Yes, WiFi tracking apps definitely work! I’ve personally recovered a lost tablet using Fing - found it wedged behind a bookshelf in my office. The key is watching the signal strength (RSSI) readings as you walk around.
For best results, I’d recommend:
Fing - Free and shows every device on your network with MAC addresses and signal strength. Walk around watching the bars go up/down to pinpoint location. Works great for finding powered-on devices.
WiFi Analyzer (Android) - More technical but super accurate for triangulating by signal strength. Helped me find my kid’s tablet in the garage once.
Built-in options first - Try Google’s Find My Device or Apple’s Find My before spending money. They’re surprisingly good and totally free.
Quick tip: Make sure the lost device is powered on and connected to WiFi. If it’s dead or offline, no app will help. I’ve had about 80% success rate finding devices this way - usually they’re under couch cushions or behind furniture!
For hidden devices (like cameras), Fing is clutch - it’ll show unknown devices on your network. Found a forgotten smart plug in my attic that way.