capability was announced as part of today’s rollout of the upgraded, more advanced Find My Device network. Google says this offline tracking is made possible by “specialized Pixel hardware” in its latest two phones. More specifically, Google spokesperson Natalie Johnson told me that “there’s reserve power on the device for several hours that is channeled to the Bluetooth chip.” This help center page confirms that devices can be located “for several hours” after being turned off or if they shut off from a low battery.

Hopefully, the company will extend this same functionality to the future Pixel Fold 2 and Pixel 9 / 9 Pro, though it’s less certain if the budget-tier Pixel 8A (rumored to arrive at next month’s I/O) would offer offline location finding or if it’ll be a premium-only perk.

Apple’s recent iPhones can similarly be located when they’re without a data connection or powered down. Samsung supports offline tracking as well. In each case, these companies use large networks of other peoples’ devices to detect yours when it goes missing or is stolen.

The new Find My Device network from Google is rolling out today in the US and Canada. And in May, trackers from Chipolo and other companies that tap into the crowdsourced network will be available. Google insists it’s being mindful of security and personal safety as it rolls out the enhanced Find My Device system, with safeguards like unknown tracker alerts, end-to-end encryption, rate limiting/throttling for location requests, and other measures in place.

Update, April 8th 2:25PM ET: The article has been updated with more details on how the offline tracking works.