Last year, Google and Apple announced that they had joined forces to combat unwanted tracking by AirTags and other tracking devices, and that they were working on appropriate specifications for this purpose. Then, a few months later, Google introduced unwanted tracking notifications on devices running Android 6.0 and later, and Apple delayed the launch of its Find My Device network until it implemented similar unwanted tracking protections on iOS.
It took a very long time, but now it seems we are almost there. Google has told some Android users via email that the long-awaited Find My Device network will launch in a few days.
The email specifically says “within three days,” meaning it could go live on Sunday or possibly next Monday, April 8th. Here’s what Google says in the email:
With the new Find My Device Network, you can locate your devices even when they’re offline. You can also find compatible Fast Pair accessories when separated from your device. These include compatible earbuds, as well as headphones and trackers that you can attach to your wallet, keys or bike. On Android devices, you will receive a notification within 3 days when this feature is enabled Until then, you can log out of the network via “Find My Device” on the Internet
You can disable the tracking network function first by clicking This is the link, which was also shared in the above email – but this only works if you receive such an email from Google yourself When you select a setting (either leaving the default My Network Location enabled or disabling the option), remember that it applies to all Android devices linked to that specific Google Account.
If you’re wondering what’s behind this somewhat advanced rollout, it looks like iOS 17.5 will finally add the unwanted tracking protection that was first discussed with Google in 2023. Google’s launch schedule leads us to believe that iOS 17.5 will be released next. Monday, so all the pieces of the puzzle are almost put together.
