Helping you keep an eye out for unwanted Bluetooth trackers
Google has begun rolling out a new safety update for Android phones to inform users if a Bluetooth tracking device has been placed near or on them.
Gadgets like the Apple AirTag are meant to help people find lost items, but some bad actors have been misusing them as an inexpensive tool to stalk people. Although Google doesn’t sell its own Bluetooth tags, it teamed up with multiple corporations to tackle this problem, and this patch is the result of their labor.
Moving forward, your Android phone will automatically notify you if it sees an unknown Bluetooth tracker “traveling with you.” Tapping the on-screen notification opens a map telling you where it was placed on you and the path you have taken since. There will be a Play Sound button you can tap to have the device “make a noise to help you locate it without” alerting any bad actors.
At this point, Unknown Tracker Alerts only work with the AirTags, but there are plans to expand the protective feature to similar products like the Tile Mate.Other features
Once you locate the invasive gadget, your Android device will bring up a list of actions you can take.
