True to its word, Apple has released an app to help Android users detect AirTags that may have been slipped into their belongings.
The company on Saturday quietly published the Tracker Detect app on the Google Play Store. It’s designed to detect both rogue AirTags and other tracking devices compatible with Apple’s Find My network that’ve been separated from their original owners.
The app represents Apple’s attempt to stop AirTags from being abused. As recent news has shown, criminals and stalkers have used AirTags as a low-cost way to conduct surveillance.
Customers who own an iPhone will automatically receive an alert if an AirTag separated from its owner is nearby. However, consumers who own an Android phone can be left in the dark. The rogue AirTag will only begin to beep within eight to 24 hours once it’s no longer with the original owner, giving a bad actor plenty of time to misuse the device for tracking.
In response, Apple said in June it would release a separate anti-stalking safeguard to protect Android users. The result is the Tracker Detect app, which is free for Android users to download.
“If you think someone is using AirTag or another device to track your location, you can scan to try to find it,” the company wrote in the app’s description. The scanning works through an Android’s phone Bluetooth, so you can expect a range at around 30 feet.
However, the app has a key limitation: the scanning doesn’t occur 24-7. Instead, it’s up to the user to manually click on the app’s scanning function. The app will then take a few minutes to scan your surroundings for any rogue AirTags.
If a problem is spotted, you can use the app to order the intrusive AirTag to emit a sound, revealing its location. However, Apple’s support document notes triggering the sound will only occur if the “app detects an AirTag or compatible item tracker near you for at least 10 minutes.”
The app will also offer instructions on how you can remove the battery from the AirTag, shutting the device down. You can also use the app to look up the AirTag’s serial number. If the AirTag was marked as lost, a message will appear with with information about how to contact the owner. But if you feel your safety is at risk, Apple’s Tracker Detect app will advise you to call law enforcement.
