While Apple has worked to make it easier to find out if a foreign AirTag is tracking you, these efforts have mostly been limited to its own ecosystem. They released an Android app to help non-Apple users find their tracker, but the reviews weren’t all that positive.
Finally, in May, Apple and Google announced that they were working together on a solution to block unwanted Bluetooth tracking. As a result, a new anti-tracking setting built directly into Android has been created that can help you locate an unfamiliar AirTag that may be tracking you.
How are AirTags and other Bluetooth devices tracking you?
AirTags cannot connect to the internet on their own. Left alone, there’s no way for an AirTag to update its location and is essentially useless. But what it can do is communicate with other Apple devices that connect to the internet. AirTags can communicate with every iPhone, iPad and Mac they encounter. If these devices are connected to a wireless or cellular network, AirTag updates its location on the Find network. These updates aren’t exactly live, but they’re enough to know where your AirTag is.
The real danger comes when someone leaves their AirTag on you without your knowledge. They can use the Find My app to see where the AirTag is so they can track where you are. Apple has taken security measures for exactly this situation. When an AirTag leaves its owner and is detected by your Bluetooth or WiFi enabled device, an alert pops up on your phone, tablet or laptop.
Previously, this feature was only available on Apple devices or through the Android tracking app. But now, Android devices have the ability to detect AirTags via the new built-in setting.
How to access “Unknown tracker notifications” on Android?
According to Tom’s Guide, the “Unknown audience alerts” feature is now available on select Android devices. Phones reported to have this feature include the Pixel 4a, Samsung devices running OneUI 5.1.1, Sony Xperia and OnePlus Nord N20 5G. If you don’t see it on your device yet, it’s sure to arrive at some point in the near future.
Tom’s GuideYou can easily set the “Unknown tracker alerts” option from your Android’s settings menu. First, open Settings, then tap “Security & emergency” (or “Personal security on Android 11 and older”). From here, scroll down and select “Unknown viewer alerts”. Make sure “Allow alerts” is enabled. This toggle may already be on, but without this option, your Android will not alert you when it detects a device traveling with you.
This page shows you if Android has detected a tracker and when was the last time it scanned for those devices. However, if it’s been a long time since the last scan or you’re just worried about the moment, you can hit the “Scan now” button to run a scan manually.
Tom’s GuideWhen a foreign AirTag is detected, you will see it listed as “Near You”. When you tap the AirTag on your screen, there’s a big “Play audio” button that you can use to ping the viewer and see where it is.
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