Google has initiated the rollout of the ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ feature for Android users, as previously announced. This notification system aims to alert Android users about the presence of an unidentified tracker.
The alerts will also be triggered when someone else’s tracking device is separated from its owner and found in the proximity of another person.
The alerts will also be triggered when someone else’s tracking device is separated from its owner and found in the proximity of another person.
To check if the feature is operational on your Android device, navigate to Settings > Safety & Emergency (for Android 12 and newer OS versions) or Personal Safety (for Android 11 or older). A new menu for ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ will be visible here. Google is delivering this update through Google Play Services, targeting devices running Android 6.0 or later.
Currently, the feature is active on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones in the US and other regions, focusing exclusively on detecting Apple AirTags. However, this limitation is anticipated to change soon. The ‘Allow Alerts’ option will be activated by default, and users should be aware that disabling it means their phone will cease to automatically scan for nearby trackers.
Deleted trackers are permanently removed, and users can manually initiate a 10-second scan at any point, with the results not being stored. Google clarifies that the appearance of trackers during a regular scan doesn’t necessarily mean they have been accompanying the user. Android’s official support page asserts that user location data is encrypted on the device and isn’t shared with Google or other entities.
Upon tapping the ‘Tracker Traveling With You’ notification, users will be presented with a map displaying their travel history. They can choose to play a sound to locate the tracker, which also alerts the owner.
The ‘Next Steps’ option provides safety instructions if a user discovers they are being tracked, including taking a screenshot of the map since tracker alerts vanish after 48 hours. Instructions for disabling the tracker by removing its battery are also provided.
