Google’s Unknown tracker alerts, first announced a few months ago, have finally been released via a Google Play Services update. This function is now widely available on smartphones with Android 6.0 or later.
Here’s how to enable Unknown tracker notifications in your Android phone or tablet now that the option is out there and you want to use it to protect yourself from unknown trackers.
By default, you will receive notifications about unknown trackers. Unknown tracker alerts can be toggled on and off whenever you like.
How to turn on alerts
- Select the Settings menu on your device.
- Find the Unknown tracker alerts menu by selecting Safety & emergencies.
- Change the setting for Allow alerts.
- For versions of Android lower than 11: Open the settings menu.
- Unknown tracker notifications can be accessed by going to Google, then Personal safety.
- Change the setting for Allow alerts.
Please be aware that when you off alerts for unknown trackers, all previously saved alerts and data pertaining to other unknown trackers will be erased. No way to get this information back.
Finding a Hidden Tracker
The function will alert you if it detects a previously unseen tracker. In response to any alert, please proceed as described below:
- If you want to see where the tracker is taking you, just tap the notice.
- Determine the locations where the tracking device was picked up while following you.
- Select the sound you want the tracker to create and press the Play button.
- Playing the sound will not alert the owner.
- Find the tracker by following its sound.
- If you locate the device, select Proceed to next steps.
- Just do what it says on the screen.
- Methods for proactively searching for hidden trackers
- Choose Preferences.
- Select Tracker alerts > Unknown > Safety & Emergency.
- Select the Scan button immediately.
- A manual scan will take your device around 10 seconds to complete.
To read our article about “How to use Google Docs’ e-signature capability for signing” click here.