【Rebekka Armstrong Archives】

Google has officially rolled out unknown tracker alerts,Rebekka Armstrong Archives making it harder for people to covertly plant Apple AirTags on others.

The new feature, Google's Unknown Tracker Alerts, works as protection against AirTag stalking by allowing users to scan for nearby trackers with their Android device either manually or automatically. Right now, this feature only works on Apple AirTags, but Google plans to expand its capability.

It was first announced in May and, before this unexpected alliance between Apple and Google, Android users didn't get real-time alerts of people keeping track of their location in secret, unlike Apple owners. This feature could create a new industry standard to ensure people know when a tracker is following them. 

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SEE ALSO: Android users can now get alerts for unknown AirTags

Here's how to manually scan for AirTags usingGoogle's Unknown Tracker Alerts on your Android device, now that the feature has gone live, according to Google:

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Android phone

Step 1: On your device, tap Settings

Credit: Screenshot

Step 2: Tap Safety & Emergency and then Unknown tracker alerts

Credit: Screenshot

Step 3: Tap Scan now

You can also turn on "allow alerts" so that you receive alerts automatically.

Credit: Screenshot

If you have automatic unknown tracker alerts turned on, you'll receive a notification that an unknown tracker is traveling with you. Here's how to find an AirTag using Google's Unknown Tracker Alerts on your Android device, according to Google:

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Android phone

Step 1: Tap the tracker notification to open a map

Credit: Google

Step 2: Tap Play sound and follow the sound made by the tracker to locate it

This will help you find where the tracker has been detected traveling with you by causing the tracker to make a sound. Important: The owner won’t be notified if you play the sound.

Credit: Google

Step 3: After finding the tracker, tap Next steps. Follow the onscreen instructions

Credit: Google

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