Apple’s AirTags are handy accessories you can use to track important items, such as keys, wallets, and bags. However, all technological tools are open to abuse, and some sketchy characters use the devices to track people.
Thankfully for Android users, Apple has a solution: its Tracker Detect app. Let’s discuss how the application works.
Apple’s Tracker Detect Offers Protection
Tracker Detect lets you perform a scan of your surroundings to identify any unknown AirTags in your immediate area. An item must be outside its owner’s Bluetooth range to appear in the list and also needs to be close to your device.
You must initiate the scan manually by tapping the Scan button whenever you want to search your surroundings. Which means the app won’t automatically alert you when a new unidentified item appears in the area.
Once you identify a suspicious AirTag, you can order it to make a sound to help you locate the object. Tracker Detect also works with third-party devices that utilize Apple's Find My network.
If you do discover an unknown AirTag, Apple provides in-app instructions on how to proceed, advising you to remove the unidentified item’s battery.
As of December 2021, Tracker Detect has a bare and basic user interface, consisting of little more than a Scan button and some on-screen information. Perhaps we’ll see Apple add some updated features in future updates.
You can download Tracker Detect for free on the Google Play Store as long as your phone has Android 9 or later.
Don’t Let AirTags Stalkers Track You
If you’re an Android user and concerned about stalkers tracking you with AirTags, then Tracker Detect is worth a look.
Seeing Apple offer solutions to the misuse of its tools is great, but perhaps a little forethought would’ve been better. AirTags have been available since April 2021, and other developers initially had to step up and offer protection tools to Android users.
Hopefully, Apple has learned a lesson for future releases.