Google has officially rolled out unknown tracker alerts, making it harder for people to covertly plant Apple AirTags on others.
The new feature, Google’s Unknown Tracker Alerts, works as protection against AirTag stalking by allowing users to scan for nearby trackers with their Android device either manually or automatically. Right now, this feature only works on Apple AirTags, but Google plans to expand its capability.
It was first announced in May and, before this unexpected alliance between Apple and Google, Android users didn’t get real-time alerts of people keeping track of their location in secret, unlike Apple owners. This feature could create a new industry standard to ensure people know when a tracker is following them.
Here’s how to manually scan for AirTags using Google’s Unknown Tracker Alerts on your Android device, now that the feature has gone live, according to Google:
Step 1:
On your device, tap Settings
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Step 2:
Tap Safety & Emergency and then Unknown tracker alerts
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Step 3:
Tap Scan now
You can also turn on “allow alerts” so that you receive alerts automatically.
Credit: Screenshot
If you have automatic unknown tracker alerts turned on, you’ll receive a notification that an unknown tracker is traveling with you. Here’s how to find an AirTag using Google’s Unknown Tracker Alerts on your Android device, according to Google:
Step 1:
Tap the tracker notification to open a map
Credit: Google
Step 2:
Tap Play sound and follow the sound made by the tracker to locate it
This will help you find where the tracker has been detected traveling with you by causing the tracker to make a sound. Important: The owner won’t be notified if you play the sound.
Credit: Google
Step 3:
After finding the tracker, tap Next steps. Follow the onscreen instructions
Credit: Google
