# Unable to locate Android device

Last updated: July 24, 2026

## Problem

You are trying to locate a managed Android device, and you get the error message "Unable to locate Android device"

## Cause

You might get this error message, due to one of the following reasons:

- [Managed device is not reachable via Internet.](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-unable-to-locate-android-device.html#managed_device_is_not_reachable_via_internet)
- [Location Services to be enabled on the managed device.](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-unable-to-locate-android-device.html#location_services_needs_to_be_enabled_on_the_managed_device)
- [Google Play services not installed on the device](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-unable-to-locate-android-device.html#google_play_service_is_not_installed_on_the_device)
- [Google Play Services not up-to-date on the device](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-unable-to-locate-android-device.html#google_play_service_is_not_up_to_date_on_the_device)
- [Google Play services disabled on the device](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-unable-to-locate-android-device.html#google_play_service_is_disabled_on_the_device)

## Resolution

### Managed device is not reachable via Internet

The managed mobile device should have connection to the internet. Either WiFi or cellular data should be enabled on the device.

### Location Services to be enabled on the managed device

- Expand the *Status Bar* in the the managed device and click on the **Location** icon

![Android status bar expanded with the Location icon highlighted](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_1.png)

- Click **Agree** to enable Location Services for MDM.

![Android dialog to enable Location Services for ManageEngine MDM, with Agree button](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_2.png)

- Check **Location Settings** and ensure **ManageEngine MDM** is listed under **Recent location requests**.

![Android Location Settings screen showing ManageEngine MDM under Recent location requests](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_3.png)

### Google Play services is not installed on the device

If Google Play services is not present on the managed devices, download and install it from [this link](https://play.google.com/store/search?q=google.andriod.gms&c=apps).

### Google Play Services is not up-to-date on the device

If Google Play services is not running the latest version on the device, you can do so as explained below:

![Google Play Store listing for the Google Play services app](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_4.png)

![Google Play Store Update button for the Google Play services app](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_5.png)

### Google Play services is disabled on the device

If Google Play services is disabled on the device, navigate to **Settings** and select **Apps**.

![Android Settings Apps list showing Google Play services](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_6.png)

Select **Google Play services** and click on **Enable**.

![Google Play services app info screen with the Enable button](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/enable_location_services_7.png)

**Applies to:** Device Location, Geo Tracking

**Keywords:** Google Account missing, Locate Android Device, Android Location Tracking, MDM Geo Tracking.