Google Brings Unknown Tracker Alerts to Android

Google has started rolling out unknown tracker alerts on Android 6.0 and newer this week. Unknown tracker alerts were first announced at Google’s I/O conference in May, and they provide automatic alerts when unwanted Bluetooth trackers are detected.

Currently, unknown tracker alerts only work for Apple Airtags, but Google is already working to add support for other tracking tags. When Android detects that an AirTag that has been separated from its owner is traveling with someone, it will send a notification to warn individuals that the owner of the Airtag can see their location.

By tapping the unknown tracker alert notification, Android users will be able to view a map showing where the tracker has been following them. Android can also make the tracker play a sound to help users find out where it’s located, and users will also be able to get more information about the tracker by bringing it near the back of their phone.

If you ever discover that an unknown tracker has been traveling with you, your first instinct will probably be to disable it immediately. In the case of Apple Airtags, these trackers can be disabled by removing their battery. However, it’s important to save their serial number if you want law enforcement to help you find who they belong to.

In addition to unknown tracker alerts, a manual scan feature is also rolling out to Android 6.0 and newer. The feature will be available in Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts, and it will let users check their surroundings and see if any trackers that have been separated from their owner are nearby.

Lastly, Google shared an update on its refreshed Find My Device network, which the company also announced at I/O 2023 with a summer launch date. The new Find My Device experience will let Android users find their missing devices (even when they’re offline) using Bluetooth proximity, but Google said it’s not ready yet.

“We are working in partnership with Apple to help finalize the joint unwanted tracker alert specification by the end of this year. At this time we’ve made the decision to hold the rollout of the Find My Device network until Apple has implemented protections for iOS,” Google said yesterday.