How these trackers locate things
Tile, Samsung SmartTag and Chipolo trackers have no GPS of their own. They send out a tiny Bluetooth signal. When a phone in the same network walks past, it quietly relays the position to the owner. The more phones that take part in a network, the more accurate and frequent the location updates are likely to be.
How precise are they?
Precision varies with the network and with how crowded the area is. In a busy city, a tracker can update often. In a quiet area, updates can be rare or slow. Do not assume a smaller network means no risk.
Why this matters
The same feature that finds your keys can be abused. A tracker slipped into a bag, coat or car can show someone where you go. That is why detecting an unknown tracker that stays with you is useful whatever the brand.
How to check
- Switch on your phone's unknown tracker alerts. Galaxy phones also have unknown tag alerts for SmartTag.
- Run a scanner such as TrackerGuard, which listens for AirTag and Find My devices, Samsung SmartTag, Tile and Chipolo, and shows how long and across how many places each one stayed with you.
- Search your belongings and vehicle. See SmartTag, Tile and Chipolo detector for the details.
If you find one
Photograph it first, then follow what to do. Most trackers can be disabled by removing the battery. Police can ask the maker for registration details through the proper channels.
In testing. TrackerGuard may miss some trackers. Treat any real concern seriously.