How
Losing your keys, your wallet (or anything else, really) can be a pain, but there’s a wide world of trackers out there that can help you locate your lost stuff – with amazing accuracy
January 4, 2024
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6 min read
Have you ever had that brief moment of worry when you reach for your phone and don’t immediately find it in your pocket? For many of us it is a familiar feeling. Your heart may skip a beat if you quickly check your other bags. Then you will almost always find it tucked away in its usual place, such as the hidden pocket of your jacket. It’s a little reminder of our dependence on these handy devices, isn’t it? In this blog, we are going to talk about some ways to avoid these terrifying moments of sudden fear.
Physical trackers
Physical trackers are small, round or square objects that use easily replaceable batteries to stay charged for a long time. Products like the Apple AirTag, Tile or Samsung SmartTag are small enough to fit in your pocket, a secret compartment in your car or your luggage. For travelers traveling with luggage on trains and planes, there have indeed been times when they could be very useful find missing bags. Or, if you cycle a lot, you can even hide one in there clock so you can be sure your bike is where you left it (or can track it if it disappears).
Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology allow these small trackers to operate over a secure frequency enabled by the manufacturer, who then uses the network of tag/phone owners to locate them, with the tracker’s location appears in an app, such as Apples Find my or Samsung’s Finding smart things.
An important thing to remember about manufacturer-specific tags, like Apple’s AirTag, is that they are designed to work exclusively with their own branded apps or devices. So, for example, an AirTag would not be compatible with an Android device. Additionally, these trackers rely on a network of similar devices to be located since they do not have GPS capabilities. When it comes to GPS trackers, they are especially useful for keeping an eye on things that are always moving and need regular location updates, such as vehicles. These trackers rely on satellite technology to determine their exact location, making them ideal for tracking dynamic objects
The other side of the coin (size devices)
Technologies are tools, and the very capabilities that make physical trackers so valuable for locating misplaced items also make them vulnerable to misuse. It would therefore be remiss of us not to mention the potential risks associated with the use of trackers.
What if someone puts a tracking device in your bag or car without your permission? Indeed there have been numerous cases where people claimed their whereabouts were being tracked by stalkers using devices such as AirTags. The concerns have led to calls to improve the security of Bluetooth trackers, especially to prevent their misuse for stalking.
In response, Apple and Google have worked together to curb such unwanted tracking, including by rolling out new anti-stalking features for their products and mobile operating systems. For example, you should receive a notification if an AirTag that is not yours goes with you, regardless of whether you own one iOS– or Android-powered smartphone.
In addition, the two tech giants are working on one joint proposal for a industry specification to combat security risks associated with unwanted tracking via Bluetooth tracking devices. There is some hope that the specification, which has also received support from manufacturers of other Bluetooth tracking devices, could be completed and updates will be available for both iOS and Android in 2024.
Because technologies present both opportunities and risks, it is wise to consider the potential risks associated with Bluetooth tracking devices.
Software trackers
Another useful set of tools for locating lost devices are software-based solutions. These may be pre-installed by the device manufacturer and linked to your account, or they may be third-party applications, often provided by security companies. Among the most popular are the programs already installed on your smartphone, such as Samsung SmartThings Find or Apple’s Find My. These apps aren’t just for finding your phone; they can also help you locate other devices such as your smartwatch, laptop or tablet.
Setting up these device locator apps usually starts with creating an account, which is linked to your device and confirms that you are the owner. The standout feature of these apps is their ability to display your device’s location on a map. Interestingly enough, this card is common accessible via internet browsers, a feature that some physical trackers also offer. Even if your device is offline, these apps can determine its location. This is possible thanks to a technology similar to what is used in Apple/Samsung trackers. They use a mix of location data sources including GPS, crowdsourced Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers to provide accurate positioning. Owners can also choose to use third-party apps and trackers. Some anti-malware solutions offer device tracking as part of their program premium consumer offeringsuch as using anti-theft features to locate your device through an online portal or in an app.
Are there any other alternatives?
In the past, triangulation of cell towers was the most common method of tracking a device, using several cell towers to measure the time it takes for a signal to return to the cell towers from a phone. This delay is then calculated in distance and gives a reasonably accurate phone location. However, it is not as accurate as GPS trackers, and it is also less accurate than modern forms of triangulation that use a combination of cell towers, Wi-Fi and other data, especially in rural areas, where there are not as many cell phones . towers.
This alternative is rather inconvenient and is mainly used by mobile phone providers to track mobile phones or by law enforcement.
The choice depends on what you want to track
So, what’s your best option in case your phone gets lost? First, install a software tracker on your phone as soon as you start using it. This way, if your phone ever goes missing, you can track its location with a good degree of accuracy. Plus, it’s a smart move to secure your phone with a screen lock, whether that’s facial recognition, a fingerprint scan, or a passcode. This extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized access to your apps and personal accounts. Second, as soon as your device goes missing, call yourself if there’s any chance you’ll hear your phone ringing or someone will answer your call. Similarly, try locking it remotely by using the tracking app as an extra security measure.
If you are concerned that your phone may be lost forever, it is important to take some steps immediately:
FirstContact your service provider block your SIM card. This prevents someone from using your calling and data subscription. Next onethen use the tracker app you have set up on your phone Remotely erase all your data. This way you can protect your personal data from unauthorized access. As regards other devices or equipment, use physical trackers. They are best used for luggage, bags, cars… basically objects that have no other means of tracking and tracing them. For walkers, GPS trackers also make more sense than relying on their phone’s location.
All in all, the world of trackers is very diverse. Always try to keep your belongings safe, but remember: if you or your devices ever get lost, you now have the knowledge to locate them more accurately.
Before you go: NSA shares advice on how to limit location tracking
