How to Find Hidden Tracking Devices With Apple and Google’s Detection Tool

Bluetooth trackers are absolutely genius for helping you keep tabs on luggage, hardware, and other important objects, no matter where you go.

But they also have a dangerous underside, where AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers are used to keep tabs on unsuspecting victims and have been implicated in harassment and stalking cases.

Google and Apple have heard these worries and have teamed up to deliver a unified response to this growing problem.

What Are Bluetooth Tracking Devices?

As they sound, Bluetooth tracking devices are small devices capable of tracking the location of an object. Apple’s AirTag is one of the most popular options worldwide, especially among Apple users. However, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, Samsung, Cube, and other manufacturers provide similar Bluetooth trackers, all used for similar purposes.

There are heaps of reasons to use a Bluetooth tracker, but most center on keeping track of valuable or useful objects. They can be attached to car keys, slipped into a wallet, sewn into the lining of a bag, and so much more.

However, their versatility has also seen them used for more nefarious needs, such as tracking people, vehicles, animals, and more, typically with a view for theft, stalking, harassment, or otherwise.

How Are Apple and Google Stopping Hidden Bluetooth Tracking Devices?

It’s this dangerous underside that Google and Apple are working to eliminate by unifying messaging and tracking for hidden and unwanted Bluetooth tracking devices.

As per the Apple Newsroom, Apple and Android devices will inform the user if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is traveling with them—regardless of the platform.

That’s the key difference here. Previously, Apple devices would inform you if an unknown AirTag was traveling with them, while Google had its own unwanted tracker alert.

But the tech behemoths have combined forces for the greater good, and now, Apple devices running iOS 17.5 (and onwards, when they launch) and Android devices running Android 6.0+ will deliver the “[Item] Found Moving With You” alert regardless of the platform they’re paired with.

Which Bluetooth Tracking Devices Can It Detect?

Alerts will cover Apple’s AirTag and Find My devices, while Bluetooth tracker manufacturers such as eufy, Chipolo, Motorola, Jio, and Pebblebee have all committed to making future tags compatible with the new system.

If one is detected, users can view the specific tracker identifier, have the tracker play a sound to track it down, and access specific instructions on disabling it.

The new combined alert should drastically reduce the chances that someone can slip an unknown and unwanted Bluetooth tracker onto your person or an object, which is great for personal privacy and safety.