Google rolls out ‘Unknown tracker alerts’ on Android – Here’s how to check

Following the announcement on the finish of final month, Android is extensively rolling out “Unknown tracker alerts” for detecting AirTags which may have been nefariously positioned on you.

An unknown tracker alert is shipped when another person’s tracker machine is separated from them and detected to be touring with you and out of Bluetooth vary from the proprietor.

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To check that this technique is working, open your cellphone’s Settings app after which the “Safety & Emergency” part on Android 12 and newer – or “Personal safety” on Android 11 and older – the place there ought to be a brand new “Unknown tracker alerts” menu.

It’s rolling out through Google Play providers on Android 6.0+. As of as we speak, we’re seeing it on Pixel (L) and Samsung (R) gadgets within the US and overseas. Meanwhile, it solely works to detect Apple AirTags, although which may change sooner or later.

The “Allow alerts” change is on by default, with Google warning how turning it off means “your phone will no longer automatically scan for trackers that are traveling with you.” Additionally, “previously detected trackers will be deleted immediately.”

You will nonetheless have the opportunity to conduct a 10-second “Manual scan” at any time, although these outcomes aren’t saved. Notably, Google explains how “Trackers that appear in a manual scan are currently near you, but may not have been traveling with you.”

“It’s possible that the trackers found in a manual scan are misplaced or temporarily out of Bluetooth range from their owner’s device.”

The Android help web page about this characteristic notes how your location knowledge is encrypted on your machine and that it “doesn’t leave your device and isn’t shared with Google or other users.”

When you obtain a “Tracker traveling with you” notification, tapping it opens a map to see journey historical past. You can “Play sound” to assist discover it, which won’t notify the proprietor.

“Next steps” offers security directions on what to do. This contains taking a screenshot of the map as “tracker alerts are deleted after 48 hours.” There are additionally directions on how to flip the tracker off by eradicating the battery.