Bluetooth trackers have made it easier to keep tabs on misplaced belongings like keys or bags, but they’ve also raised concerns about misuse. To address this, Apple and Google have implemented alerts to notify users about unknown Bluetooth trackers nearby. Now, with a new update, Google is taking it a step further by allowing Android users to physically locate these trackers.
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This update introduces two key features for Find My Device-compatible trackers:
- Temporarily Pause Location: This feature lets users pause location updates for 24 hours when they receive an unknown tracker alert. It prevents their phone from sharing its location with the tracker during that time.
- Find Nearby: If you’re unable to see or hear the tracker, this tool helps you locate it. By tapping on the unknown tracker notification, users can access a map showing the tracker’s movement relative to them. They can play a sound to help locate it (without notifying the tracker’s owner) or use the Find Nearby tool. This feature connects to the tracker via Bluetooth and displays a visual indicator that fills in as you get closer to its location.
Unlike Apple’s Precision Finding for AirTags, Google’s approach doesn’t require users to own a tracker or use the Find My Device network. Any Android device running version 6.0 or later can utilize these tools to manage unknown Bluetooth trackers.
This update builds on earlier efforts by both Google and Apple to prevent tracker misuse, which can range from stalking to theft. In May 2024, the two companies released a shared standard for identifying unknown Bluetooth trackers across Android and iOS devices, enhancing cross-platform safety. This collaboration followed Google’s launch of its Find My Device network in April, further solidifying the companies’ commitment to curbing Bluetooth tracker abuse. With the addition of Find Nearby, Android users now have a powerful tool to ensure their safety and privacy in the face of tracker misuse.
