Apple's Find My network can help users find lost iPhones, iPads, AirTags, and other devices, but it also focuses on protecting users' privacy and preventing devices from being abused and tracked. This article will introduce its working principle, anti-tracking features, and how to protect your privacy through settings.
1、How does the Find My network protect your privacy
Apple's Find My network uses an anonymous network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices to locate lost devices.
Even if the device is not connected to the Internet, as long as another Apple user's device passes by, it can report its location via Bluetooth.
2、All location data is end-to-end encrypted.
Apple cannot see the exact location of your device.
You can turn off "Find My Network" at any time: Go to "Settings" > click on your Apple ID > select "Find" > turn off "Find My Network".
This way, you can stop your device from participating in Find My's crowdsourcing positioning.
3、AirTag's anti-tracking feature
AirTag is a small locator launched by Apple that can help you find your items. To prevent abuse to track others, Apple has designed multiple anti-tracking mechanisms:
1、Dynamic Bluetooth identification code: AirTag's Bluetooth signal will change frequently to prevent others from tracking you for a long time.
2、 Automatic voice reminder: If AirTag is separated from the owner for more than 8~24 hours, it will beep.
3、Cross-platform warning mechanism: iPhone and Android (with specific apps installed) can detect strange AirTags and send notifications to remind users.
4、How to identify and respond to"Unknown AirTag"warnings
When the system detects that an AirTag that is not associated with your Apple ID has been following you, a notification "An unknown AirTag is moving with you" will pop up. You can do this:
1、Click on the notification: View the detailed information of the device.
2、Use the "Find" app to find the location of the AirTag.
3、Play sound: If the device is near you, it will sound to help you find it.
5、Scan AirTag with iPhone NFC:
When you get close to an AirTag, a webpage will pop up, showing its serial number and whether it is marked as "lost".
Choose to disable: If you are sure that the AirTag does not belong to you and is used for malicious purposes, you can choose to disable it and contact local law enforcement agencies.
6、How to improve privacy and anti-tracking settings
To further strengthen protection, you can refer to the following settings:
1、Turn on "Tracking Notifications": Go to "Settings" > "Notifications" > Make sure "Tracking Notifications" is turned on.
2、Manage location sharing: Go to the "Find" app > "Me" page > Turn off "Share My Location" to prevent others from seeing your location in real time.
3、Turn off "Find My iPhone": In extreme cases (for example, if you suspect that the device is being monitored), you can go to "Settings" > Apple ID > Find > Turn off "Find My iPhone". Note: The device recovery function will also be invalid after turning it off
