How iPhone Tracking Notifications Protect Your Privacy: Understand Your Phone’s Security
Whoever said Apple doesn’t come up with new updates must’ve not used it–The new tracking notification almost gave me a panic attack. However, after using it, I realized there was no FBI agent on my back or some unknown app glitch.
In fact, it’s a helpful feature added by Apple in the iOS 14 update, which gives instant real-time alerts. These notifications are like your phone’s way of letting you know if something, like an AirTag, is following it.
It’s not just a tech update; it’s a safety measure to prevent people from secretly tracking you. You have control over it in your phone settings, and it’s designed to keep your information safe.
After researching some more, I found that it’s serious and there’s a reason behind this safety measure. Unfortunately, some individuals are using AirTags to track people, especially targeting young women and girls silently.
This has led to potential dangers like attacks and kidnappings. That’s why, I’ll provide practical tips to take control of your digital privacy with Tracking Notifications on your iPhone and iPad. Let’s get into it!
Understanding iPhone Tracking Notifications
Making Sense of iPhone Tracking Notifications is easy. It’s a built-in safe app that deals with notifications and figuring out if there’s an unknown device nearby.
From iPhone Tracking Notifications, you get to know about where your phone is, what it’s attached to, and how you’re using it. Here’s all you need to know!
What is iPhone Tracking Notification?
iPhone tracking involves notifications that inform you when devices like AirTags or “Find My” Network accessories are monitoring your device.
It’s a security feature introduced by Apple to safeguard your privacy.
You might get notifications like “AirTag Found Moving With You” or “AirPod Detected.”
Here are the Types of iPhone Tracking Notifications:
Notifications about Your Location
Some apps need to know your location to give you helpful updates. Only give location access to apps you trust to get the right alerts. For example, a rideshare app might tell you when a driver is nearby based on where you are. Other Location-Sensitive Apps include weather and maps, as they want to know where you are to give you relevant updates.
Notifications from Apps
Apps keep track of how you use them to send messages that fit you better. Apps need special permissions, like Bluetooth or mobile data access. Be careful with permissions because they affect how apps keep track of you.
Geofencing
This is when apps do something based on where you are. You’ll get an alert when this happens. This happens rarely, so there is no need to worry.
iOS Updates
Apple regularly updates your iPhone to make it more private. These updates might lead to more tracking notifications. If you hate all update notifications, you can turn it off.
Note! If you didn’t link any AirTag or AirPod, you can also use “Find My” to find out who owns the device moving around with you.
Adjusting Tracking Notifications Settings
Now, the new tracking notification has pros and cons–The good news is you can turn it on or off. For that, you need to know how to turn on notifications for certain apps and turn them off for others. Just follow these simple steps!
Turn Tracking Notifications On
- Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Choose “Privacy.”
- Tap “Location Services” and turn it on.
- You’’ find a “System Services” section under “Location Services” after turning it on.
- Turn on “Significant Locations” and “Find My iPhone.”
- Go back to “Settings” and enable “Bluetooth.”
- In the “Find My” app, tap “Yourself.”
- You’ll be able to switch on the “Tracking Notification” toggle.
Note! Enabling Tracking Notifications requires allowing access to your email for sending notifications. You can control app permissions individually based on your preferences. If you lose your phone, keys, or wallet, tracking notifications help you find them.
Turn Tracking Notifications Off:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select “Privacy.”
- Tap “Location Services.”
- Choose “Notification” and click on “Track Notifications.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “Track Notification.”
Note! Disabling track notifications prevents apps from asking permission to track activities on your iPhone.
Getting to Know The Optimal Use Of iPhone Tracking
Tracking notifications help you identify which “Find My” applications are tracking your device. You’re in control of these notifications, so you only see what’s important to you. Don’t know how to do that? Here’s what you need to do:
Spotting AirTag Tracking
One use of iPhone tracking is finding out if an AirTag keeps tabs on your device. When an AirTag is nearby, you’ll get a notification saying, “AirTag found moving with you.” Remember, you might get similar alerts if devices like AirPods Max, Pro, or AirPods are tracking your iPhone. These types of notifications are important, so don’t turn them off.
Why Did I Get a Tracking Notification on My iPhone?
Tracking notifications are part of the “Find My” feature–If you get a tracking notification on your iPhone, it lets you know if devices like AirTag are keeping an eye on your iPhone or if certain apps are trying to find out where you are.
Just open the “Find My” app on your iPhone to check what’s going on. See if the AirTag or any other app is visible, and remove it if it’s threatening. Or Use the “Find My” app to play a sound on tracking devices.
Avoid Unusual Permission Requests
Watch out for strange permission requests on your phone. iPhone tracking isn’t just about watching your device; it’s also about checking if someone uses an AirTag to follow you. If your phone feels extra hot or the battery dies quickly, it might mean someone is tracking you.
Be careful with weird phone calls or permission requests–They could be trying to get your info. If you spot apps you didn’t install, someone might be tracking you. Check “Find My” regularly to see what’s happening and keep your info safe.
Conclusion
Overall! I found this feature helpful. Apple has made it possible to locate misplaced items like keys or wallets with a simple notification. But it’s only helpful with Apple accessories. If you keep getting these notifications due to updates, just turn it off and keep an eye out on “Find My” devices.
Or Turn them on to stay in the know regarding potential issues like stalkers. Lastly, use Tracking notifications to keep an eye on your Apple accessories like AirPods, AirTags, AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, Chipolo, and Belkin!
FAQs
James Wilson
James Wilson is a seasoned tech enthusiast with a passion for all things Apple. With years of experience troubleshooting and fixing iPhone issues, he brings a wealth of knowledge to “My Tech Simply.” James’s dedication to helping iPhone users find simple and effective solutions shines through in his articles.