How to Use Google’s ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ Feature

This article will show you how to Use Google’s ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ Feature. Google announced earlier this year that Android phones and tablets will soon have a new feature that will let users know if an unknown tracker is following them. Google announced a new feature that lets users not only find out if an unknown tracker is traveling with them, but also find out where it is and turn it off if they need to.

This feature can be helpful if someone is following a user without their permission and putting their safety at risk. Google has made it easy to find out who is tracking you if you have an Android phone. The company first talked about “unknown tracker alerts” in May at its I/O developers conference. They are now available on all Android phones running Android 11 or a newer version. Google’s unknown tracker alerts will automatically look for unrelated Bluetooth trackers, like the Apple AirTag, and let the user know right away if it finds one.

This keeps users from being tracked without their permission. Once turned on, Google’s unknown tracker alert will look for Bluetooth trackers and send you a message like “tracker traveling with you” or “unknown tracker detected” if it finds one. The message could also say if the tracker’s owner can find out where it is. Here are the ways how to Use Google’s ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ Feature.

What are unknown tracker alerts?

Android devices have a feature called “unknown tracker alerts” that lets you know when a Bluetooth tracker that isn’t yours is traveling with you. This feature is meant to stop people from following you without your permission.

Bluetooth trackers are small devices that you can put on things to help you find out where they are. They are often used to find lost or stolen items, but they can also be used to track people without their knowledge or permission. When you turn on alerts for unknown trackers, your phone will look for Bluetooth trackers that aren’t with their owners but seem to be with you.

How does the feature work?

Unknown tracker alerts let you know when you’re traveling with an Apple AirTag that has been separated from its owner and is no longer with its owner. This means that if your friend still hangs out with you even though they have an AirTag on their keys, Android won’t warn you about an unknown tracker. But if that same friend leaves their keys behind and takes their phone with them, Android will notice that the AirTag in question could be used to track your current location.

These alerts are meant to let people know when they could be tracked without making them freak out if they happen to be with someone who has an AirTag. When this is turned on, Android will automatically look for trackers that are moving with you. If you think you’re being tracked, you can also manually look for trackers. How to Use Google’s ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ Feature

How to Use Google’s ‘Unknown Tracker Alerts’ Feature

Google started giving this feature to devices running Android 6.0 or later in late July, so your device might not have it yet. But phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 are already getting this feature. Also, depending on who made your phone, the steps below might not be the same ones you need to follow. Here’s how to set your phone to automatically look for unknown AirTags that could be tracking you.

1. Open the app for Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap the tab that says “Safety and emergency.”
3. Tap the list’s Unknown tracker alerts tab.
4. Click the switch next to Allow alerts.

Why should you use unknown tracker alerts?

1. Privacy Protection: Unknown tracker alerts can notify you when an unknown or potentially malicious app or service is trying to access your location, personal information, or device data without your knowledge or consent. This helps you maintain control over your privacy.
2. Security: These alerts can help you identify and block unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities on your device. By being alerted to such actions, you can take immediate action to protect your data and device.
3. Preventing Tracking: Some apps or services may attempt to track your location or gather data about your online behavior for various purposes, including targeted advertising. Unknown tracker alerts can help you identify and prevent such tracking attempts.
4. Customization: Depending on the settings, you can customize the alerts to focus on specific types of access requests or apps. This allows you to prioritize and address potential privacy and security risks based on your preferences.
5. Awareness: By using these alerts, you become more aware of the apps and services that request access to your device. This awareness empowers you to make informed decisions about which apps you trust and which you want to restrict.
6. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your device is actively monitoring for potential privacy and security threats can provide peace of mind and a sense of control over your digital environment.

Conclusion

After announcing Unknown tracker alerts a few months ago, Google has finally released the feature through an update to Google Play Services. The feature is now widely available and can be used on phones with Android 6.0 or higher. Now that the feature is out, you can turn it on to find unknown trackers and keep yourself safe. Here’s how to turn on Unknown tracker alerts on your Android phone or tablet.

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