Google Introduced ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ for Android Users
Google introduced the "Unknown Tracker Alerts" feature for Android users in July 2023. This feature helps to protect users from unwanted tracking by Bluetooth trackers, such as Apple AirTags and Tiles.
When the Unknown Tracker Alerts feature is enabled, your Android device will scan for Bluetooth trackers that are not associated with any of your apps.
If the device finds a tracker that is not associated with any of your apps and that is traveling with you, you will receive a notification. The notification will include the name of the tracker, the serial number, and the last time the tracker was seen.
You can also manually scan for unknown trackers by going to the "Settings" app on your Android device, tapping on "Safety & emergency," and then tapping on "Unknown tracker alerts."
If you receive an alert about an unknown tracker, you can take the following steps:
Check the serial number. The serial number of the tracker will be included in the notification. You can use this serial number to look up the owner of the tracker.
Play a sound. You can tap on the "Play sound" button in the notification to make the tracker emit a sound. This will help you to locate the tracker.
Disable the tracker. You can disable the tracker by bringing it near the back of your Android device. This will cause your device to send a signal that will disable the tracker.
The Unknown Tracker Alerts feature is a valuable tool for protecting yourself from unwanted tracking. If you are concerned about being tracked, I recommend that you enable this feature on your Android device.
Here are some additional resources about the Unknown Tracker Alerts feature:
Google Blog: Unknown Tracker Alerts: https://blog.google/products/android/unknown-tracker-alert-google-android/
Android Help: Find unknown trackers: https://support.google.com/android/answer/