How important is anti-tracking security?
Yes, the major smartphone operating systems (Apple iOS and Google Android) now have built-in“Anti-tracking” features. When you’re constantly being followed by unfamiliar smart tags (Samsung SmartTag, Apple AirTag, etc.) , your phone automatically alerts you.
The proliferation of smart tags does bring convenience-keys, wallets, backpacks that can be easily located with a single tap of a phone. But at the same time, there is a growing risk that the devices could be used for malicious tracking, with tags being slipped into people’s bags to spy on their movements. To this end, Apple, Google and other technology companies have joined forces to set industry standards, from the technical level to plug loopholes to prevent smart tags become“Tracking tools.”.
This article explains in detail how the anti-tracking system works, how different brands of smart tags differ in terms of security, and what you should do when you receive such an alert.
Key features revealed: how do“Unknown Tracker Alerts” protect you?
1. What is it?
“Unknown Tracker Alerts” are operating system-level security features that run in the background without the user having to download additional apps.
Its core logic is that when a smart tag that doesn’t belong to you (separated from its owner and not marked as“Lost”) continues to move with you, your phone will detect this anomalous association via Bluetooth signals. The system will determine that you may be being followed, and will send you a notification alerting you to the presence of“Uninvited guests.”.
2. How are iPhone (iOS) users getting alerts?
Auto notification
If an AirTag that doesn’t belong to you, or some other apple-compatible“Find” network tracker (like some models of Chipolo) , is following you, your iPhone will pop up within hours, displays notifications like“Found an AirTag moving with you.”. The notification will say“This AIRTAG does not appear to belong to you and has been separated from its owner”.
Follow-up
When you click on the notification, it will take you to the“Find” App. Here, you can:
On the map, look at the approximate trajectory of the tracker as you move (just the last few hours)
Click on“Play sound” and let the Tracker beep continuously so you can find it nearby (the sound will gradually increase in volume and last about 2 minutes) .
Get Info and disable
Once you’ve located the tag, use the iPhone’s NFC function to attach to the tag (usually on the back) and read its serial number. If the owner has set it to“Lost” mode, you’ll also see a contact number or a message. If a trace is confirmed to be malicious, the App will provide“Disable the tracker” instructions (such as removing the battery) to prevent it from sending location information at all.
3. How do Android users get alerts?
Cross-brand detection
Thanks to a partnership between Google and Apple, Android (Android 6.0 and above) not only detects Android ecosystem trackers (Samsung Smarttag, Chipolo) , it also recognizes Apple’s AirTag-meaning android users can be protected across platforms.
Automated notifications and manual scanning
Auto-alert: similar to the iPhone, Android phones automatically send a“Unknown tracker detected” notification when they detect an unknown tracker persisting (usually after a few hours) . Click to see details.
Manual scanning: If you suspect there is a suspicious tracker nearby, users can actively check: go to the phone“Settings”→“Security and emergency”→“Unknown tracker alarm”, click“Scan now”, it takes about 10 seconds to search for unfamiliar tags nearby that might be following you.
Follow-up
After clicking on the alert, Android users can also view a map of the Tracker’s path as it moves, make the tracker speak (supported on some models) , and get details on disabling it (such as taking the case apart to remove the battery) .
Major brands: Who’s better at anti-tracking?
1. Apple AirTag
Pros: benchmark performance. One of the first devices to embrace anti-tracking, AirTag is deeply integrated with iOS, and alerts are triggered instantly and proactively, with no stuttering from detection to notification. The anti-tracking feature is turned on by default for all iPhone users, eliminating the need for manual setup and making it more user-friendly.
Cons: the protection only applies to iPhone users. People using an Android phone who are being tracked by AirTag can be detected through an android“Unidentified tracker alert”, but the overall experience (such as track display and ease of use) is slightly less than on the iPhone.
2. Samsung Galaxy Smarttag
Pros: stable in Samsung’s own ecosystem. Users of Samsung phones will receive an automatic notification of“Unidentified tag detection”, which can be done via the SmartThings App to play sounds, view tracks and so on, using the same logic as apple.
Disadvantages/points to note:
Users of non-samsung Android phones who are tracked by smarttags rely on Google’s“Unidentified tracker alert” system, which may limit some features such as track details
iPhone users can detect smarttags, but the interaction isn’t as intuitive as AirTag detection.
3. Trackers that support Google’s find my devices network (e.g. Chipolo, Pebblebee)
The upside: Based on the openness of the Android ecosystem, these trackers’ anti-tracking mechanisms follow industry standards set by Google and Apple, and can be detected by both Android phones and iphones, best cross-platform compatibility. With a large base of Android devices, the potential for network coverage is even greater.
The downsides: relatively new features (Google’s Find My Device Network won’t go live worldwide until 2024) , still evolving ecosystem, and some older Android models may have alarm delays.
4. Tile (Bluetooth tracker pioneer)
Pros: has a large user community, and the tracker itself is highly accurate.
Disadvantages: anti-tracking function is more passive. Tile relies heavily on“Scan and Secure,” which requires the user to manually open the Tile App and click on a Scan to find suspicious trackers, rather than having the system automatically and continuously monitor them in the background, as Apple and Google do. As a result, it lags far behind mainstream solutions in terms of timeliness and security.
What should you do when you get a“Tracked” alert?
1. Stay calm and don’t panic
Sometimes family members and friends may have accidentally left their labels in your bag or clothing (for example, after a trip together) . Rule out misunderstandings first.
2. use the“Play sound” function to find the tracker
Follow the prompts on your phone, have the tracker make a sound, go through your belongings (backpack, pocket, jacket lining, car) , and locate the tag as soon as possible.
3. Check the tracker
Once found, read the tag information via NFC. If a contact number is shown, try to contact the owner to confirm if it was misplaced or, if marked“Lost”, to assist in its return.
If you don’t feel safe, seek help immediately
If the tag information is unfamiliar, unreachable, and the track shows it has been with you for some time (e.g. moving across zones) , head to a public place (e.g. a mall, subway station) or contact the police immediately, don’t go to a remote location alone.
Summary: Science and technology to the good, safety first
The“Anti-tracking” function of modern smartphones has become an important line of defense to protect privacy. Apple and Google are leading the pack with their system-level auto-monitoring, cross-brand compatibility and ease of use, while Samsung, Chipolo and others are following suit, together, they’re pushing for safety standards.
But there’s no perfect protection-Tile’s passive scanning mode reminds us to prioritize“Active anti-tracking” when choosing a tracker. For the average user, knowing your phone’s“Unidentified tracker alert” settings and checking it regularly (especially if you can manually scan it on Android) can further reduce the risk.
Science and technology tool itself is neutral, and the manufacturer’s safety design and the user’s awareness of prevention, is to let the“Artifact” really serve the key to life.
