Detecting Hidden Trackers: Trackers are great for helping you find lost items, but sadly, they’re also being used for nefarious reasons, such as stalking. Google is now helping Android users stay safer by alerting them to hidden trackers so that they can take action immediately.
Stop Unwanted Bluetooth Tracking: Detect Hidden Trackers
Detecting Hidden Trackers: Bluetooth tracking tags are useful tools designed to help you locate items they’re attached to by utilizing the Find My Device network and your phone’s Bluetooth connection. Typically, these tags are paired with personal belongings like luggage to make tracking their location easier in case they get lost.
But that’s not all they’re being used for. For example, if you’re at the gym, someone could drop a tag into your gym bag while you’re not looking, then track you. Since your phone’s using the same Find My Device network, the person sees the location of their tag wherever you are.
While Google first announced unknown tracker alerts back in 2023, the safety feature is getting some major upgrades to help you stay even safer.
Instant Alerts for Unwanted Trackers: Detect and Protect
I know that even getting one more alert on your phone can seem annoying, but believe me when I say that you want to pay attention to this one. By default, alerts should already be turned on.
But instead of just getting alerts for trackers around you, you’ll get an alert if the tracker is moving with you and doesn’t belong to you. It could be in your car, a bag, a product you’ve bought, etc.
Google sends you an alert to let you know an unknown tracker is following you so that you can take action immediately. I know it sounds terrifying, but getting this advance notice lets you get to safety – and even stop the tracking – within minutes.
Empowering You Against Hidden Trackers: Detection and Protection Tips
When you receive an alert about a hidden tracker, what steps can you take? This is where Google’s new tools shine: they empower you to locate and address the tracker immediately.
Google has enhanced the Find Nearby feature to do more than just locate your own devices—it can now detect hidden trackers nearby. This added functionality makes it easier to uncover unauthorized trackers in your vicinity.
In the past, you could trigger a tracker to play a sound, but some individuals disable this feature, making it harder to rely solely on audio cues. The improved Find Nearby feature offers a more robust way to identify and pinpoint trackers that don’t belong around you.
Act Quickly to Stay Safe: Detecting and Responding to Hidden Trackers
If you receive an alert about an unknown tracker following you, it’s crucial to act without delay. Beyond locating and removing the tracker, Google provides an invaluable tool: Temporarily Pause Location.
This feature allows you to disconnect from the Find My Device network for 24 hours without disabling your location services. Essential tools like GPS apps continue to function, but anyone attempting to track you via hidden devices will be blocked.
This pause offers you a crucial window to reach a safe location and contact law enforcement. Knowing that you’re no longer visible on the network provides peace of mind. Additionally, Google equips you and law enforcement with key details about the tracker, including the name linked to it, the registered location, and even the last four digits of the associated phone number.
By combining detection, tracking prevention, and detailed information sharing, Google’s updates give you the tools to protect yourself and take swift, informed action against hidden trackers.
It’s great to see Google doing something positive. Read on to learn more about how Google Find My Device puts your safety and privacy first.