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Since Apple launched the AirTags, the tiny and not-very-expensive-to-find-tags in its Apple terms, they have grabbed quite a few titles around the world for various reasons. Still, not every day a company that engraves on its banner the issue of privacy launches a tracking device that can easily be misused as well. And having only given iOS users the protection against unwanted tracking, it is finally releasing a kind of solution for users on the other side of the wall as well.
Apple has released a free app for Android under the simple name Tracker Detect. All it does is simple – at the touch of a button you allow your smartphone to scan and look for trackers next to you, and in case it finds one, it allows you to make a sound that will help you locate it.
Did you find a wayward airtag near you? Bring it closer to the NFC reader you have in the device, and you will be able to check who it belongs to and get instructions on how to disconnect its battery easily so that it will not be able to track you. So that you do not just sit on the bus and panic because one of those sitting next to you has an airtag in the bag, the app will only alert you to airtags that have been separated from their owners’ iOS device. The app not only supports Apple’s AirTags, but also other trackers that operate on Apple’s Find My network, such as the new Chipolo new tags.
This is a right and requested step on the part of Apple, as since its launch until today it has only given iOS users the tools to detect and deal with unwanted tracking, but still, Apple does not give you here all the protection it gives its users. Starting with iOS 15.2 Apple users are also able to actively scan for tags, but iOS devices already use Find My capabilities to constantly scan in the background the devices around them, sending an automatic alert to users in case of suspected unwanted tracking. In the case of Android, you need to launch the app and actively press the button to check if at the moment there is a device near you. Not exactly the same. Recall that in any case, Airtag will start beeping after 8-24 hours from the moment it is completely separated from its owner, so iOS and Android users have another built-in means to find out that something is wrong.
If you were hoping that Tracker Detect would also allow you to use Apple’s excellent AirTags or perhaps prevent them from beeping when you’re with your Android device. We’re sorry, but this app only allows you to scan for airtags that may be following you. It does not allow you to connect to the Find My network, locate tags that belong to you or even log in to your Apple ID account.