Here are some frequently asked questions about how Tile’s Scan and Secure feature works, how you can use the feature, and how your security and privacy are protected.
If you think you may be at risk for unwanted tracking, our Scan and Secure feature allows you to see if there are any unknown Tiles or Tile-enabled devices that may be traveling with you. If you are concerned that you are being tracked by a Tile in Anti-Theft Mode, please follow these instructions.
Important: If you are concerned for your safety, consider contacting law enforcement.
Reach out to the following resources if you have questions about ensuring your safety:
- US - National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Outside of US - the pixel project
- Local law enforcement
What is Scan and Secure?
How do I use the Scan and Secure feature?
What do the scan results mean?
What do I do if the scan results identify unknown Tiles?
What does the Reference ID in the scan results mean?
How do I save the scan results?
Which devices can the Scan and Secure feature detect?
How do I find the unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that were detected by the scan?
How can I disable the unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices so they stop tracking my location?
What is the Lost and Found QR code?
What is Scan and Secure?
The Scan and Secure feature can be used to detect known and unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that may be traveling with you. Known Tiles or Tile-enabled devices are those that belong to you or were shared with you. Tile-enabled devices are products with Tile’s finding technology embedded, such as the Fitbit Inspire 2 and some Skullcandy products.
How do I use the Scan and Secure feature?
To use the feature, you need to have the latest version of the Tile app on your mobile device. If you don’t have the Tile app installed, view our Scan and Secure Overview for instructions on how to download the app and launch the Scan and Secure feature.
For the feature to work properly on your mobile device, you need to have Bluetooth, Location or Location Services, and Precise Location set to On. You will be prompted within the app if you need to change these or any other permission settings.
Please use caution while walking/moving/driving when using the feature.
Completing the scan requires you to walk/move or drive a certain distance away from your original location (the feature does not work properly if you circle around one location, such as walking inside your home). Your safety while completing the Scan and Secure feature is very important to us.
If you choose to drive during the scan, please avoid looking at your phone while driving. Once started, the scan will continue and your phone will not go 'to sleep'. When the scan is complete, please park your car in a safe place before reviewing the results. If you choose to walk or use a bike (or any similar transportation mode such as a scooter) while running the scan, please remain aware of your surroundings and be careful around traffic.
The scan requires a maximum of 10 minutes of uninterrupted time to run completely and achieve the most accurate results. We recommend that you take items that regularly travel with you such as your coat, purse, wallet, backpack, stroller, etc. If you run the scan while walking/moving, the feature will detect the Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that are with you. If you run the scan while driving, the feature will detect devices that are with you and in or on the vehicle.
It is not advisable to run the Scan and Secure feature while traveling on public transportation because the scan could detect Tiles or Tile-enabled devices of other passengers.
The Tile app will scan six times to detect Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that may be traveling with you. For the most accurate results, you need to move the required distance away from your original location and allow the feature to complete all six scans. If the feature is not able to complete at least three out of six scans by the end of 10 minutes, you will get a message saying the scan is incomplete. You will then have the option to exit the scan or try again.
While running the scan, the Tile app stays awake on your screen until the scan is completed. If you lock your screen during the scan, waking your mobile device does not resume the scan for safety purposes. When you wake your mobile device, it goes back to the screen you were on before you accessed the Scan and Secure feature.
If you are not signed in while running the scan, nearby Tile owners will not get updates about your location. If you are signed in during the scan, the Tile app will not send location updates while you are running the scan and for 15 minutes after. After the 15-minute period, the Tile app will resume sending location updates but these updates are anonymous and cannot be traced to you.
At the end of the scan, the app displays the scan results that show both the known and unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices it detected and how many times they showed up in the six scans. Learn more about what the scan results mean and how to save the scan results.
If you completed the scan but are not seeing scan results, it’s possible that you lost your cellular data connection while the Tile app was compiling the scan results. If you can safely do so, run the scan again.
Note: The Scan and Secure feature cannot be used on Apple iPad devices.
What do the scan results mean?
Important: For data security, the scan results are not stored anywhere including the Tile app.
If you run the scan without being logged in to a Tile account, the scan results show on the Unknown tab. Because you are not logged in to your Tile account, the Tiles and Tile-enabled devices listed in the Unknown tab include your own.
If you run the scan while logged in to your Tile account, the scan results screen has two tabs that list the Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that were detected by the scan.
The Known tab lists your own devices or those that were shared with you, and the Unknown tab lists the devices that are not yours.
At the top of the list, you see the Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that were seen in the most scans.
Read the scan results carefully to distinguish between unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that you may have passed by while running the scan vs. those that may be traveling with you.
For example, if a Tile only appeared in 2/6 scans, it could be an idle Tile that you passed while you were running the scan. Tiles that appear in several scans may be traveling with you.
The scan results provide a picture of the unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that were detected during the scan. For example, the scan results below show the picture of a Tile Mate, a Tile Pro, and a Tile Slim (the Tile color and design may differ from the picture). These pictures can help you identify the devices should you need to look for them.
What do I do if the scan results identify unknown Tiles?
If you think there may be unknown Tiles or Tile-enabled devices traveling with you based on the scan results, consider taking the next steps listed below. As you determine your next steps, prioritize your safety and be aware there may be a need to document events. For assistance, contact the resources in your area.
- Learn how to save the scan results.
- To find any concerning Tile and Tile-enabled devices that were detected, follow these tips on how to find them.
- If you find any concerning Tiles or Tile-enabled devices and you want to immediately stop them from providing location updates, learn how to disable them.
- If you are an active Tile user, consider turning Location or Location Services off on your mobile device so that it stops providing location updates. Note that by changing these settings, your own Tiles will no longer work properly.
What does the Reference ID in the scan results mean?
The Reference ID is a unique and encrypted identifier of the Tile or Tile-enabled device that intermittently changes to ensure the privacy of the Tile owner. For example, if another person running the Scan and Secure feature detected a Tile that you own, they would not be able to identify you as the Tile owner.
If needed, Tile can work with law enforcement through a properly issued court order to identify the owner of a suspicious Tile using the Reference ID.
How do I save the scan results?
The scan results are not saved anywhere. To save them you can:
- Write them down. - This allows you to record the scan results and keep them private.
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Share the results. - Your mobile device provides a number of ways to share the results with your trusted sources/persons such as your advocate or family member. These ways may include messaging, emailing, adding to Notes etc.
- Take screenshots of the scan results. - Be aware that screenshots are stored in your Photos app and any person who has access to your photos will have access to the screenshots. If you are with a trusted friend or family member, you could ask them to take a photo of the scan results.
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Email the scan results. - If you email the scan results, the email will be sent using the default email app on your mobile device (email will not work if you have not set up your default email app). Be aware that the email will be stored in the Sent Items of your mailbox and any person who has access to your email account will see the message that you sent. Below are the steps for emailing the scan results.
- At the bottom of the scan results, tap Share Results.
- Enter the email address carefully to make sure that your intended recipient receives the scan results.
- Send the scan results email.
- At the bottom of the scan results, tap Share Results.
Which devices can the Scan and Secure feature detect?
The Scan and Secure feature can detect only Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that are active. It does not detect trackers by any other manufacturer. Tile-enabled devices are products with Tile’s finding technology embedded, such as Fitbit Inspire 2 and some Skullcandy earbuds.
The example below shows scan results that detected a pair of Tile-enabled earbuds (left and right earbud).
The example below shows scan results that detected the Fitbit Inspire 2, which is also a Tile-enabled device.
How do I find the unknown Tiles and Tile-enabled devices that were detected by the scan?
As you consider the steps below, prioritize your safety and be aware there may be a need to document events for evidence. For assistance, contact the resources in your area.
To look for the devices, consider searching in the following places:
- Apparel, including hidden pockets
- Purses or backpacks, including hidden compartments
- Luggage, including pockets
- Toys
- Cosmetic bags, including hidden compartments
- School supplies
- Vehicle compartments, including back of license plate and undercarriage
The pictures in your scan results show the specific device that was found, so you can use that as a reference for what you’re looking for.
If you find an unknown Tile or Tile-enabled device, consider contacting local law enforcement so they can give advice on next steps based on the facts, and make a police report if necessary. If you decide it is safe to move the device, you may need to document (with a photo or video) where you found the device, for future purposes.
How can I disable the unknown Tile or Tile-enabled devices so they stop tracking my location?
If you found any unknown devices, and are concerned that disabling the Tile or Tile-enabled devices may put your safety at risk due to the fact that the Tile’s owner will stop receiving location updates, then please contact the resources in your area for further assistance.
For Tiles and Tile-enabled devices with replaceable batteries (e.g., Tile Mate 2020 and Tile Pro), you can remove the battery. After you remove the battery, the Tile or Tile-enabled device’s last known location will show on the app of the Tile owner, with no additional location updates.
For Tiles and Tile-enabled devices with non-replaceable batteries, the best way to disable it is by wrapping it in several layers of foil. You can also place them in an electronic signal-blocking bag (also known as a “Faraday bag”). You can purchase these bags online or from local retailers. Below is an example of a Faraday bag.
Here are some additional Safety Tips to consider.
What is the Lost and Found QR code?
You may notice a QR code on the back of newer Tile models. Scanning the QR code sends a notification to the Tile’s owner that someone scanned their Tile. This is Tile’s Lost and Found feature that allows a Tile owner to be notified if a person finds their lost Tile. If you happen to find a Tile, it’s possible the owner lost it. Learn how to return a Tile to its owner.