After announcing unknown tracker notifications a few months ago, Google has finally announced the feature via a Google Play Services update . The feature is now widely available for smartphones running Android 6.0 or later.
See also: DuckDuckGo: Increases protection against Microsoft trackers
The feature is now available and if you wish to enable it, you can identify unknown trackers and stay safe. Here's how to enable " Unknown tracker " notifications on your Android smartphone or tablet
Unknown tracker notifications are on by default. You can turn them on or off at any time.
On Android 12 and later:
- On your device, tap Settings.
- Tap Safety & emergency , then Unknown tracking alerts.
- Turn Allow alerts on or off .
On Android 11 and earlier:
- On your device, tap Settings.
- Tap Google > Personal Safety , then tap Unknown Tracking Alerts.
- Turn Allow alerts on or off .
Note: If you disable notifications for unknown tracking, previous notifications will be deleted and information about other unknown trackers will also be deleted. This data cannot be recovered.
See also: GPS vehicle tracker gives hackers admin rights
How to find an unknown tracker
If an unknown tracker is detected, you will be notified by the feature. Once you see any notification, follow these steps:
- On device , tap the tracking notification to open a map.
- Find where the tracker was spotted traveling with you.
- Tap Play Sound, which causes the tracker to make a sound.
- Important: The owner will not be notified if you play the sound.
- Follow the sound the tracker makes to locate it.
- If you find the tracker, tap Next steps.
- Follow the on- screen instructions .
- Steps to manually check for unknown trackers
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Safety & emergency , then Unknown tracking alerts.
See also: DuckDuckGo: Allows Microsoft trackers due to agreement
- Click Scan Now.
- Your device takes approximately 10 seconds to complete a manual scan.
