Your Android Phone Will Now Tell You If Someone Has Planted An AirTag On You
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13272933/jbareham_181012_2989_0577.jpg "Your Android phone will now tell you when someone has attached an AirTag to you")
Luke Polak / Android Authority
TL; doctor
- Google has issued warnings about unknown trackers for Android devices.
- Alerts will let you know if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is traveling with you.
- Users will be able to get more information about the tracks and what actions they can take.
- Users can manually delete nearby trackers.
Update: August 10, 2023 (3:12 a.m. ET). Google is now rolling out unknown tracking warnings for Android after announcing the feature last month. It is available through Google Play services on devices running Android 6.0 and higher. However, it only works when it detects AirTags that can fall on you or travel with you.
You can go to the Settings app > Security & Emergency to find a list of warnings for unknown trackers. Those still running Android 11 or earlier will find this feature under Personal Security.
Original story: July 27, 2023 (2:40 p.m. ET). Bluetooth trackers have their ups and downs. While they can make it easier to find things, they can also be used to track your location. But Google is developing tools that can help mitigate the threat posed by Bluetooth trackers.
Google today announced a new feature that will protect you from unwanted Bluetooth tracking. Android users will reportedly receive warnings for unknown trackers this month. This feature will be available for any device running Android 6.0 or higher. Google says Unknown Tracker Alerts offers you three ways to protect yourself from unwanted tracking: notifications, actions, and scans.
When this feature is enabled, you will be notified (via a notification) that an unknown Bluetooth tracker has separated from its owner and is traveling with you. If you click on the alert, the tech giant will tell you that you can learn more about the tracks and show a map of where the tracker has been seen while traveling with you. There will also be a "play sound" option that will turn the tracker around so you can find it without the owner knowing. This tool already works with Apple AirTags, but will eventually expand to other brands.
Functionally, this feature will provide information about the tracker, such as its serial number and the last four digits of the owner's phone number, when the tracker is near the back of the phone. You'll also get tips on what to do next and how to actually turn off the tracker.
The ultimate use of this feature will allow you to manually scan for nearby trackers. By going to Settings > Security & Emergency > Unknown Tracking Alerts, you'll be able to click the Clear Now button. Google says the scan will take 10 seconds and show you a list of trackers near you that have been disconnected from their owner.
This news comes after Google just announced that it will be delaying the launch of the Find My Device network. It is reported that a decision was made to give Apple time to implement protection for iOS.
