Newest Android Feature Alerts Users About Unwanted AirTag Tracking

You may have seen something like this headline in the last year: “Criminals Are Using AirTags to Stalk People and Steal Their Cars.” The premise is simple enough: A thief or stalker places a location tracker, like an Apple AirTag, in someone’s car and then follows them around, whether it’s to commit a robbery or simply keep track of where they go.

As a result of these threats, Apple has made changes to how AirTags work, making it harder for criminals to use these tiny tracking devices in this way. The iPhone now has a built-in setting that sends you alerts any time it thinks you’re being tracked by an AirTag — and Apple even released an app that alerts Android users of any rogue AirTags as well.

Now, however, Android has its own built-in feature so that you’re alerted of any unwanted AirTag tracking — no app required. Here’s how to find the new “unknown tracker alerts” setting on your Android phone.

Want to learn more about Android? Check out the best Android phone you can get in 2023 and our review of the new Galaxy Z Fold 5.

How to check if your Android can send ‘unknown tracker alerts’

As long as you’re running Android 6 or later, here’s how you can check if this setting is available on your phone. 

In the Settings application, go to Safety emergency Unknown tracker alerts. The Allow alerts setting should be turned on by default, but if for some reason it’s not, go ahead and toggle it on. 

Note: The setting may also be in Personal Safety if you’re running an older version of Android. You can always just type “unknown tracker alert” in your settings to find it.

The unknown tracker setting should be available on most Android devices, including Pixel and Samsung phones.

For more about location trackers, check out which Bluetooth tracker is the best for you and unexpected (but legal!) uses for AirTags.

Article source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/newest-android-feature-alerts-users-about-unwanted-airtag-tracking/#ftag=CADe34d7bf