Google keeps improving the functionality of the Android operating system. The tech giant is currently rolling out a feature teased during the I/O 2023 event. The unknown AirTag tracker alert on Android will notify you of hidden Apple AirTags.
In an era where it has become easy to track someone’s location without their permission, especially on Android, Google has introduced a new way to remain ahead of the trend. With the latest addition, your Android devices will notify you when an “unknown Bluetooth tracker is separated from its owner and is determined to be traveling with you.” The notification gives you a heads-up of how the owner can see your location using the Tags location.
Google has simplified a way to disable these trackers if placed in a bad way. By opening the notification on your Android device, you will see a map of where and when the tracker started following you. You can also Play sound to locate it without the owner’s knowledge. Once you locate the tracker, Google suggests you do the followings:
- If you feel unsafe, get help: “Contact someone you trust or local law enforcement”
- Get and save tracker info: Tracker owner information if it’s been marked as lost, with a suggestion to take a screenshot of the map since these “alerts are deleted after 48 hours”
- Disable the tracker: Directions on how to twist off the AirTag cover and remove the battery
And while you automatically get unknown AirTag tracker notifications, there is an option for a manual scan. To initiate it, go to Settings>>Safety & Emergency>>Unknown tracker alerts>>Scan Now. It takes 10 seconds to generate a list of any tracker around you.
Unfortunately, only Apple AirTags can be found by the unknown tracker alert. However, Google is working to bring other tracker tag manufacturers on board. They include “Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support.”
Meanwhile, only users running Android 6.0+ can start seeing the new addition today. It is arriving in batches with the latest Google Play services update and will become available to more users in the coming days/weeks.
